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In his last completed role before his tragic death, Ledger is fantastic as the Joker, a volcanic, truly frightening force of evil. And he sets the tone of the movie: the world is a dark, dangerous place where there are no easy choices. Eckhart and Oldman also shine, but as good as Bale is, his character turns out rather bland in comparison (not uncommon for heroes facing more colorful villains). Director/co-writer Christopher Nolan (Memento) follows his critically acclaimed Batman Begins with an even better sequel that sets itself apart from notable superhero movies like Spider-Man 2 and Iron Man because of its sheer emotional impact and striking sense of realism--there are no suspension-of-disbelief superpowers here. At 152 minutes, it's a shade too long, and it's much too intense for kids. But for most movie fans--and not just superhero fans--The Dark Knight is a film for the ages. --David Horiuchi
A film with which the franchise will never beat, 2008-09-26
I've only one negative thing to say about this film (sorry its actually two):

1) 1 Batmans voice - if this was consistant between the two films I wouldnt raise it but it went from one to an exteeme
2) 2 The Jokers final scenes - this was messed with in the UK, no question, and without spoiling it for those that have not seen the film yet you will spot it a mile off.

However points 1 & 2 included its a brilliant film no question and deserves the full pointage.

If I'm being honest I really disliked Heath Ledger prior to this film and thought he was a very wooden actor even in Broke Back.

His role in this film is without a doubt the best performance of any actor / character in the last 5 years - easy....

I dont want to deject anything away from the other actors / writers / directors / producers of this film in any way shape or form... this is the ultimate batman film ever and I love it even more for Heaths role.. not because he's dead (yes this is very sad) and I feel sorry for him & his family / friends but not over the film because he made this film & its lead villan one of the best films for decades to come.

Just the best...

For The Tudors is a complex drama, and not one to simplify its storylines. The young Henry, for instance, is exploring his muddled romances and his insecurities, against the challenges his kingdom is facing. It's a plateful for him to deal with, and in the hands of a superb performance from Jonathan Rhys Meyers--a real revelation in the role--as the young Henry, it's all vividly and skillfully knitted together.

But The Tudors isn't just about its central character, for there's a terrific supporting cast at work too. Sam Neill's Cardinal Wolsey, Jeremy Northam's Thomas More and Natalie Dormer's Ann Boleyn are just some who earn plaudits here. Behind the camera there's the pen of Elizabeth writer Michael Hirst at work, and he too deserves much credit, clearly getting his teeth into the fascinating subject matter.

The Tudors is, undoubtedly, a graphic production, and earns its 15 certificate comfortably. It's also been knocked for the liberties it takes with its history when putting its story across, with some justification. But it's also most certainly terrific television, mixing in high production values with strong performances. In short, the ten episodes here will simply have you thirsting for the next series. Not before you've rewatched season one a few times, though... --Jon Foster
Fantastic Drama, 2008-09-02
What an awesome series; exciting and truly addictive. For those who criticise its historical accuracy, it is a FICTIONAL story, and a rather good one at that! Those who care about history will already know the truths, those that don't, does it really matter??
I loved it. My only criticism is that it ended where it did. Looking forward to series 2!!

As with every season of The Wire, there's an underlying theme running alongside the exploration of both sides of Baltimore's drug problem, and this time it's the media. Fighting cutbacks, yet trying to maintain quality, the staff of The Baltimore Sun prove to be a compelling addition to the mix. On top of that, there's also Mayor Carcetti's battles at City Hall with the budget, a stretched police force looking for easy statistics, and fractions among the city's main drug dealers. Desperate times, ultimately, call for desperate measures, and it turns to McNulty to come up with a plan that threads through each of the city's factions.

