The Dark Knight Rises: Batman's Prestige

"What is dead may never die but rises again, harder and stronger."
Oops. That was for A Game of Thrones, right?

The Dark Knight Rises.

SPOILERS, maybe?

Now, how do you review such a movie? You can start by saying that it was the most anticipated movie of 2012. Ever since The Dark Knight, which many described as a near-perfect rendition of the caped crusader's story, The Dark Knight Rises was something many people expected to be legendary, something so much better than The Dark Knight, so much more.

But then again, people could only hope and expect because most of the time, sequels fall short of their predecessor (with the exception of the The Dark Knight, I guess). And this particular sequel, although good in itself, fell a bit short of its near-perfect predecessor.

I don't really want to go into too much detail with regards the movie, but the truth of the matter is... It was two hours and forty five minutes of Christopher Nolan thrashing Karl Marx. Really? A revolt of the masses gone wrong? Reaalllyyyy??? That sure made me pat myself in the back when I realized the theoretical aspects of it.

But seriously, The Dark Knight Rises was like a magic trick. It loses a certain luster once you discover what the secret is. The first time I saw the movie, I was awed, amazed, dumbfounded, etc., etc., (The BatPod!!!), but when I saw it again, I found it a bit too long. There were times when I was bored out of my mind watching the characters talk it all out and the only thing that really made me hang on to the movie the second time was Anne Hathaway the hot Catwoman and Marion Cotillard's... Well, her beauty was like a slap in the face, really.

I'm not saying that the movie was awful, no. In fact it was really wonderful. It tied up all the lose ends pretty nicely and showed us a different side to the enigma that was Batman: the man, the myth and the legend. Christian Bale was awesome as well, playing Batman and Bruce Wayne to a whole different level. Usually, Batman is a two-dimensional character, the billionaire playboy who masquerades as Gotham's hero at night. But in Christian Bale's rendition? Yeah, there were so many layers, you couldn't even begin to find the beginning.

And, in my professional opinion (if ever I were a professional, that is), Christian Bale nailed it!

And now here come real SPOILERS.


Now, the ending. The first time I left the theater, I took everything at face value. So, Batman took the nuclear bomb away from Gotham and saved the city. He fixed the autopilot on the Bat and faked his own and used the Clean Slate to live his own merry life with Selina Kyle somewhere in Europe. Now, that was a fairly happy and satisfying ending.

But then again, Nolan does not just go for the happy and satisfying ending. Remember Inception? People talked about the fucking spinning top for months after the movie. I'm sure Nolan wanted people to talk about The Dark Knight Rises's ending too. I mean, he would not make a point of showing the timer at five seconds counting down if there wasn't a purpose to it.

I  believe Bruce Wayne as Batman did die, because even if he did fix the autopilot, it was impossible for him to jump out of the Bat and run away from the 6-mile radius in five seconds. He died, that was that and the ending scene with Alfred, Bruce and Selina? All a dream. Because Alfred really did want Bruce Wayne's happy ending.

Yes folks, the top from Inception is still spinning. We are all still dreaming, and the truth is that Bruce Wayne is dead. And yes, Blake/Robin would take up the cowl and be the next symbol. He may not be Batman, but the symbol doesn't need to die. Bruce Wayne may be dead but Batman/the symbol does not need to die.

"What is dead may never die but rises again, harder and stronger."


That was why I thought this Game of Thrones quote was so very appropriate for the theme of this movie. This is what the iron men say when they baptize one of their own to the faith of the Drowned God, which is, I guess quite appropriate because they literally drown the person being baptized.

So the Batman died but this dead symbol may never die but will rise again.

I may have a few issues with this movie but overall, it was easily the best movie of 2012 for me. It may not have been as good as The Dark Knight, but even Michael Jackson's Bad was not as good as his Thriller. Nevertheless though, they both sold well. Exceptionally well.


So Bane sounded like a Dalek (something I realized after watching the movie a second time), and I kinda sorta predicted that Miranda Tate was Ra's Al Ghul's real child and not Bane. I kinda sorta realized halfway through the movie too that Blake would replace Bruce Wayne as Gotham's symbol of hope. And realizing these things, as I'm sure everyone else did too, made me pat myself in the back. HARD.

The Dark Knight Rises.

