New on DVD - 12/9/08

THE DARK KNIGHT (***½)

Nolan uses a realistic world to create what is essentially a complex moral character study. How far can Batman go to ensure safety without going too far? How is Batman's violent nature different from The Joker's? Should crime be fought within the realm of law, or outside it? The Batman as portrayed in Nolan's films is not a hero, he is the quintessential anti-hero. He is rough, violent, uses questionable tactics and is completely fallible. He doesn't always get the job done. "The Dark Knight" has no mercy for its characters, and for the first time in a long time, we have a superhero film where we truly don't know what's going to happen or who is going to die. Nolan keeps us on our toes, constantly on guard and constantly on the edge of our seats by defying expectation and convention at every turn.

MAN ON WIRE (****)
FTFR DVD Pick of the Week

Man on Wire conjures a sense of awe that is so rarely ever captured in films with ten times its budget and with all the special effects wizardy Hollywood has to offer. Petit, and his then girlfriend Annie, have such a vivid memory of the event (and in Annie's case, such a profound reverance) that they paint unforgettable images with just their words. It is a magical, enthralling evocation of deep wonder and freedom - of a man who dared to dream the impossible and reached out and touched the sky.