That The Wire has maintained its standards for five straight seasons is surely something to be celebrated all by itself. Yet what's even more remarkable is the way that it leaves our screens, seemingly forever. No character is safe and nothing is black and white, right up to the quite wonderful final episode. And what a way to go that last instalment proves to be. Giving nothing away, it's a superb fanfare to a genuinely stunning--and unequalled--piece of television drama. If you've not already, you really should find out what all the fuss about. --Simon Brew
it's been said before but I'll say it again..THE BEST TV SHOW EVER, 2008-09-05
Thanks to my (unknown) friends for the other reviews of season 5. They say it all. I now beseech anyone who has even only a passing interest in thought provoking writing, the kind that deals with real life, to go no further than the next 5 clicks and order every series of The Wire.

can I just say one last time, as I'm now going into several months of grieving...THE BEST TV SHOW EVER....EVER....EVER....EVER

The cast is spot-on, as always. Sarah Jessica Parker is effortless as the angst-ridden yet practical, stylish yet vulnerable Carrie. Kim Cattrall is deliciously decadent as Samantha, but she's wiser now and knows herself and her needs for a real relationship. Kristin Davis, as Charlotte, has quietly become the most gorgeous among the beauties, her sleek presence both winsome and sophisticated. And Cynthia Nixon (Miranda) shows nuance as a woman torn between betrayal and grudging hope. Supporting roles include Candice Bergen as the Vogue editor who anoints Carrie "The Last Single Girl in New York," and Jennifer Hudson, as a starry-eyed, ambitious romantic who represents the new generation of SATC women. Through it all, New York is a benevolent cocoon that envelopes and nurtures the women and their friendships and careers. No matter that none of them appears to have any semblance of "real" family; as long as they have each other, and Manhattan, all will be right with their world. --A.T. Hurley
Really good :) !, 2008-09-21
I went to see this movie on opening night and went back 3 more times, I love it so much, it's made me cry every time, but definately gets more upbeat as it goes on and has some real funny bits, particularly with Charlotte. A really great end to an amazing programme, which I still miss! I'm so gutted it's over, but if you're still feeling the blues, this should pick you up.

I pre-ordered this 2 disc edition from Zavvi (sorry Amazon) and got it three days before release, which is how I'm reviewing it now, after finally getting round to watching it. I definately noticed the extra bits in the film, but obvoiusly they're nothing life changing, just cut out to make the film a shorter 2 and a half hours - yes, it's mammoth - but yeah, the extra bits don't make a real difference, the main scene added was a hallowe'en bit with Lily in, which was sweet, and a bit longer trying on Carrie's clothes from her wardrobe earlier in the film. So in my opinion, they don't add much, but the extra disc with interviews and on-set footage is good, and there's a nice long bit with Pat Field and the girls talking about the wardrobe, amongst other things, and there's directors commentary, but I haven't faced that as of yet, I've spent a whole afternoon playing around with the discs and stuff though, so it'll keep you amused for quite a while.

There's no need to go on and on about the actual film, I can't understand why any Sex and the City fan wouldn't like it but there has been mixed reviews I suppose. I admit there's a few bits that were less than perfect but it's a 2 and a half hour film, it can't all be breath taking! Definately a must for any fan - or even SATC virgins! As the premier approached, I found out two of my best friends had never watched the series, and they both came to see it more than once, and loved it :) Though, if you only want this edition for the longer version of the film I don't know if it's worth it, if you want to see the extra stuff on the second disc then go for it!

Enjoyyyy

For those fresh to the show, surely the best, most intelligent piece of scripted drama to emerge from America in the last decade, the actual premise is fairly simple. Across the thirteen episodes of its season, it charts one case, and the numerous influences upon it. So it devotes roughly equal time to those committing the crimes as it does to those chasing them.

This time, the Baltimore Police Department have twin worries. There's the continuing, festering narrative of events from the season before, along with a new problem when a container of dead bodies turns up at the nearby docks. After initial battles over whose statistics the bodies will be attributed to, a fresh case begins for the embattled officers of the Major Crimes Unit.

Yet season two is about much more than the case itself. Bubbling under the surface are characters with real problems, that take their toll on the day-to-day, while at the docks themselves there are union struggles underway, which also have a part to play. Thanks to, frankly, superb scripting, these various narrative threads are woven together quite brilliantly, and the result is perhaps the finest series of The Wire to date. And that's no small feat.

If you're one of the many who have let The Wire fly under their radar thus far, then you're urged to rectify that. Clearly season one is the logical starting point, but begin your adventure in the knowledge that this second series is simple exceptional. For the rest of the US television industry, this is the standard to aim for. --Simon Brew
Good viewing, 2008-06-06
I loved series one, and could not wait to buy this series. The story line was still gripping and you start to see how certain characters are going to come up dead soon. McNulty is still just as excellent in my book along with Stringer Bell who is really starting to shown his true nasty colours..watched this series in 2 days now looking forward to series 3.

