RoR: Forum

I saw Batman Begins two nights ago - I haven't enjoyed a movie so much for quite a while. Admittedly I like Sci-fi.

Besides the ones mentioned by Machan, several objectivist themes come through. Without giving away the plot - I liked the fact that the "fantastic" powers of the hero were all backed by some scientific explanation or technological innovation (for the most part quite conceivable). I enjoyed the hero's disdain for and dismissal of the sycophants at a party (although the motivation could have been stronger) and his respect and acknowledgement of ability (with the scientist).

As always, its not perfect (altruism invariably creeps in e.g. the parents) but its well worth the ticket price. Much better than the previous Batman movies.

Post 1

Saturday, July 9, 2005 - 4:53pm

I totally agree with your sentiment here, Tibor.

From Team America, to the Incredibles, to Batman Begins -- "hero"-worship is granted justice.

Opposing sci-fi flicks would, of course, be Star Wars 3 and War of the Worlds -- which laud either selflessness or a malevolent universe premise.

I also agree with your thoughts on serious movies -- they desperately need to be more sincere, and not just so serious. This quote speaks of the hurdle we must leap over, if we seek to bring this about ...

---------------
Weak people cannot be sincere. -- Francois, Duc de La Rochefoucauld
---------------

Ed

Post 2

Sunday, July 10, 2005 - 12:19am

I just saw "Batman Begins" today. Of all the "action films" I have seen, this is the first that does not insult the thinking viewer's mind. I particularly liked the use of utilitarianism as Al-Ghoul's motive. That, and the complete absence of supernaturalism.

My only disappointment is that Yoon didn't like it - not for any fault specific to this film, just her general dislike for "action films." Is there any prospect for some intelligent non-"action," non-non-fiction film - perhaps a film version of one of Kay Nolte Smith's novels - in the near future?
(Edited by Adam Reed
on 7/10, 12:32am)

Post 3

Sunday, July 10, 2005 - 12:30am

THE WATCHER was made into a film many years ago - one of those 'made for TV' kind, as I recall... don't remember who was in it, tho...

Post 4

Sunday, July 10, 2005 - 4:30am

Robert,

Not according to the Internet Movie Database. There have been several movies with the title "The Watcher" but none based on Smith's novel (unless it's the one that's currently in production).

Post 5

Sunday, July 10, 2005 - 9:23am

I watched Batman Begins some days ago, too, but although I liked the philosophical outcome to some degree. I didn't like the plot-line, perhaps because most Action-movie plotlines (and comics especially) are just boring and plain. Again, this one had major scientific problems with it that attacked the intellect at once :)

Besides those obvious errors, it was a good and solid action movie. Let's see whether we will get more Batman movies or at least similar ones. I especially liked the fact that Bruce Wayne (*SPOILER*) installed Morgan Freeman as the new director of Wayne Enterprises. This showed something that isn't seen much anymore, a respect for scientific persons and people concerned with an enterprise and its well-being and development.
I think this was a mometn I liked, despite the idea of Bruce being a rich man devoted to fight crime by not relying on political back-up :)

Post 6

Sunday, July 10, 2005 - 11:12am

That is indeed interesting, Rick - since I saw the movie many years ago, and was one of a handful who was a Smith fan, having her books, so knew where the movie came from... but - is possible that was not the title, and just remember it as such because of it being a movie version of the book...

Post 7

Sunday, July 10, 2005 - 11:39am

Adam and Robert,

Thanks for bringing up and discussing Kay Nolte Smith. I haven't read her books. I found an interesting review of her here:

http://www.presenceofmind.net/GSW/KNS.html

And will go and find what books of hers I can find TODAY.

Post 8

Sunday, July 10, 2005 - 12:08pm

Adam Reed asked

"Is there any prospect for some intelligent non-"action," non-non-fiction film..."

I thought the defining characteristic of an action movies was that you can check you brain at the door and still understand what was going on (i.e. Roadhouse, Rocky, Cliffhanger etc.) I would have said that "intelligent" action movies were normally classified as "Thrillers."

So here are a few good thrillers I've seen. Hopefully there are a couple here that you haven't seen:

Shoot to Kill (Sidney Poitier & Tom Berenger),
Narrow Margin (Gene Hackman),
The Package (Gene Hackman),
Absolute Power (Clint Eastwood),
The Firm (Tom Cruise),
The Fugitive (Harrison Ford)
The "original" Bourne Identity (TV mini-series with Richard Chamberlain.)

I was also planning to add The Thomas Crown Affair - but that was a different sort of action :-)

These films are just a grab bag from my own DVD collection. But all of them are worthy of renting and watching several times over IMHO.

Post 9

Sunday, July 10, 2005 - 3:17pm

Robert,

The Internet Movie Database also indexes all names associated with a movie, including the author of the novel it was based on. A search for 'Nolte Smith' returns no matches.

"The Watcher" is, by far, my favorite of her books. I would be delighted to see a movie version. Your anecdotal memory does not constitute sufficient evidence for me to believe that such a movie exists.

Post 10

Sunday, July 10, 2005 - 5:54pm

Well, if it was just all a dream - it was one hell of a dream, for sure! Perhaps listed as Kay Smith?

Post 11

Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 12:52am