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Show August 25, 2008 BATMAN FAQ M O V I E C3 R E V I E W S Hamlet 2 Focus Features Hamlet 2, the indie flick that could, has opened to be one of the last great summer comedies this year. It's like Waiting For Guffman, only funny V Luke Hickman Life writer - • * • • . Yahoo Movies The three villains of Chris Nolan's The Dark Knight - Scarecrow, the Joker, and Two Face, are most likely not going to return in any possible third installment of the series. Picked up by Focus Features at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. Hamlet 2 is one of the funniest inappropriate indie comedies of the year. Steve Coogan, most recently known for playing the unprepared director in Tropic Thunder, plays a failed actor teaching theater in a Tucson high school. After producing several horrible school plays based on major Hollywood movies, the school board decides to cut the theater department after the ongoing season. In order to save the program, the recoveringalcoholic teacher and his misfit theater geeks commit themselves to putting on a controversial original play, Hamlet 2 — a musical sequel to Shakespeare's classic. Throughout Hamlet 2, you only rarely see scenes from the pki_\ and hear little about the plot. The dialogue primarily gives vague indications about abstract plot points, like Hamlet and company using a time machine to visit such historical figures as Albert Hinstein and Jesus Christ. But when you see the finished production near the end of the film, it is completely worth the wail. Although the trailers for Hamlet 2 mostly show offensive and blasphemous R-rated content, there is a whole lot more to the film than just that. Hamlet 2 is a brilliant commentary on the entertainment business and what they find acceptable and unacceptable ~ even before having seen the finished product. And amidst all the satire. Hamlet 2 never loses a bit of its laughout-loud comedy. Answers from a die-hard fan Mathew A. Jonassaint i Lie editor The Dark Knight is currently pushing for ihe second biggest blockbuster of all time in the U.S. (competing with Star Wars /V'and Titanic) and has made over $700 million worldwide, so it's doubtful that there are many people who haven't seen it at least once. You may have walked out of the theater with amazement, but with a few questions. Here, then — spoilers included — are some answers. 1. Oh my gosh, that was awesome! Will there be a third one? The short answer is yes, probably. When director Christopher Nolan and his writers worked on Batman Begins, they had no plans for a second installment. They ended the first film with a suggestion of the Joker, but the filmmakers didn't have a story in mind until much, much later. There is no pre-planned story arc. So, although they have tossed around ideas for a third film, there won't be one for at least a couple of years. 2. Is Two-Face really dead? Wayne; he was meant to show us another side of Bruce's struggle. He also achieved his vengeance. There isn't much more story to give him, other than perhaps a minimal role like the Scarecrow's appearance in The Dark Knight. In a full role, he might do nothing more than continue to arbitrarily shoot people,and flip his coin — a scenario that would serve no real purpose and probably make people complain about redundancy. 4. Well, if Two-Face won't be the next villain, then what will they do? They can't use the Joker because Heath Ledger died, right? No one can reasonably suggest that Heath Ledger's performance was anything short of iconic and legendary. However, the Joker was used to illuminate Batman's ethics, and it's questionable how much more could be done with that theme without the third film feeling repetitive. Not to mention the Joker was literally left hanging and is probably in Arkham Asylum. It isn't implausible to suggest that the Joker could have at least a small role in a third film, perhaps organizing things from behind the scenes. If Nolan and company decide to bring back the Joker, be confident that they and the new actor will do so in a way that would not diminish Heath Ledger's memory. Granted, when he flipped his coin, it landed on the good side. And we never saw a casket at the memorial. If they, 5. Then what would they do for a villain? really wanted to, they could plausibly bring him back. But according to the screenplay, his neck snapped when he fell, Writer David S. Goyer has mentioned that there have which is followed by "DEAD" in capital letters. been discussions about using the Riddler as an elusive serial killer who employs devious puzzles (similar to the antago3. Wait. Two-Face is dead? Why? He was so nists of Zodiac and Seven). But there's a vast villain gallery awesome. They shouldn't have killed him off. in Batman lore for the filmmakers to draw from: Anything from a Killer Croc assassin to Catwoman a ia "super-spy" Two-Face,was a great character, and it's a shame he is possible. And don't forget that it's possible to bring back didn't get more screen time. But when you think about it, Scarecrow, or even the Joker, either as a background masyou'll realize that they couldn't put him in a third film. Har- termind or in a minor cameo that wouldn't require us to see vey Dent was meant to serve as a character foil for Bruce his face. Wait for it to come to the dollar theater!! Utah County's Premier Dollar Theater Showing major Hollywood movies mixed with quirky independent films Henry Poole is Here FOR SHOWTIMES call 226-1770 or go to www.festivalcinemasutah.com STUDENT PRICES ONLY $1.00 959 South 700 East - Orem (behind University Mall) Overture Films Luke Wilson plays a rare dramatic role in this summer's Henry Poole is Here. This summer's delightful feel-good comedy ^ Luke Hickman Life write- Much like last year's sleeper comedy Lars And The Real Girl, Henry Poole Is Here is a quiet indie flick sneaking its way onto the radar. It's the best little movie that nobody will ever see unless they put forth the effort. Luke Wilson plays Henry, a quiet man hiding more than he'll let on to. Without giving a reason or even a clue as to why, Henry moves back into the neighborhood he grew up in for an announced, short period of time. Although trying to live in solitude, Henry gets the attention of everyone in the neighborhood when a portion of his wall's waterstained stucco reveals the face of Christ. For everyone, the ensuing journey is one of faith and hope, tiials and miracles. While the focal incident of Henry Poole is evocative of the Catholic faith, it is in no way limited to appreciation by those of the Catholic faith. The themes and morals of the story are meant to inspire any person going through hardships in life. If the story and emotionality of the film alone weren't enough to make Henry Poole a great film, all of the other components of filmmaking would. Though composed mostly of unknown actors, the cast is brilliant and perfect. The soundtrack creates a fitting mood and atmosphere. And ihe cinematography is beautiful, never showing a trace of its low budget. Much like Lars And The Real Girl. I suspect that, before long, Henry Poole Is Here will gain fans through word of mouth. But why wait until then to see it? Why not start spreading the word yourself? Henry Poole is definitely worth putting forth some extra effort to sec. With a HG rating, it's a film fit for anyone and everyone. |