In his last completed role before his tragic death, Ledger is fantastic as the Joker, a volcanic, truly frightening force of evil. And he sets the tone of the movie: the world is a dark, dangerous place where there are no easy choices. Eckhart and Oldman also shine, but as good as Bale is, his character turns out rather bland in comparison (not uncommon for heroes facing more colorful villains). Director/co-writer Christopher Nolan (Memento) follows his critically acclaimed Batman Begins with an even better sequel that sets itself apart from notable superhero movies like Spider-Man 2 and Iron Man because of its sheer emotional impact and striking sense of realism--there are no suspension-of-disbelief superpowers here. At 152 minutes, it's a shade too long, and it's much too intense for kids. But for most movie fans--and not just superhero fans--The Dark Knight is a film for the ages. --David Horiuchi
The Dark Knight...The Film Of 2008!...The Ultimate Superhero Film...The Batman!, 2008-09-27
This film had built up a lot of hype...i most certainly couldn't wait for its release in cinemas...i went,i saw and i was stunned through every single scene of this masterclass film.
this isn't the average summer block buster,this is beyond every previous blockbuster i have ever encountered.
The detail and arc of our characters make this film a thorough and enjoyable watch.
the harsh and gritty atmosphere makes this film pure genius.
as a major, major fan of Batman i was way, way, way more than impressed with The Dark Knight.
Christian Bale has definately beaten Kevin Conroy(the animated series) as the definitive portrayal of the Batman, Heath Ledger shone as the Joker and the amazing actor really dug deep into the characters persona, and made him the ultimate villain...not only of the big screen but of all time.
Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Maggie Gyllenhall and Aaron Eckhart make the ULTIMATE supporting cast for this film, a complete key cast that intertwines with the films tale...genuinly talented actor/tresse(s)...and an absolutely thrilling and faithful adaptation of the spectacular comics that i have grown up with.
this is not only the film of 2008, but its the film of the 21st century.
Recommended to all x

This boxset brings together all the episodes from the maiden series of The Wire, spread across thirteen episodes. Yet those episodes, unlike many in the police genre where the show spends a good deal of its time, are dedicated to just one case. Furthermore, it follows both sides of the case. Thus, there's the Baltimore police department, with its statistics to manage, its internal politics to manage and its chain of command to respect, set against a highly organised drug gang, who too have more than their fair share of problems.

The Wire is a slow burn show, taking time to delicate put its pieces in place. Rarely do you get a dramatic end to an episode, and it's not afraid to humanise and blur the lines between good and bad. But, bluntly, there's nothing--not even The Sopranos--that US TV has broadcast in the last ten years that can hold a torch to it. This first series is genuinely outstanding television, and really deserves your attention. And the good news? Excellent as it is, this first series isn't even the best that The Wire has to offer…--Simon Brew
Finally The Show I've Been Waiting For, 2008-09-12
No lengthy "Previously On"

No "creature of the week"-styled storylines

No exposition

Good God, I'm in Heaven!

The cast is spot-on, as always. Sarah Jessica Parker is effortless as the angst-ridden yet practical, stylish yet vulnerable Carrie. Kim Cattrall is deliciously decadent as Samantha, but she's wiser now and knows herself and her needs for a real relationship. Kristin Davis, as Charlotte, has quietly become the most gorgeous among the beauties, her sleek presence both winsome and sophisticated. And Cynthia Nixon (Miranda) shows nuance as a woman torn between betrayal and grudging hope. Supporting roles include Candice Bergen as the Vogue editor who anoints Carrie "The Last Single Girl in New York," and Jennifer Hudson, as a starry-eyed, ambitious romantic who represents the new generation of SATC women. Through it all, New York is a benevolent cocoon that envelopes and nurtures the women and their friendships and careers. No matter that none of them appears to have any semblance of "real" family; as long as they have each other, and Manhattan, all will be right with their world. --A.T. Hurley
A bloke's view, 2008-10-01
This is a really good movie. I loved it. Not just a chick flick. It's very thoughtful and very funny, and follows on well from the series. If you expect it to be like the series then you'll hate it, but then it's not part of the series, it's a movie....