Watch it. Love it. Then watch it again. Because this is the end of the line for Batman and Nolan and Bale. Savor the fucking moment. This is it.

Game of Thrones Season 2: A Rather Biased Review

Done with Game of Thrones Season 2... finally.

War is Coming... Aaaand it's gone.

Okay, so let me just get this out of the way: loved, loved, loved the battle at Blackwater Bay. It was awesomely done, no matter what other critics might say. Peter Dinklage was, as usual, awesome. More than awesome in fact. He was fucking perfect for the role of Tyrion Lannister.

So now that that's out of the way, let me just say my piece about this sophomore season of my beloved fantasy series Game of Thrones.

This season was heavily based off the second book of the A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin entitled A Clash of Kings. Unlike the first season which was almost a word per word rendering of the first book, this season had many deviations that was quite evident. The first and most popular example that would come to mind would probably be the switch from Jeyne Westerling to Talisa Maegyr.

As all book readers would now, Robb Stark married Jeyne Westerling after he accidentally fucked her because he was young and stupid like that. With this mistake came the rift between the North and the Freys, ultimately leading to his death... because, as we all know, you don't fuck with the Freys. You just don't.

I liked this change. Surprisingly, I liked Talisa better than the bland, passive Jeyne Westerling whom we only saw in a couple of pages of the book, standing beside Robb and generally doing nothing but being a doting housewife. Talisa is way more badass. I mean, she's from fucking Volantis! She's from the East! And we all know how awesome people from the East are! Take Drogo for example.

And she does something: mainly, she helps the wounded. She's not a helpless woman in distress. She's a fighter... and here's the kicker: she talks back to Robb! How fucking awesome is that?

However badass Talisa is though, I still maintain that Robb Stark is fucking stupid and shit. Granted, here's Talisa, a badass version of Jeyne Westerling and she's awesome and it's kind of more understandable that he fell for her. But then again, he is king and he should have been thinking of his people first and what it would mean for them if he accidentally fucks and marries another girl.

The most improved character award would most probably be appropriate for Sansa Stark this season. She became awesome, in every sense of the word. I hated her during the first season but then I quickly realized that she was a victim as well. I just hate Joffrey (kudos to Jack Gleeson for that! Fantastic actor!). And Sophie Turner is becoming more and more beautiful with every episode. She's really pretty and sweet. She's perfect as Sansa.

As for the new characters we see this season, my most favorite would have to be... Stannis! Stephen Dillane is such a wonderful actor. He plays cold, calculating and ruthless Stannis well. I also liked his ever faithful friend and confidant: Davos Seaworth. Liam Cunningham is, as usual, fucking awesome.

I cannot emphasize how much I loved Salladhor Saan. He had me at: "I'm not going to rape her. I'm going to fuck her," concerning Cersei. Most epic line of the season. That is one awesome pirate right there.

I'm quite ambivalent with regards to Melisandre. I mean, she's like... meh. But perhaps it's just because I'm not overly crazy about her character in the books either. I loved Brienne of Tarth. I think Gwendoline Christie fits the role perfectly. I loved her chemistry with Nikolaj Coster-Waldau. I think the future Jaime-Brienne scenes would be wonderful.

I got goosebumps the first time Natalie Dormer appeared as Margaery Tyrell. She was so fucking beautiful, I wept. I loved her in the Tudors and I sure as hell am excited to see her back on a show where she would be queen once again. When she said, "I don't want to be a queen. I want to be the queen," I almost rolled around in glee because that was such an Anne Boleyn thing to say.

My favorite scene with Natalie Dormer on it would have to be when she and Renly were talking as they were about to have sex. Hands down most understanding wife ever.

By the way, Gethin Anthony was fucking hot.

I loved what they did to the direwolves. I was especially fond of Grey Wind and my favorite scene from the first episode was when Robb confronted Jaime Lannister in his cell. Grey Wind was just so fucking frightening then.

I loved Ygritte and her awesome accent, although I really didn't care much for what happens at the Wall. I loved Arya's scenes, especially her interactions with Jaqen H'ghar, her personal assassin. I loved Jaqen, and the way he killed Amory Lorch was fucking priceless.

I liked the way they handled Theon Greyjoy's story. It really showed how much of an utter fail he was. It was quite funny, in a dark-comedy sort of way. The thing with his sister was quite... disturbing and funny at the same time. However, it was more shocking the first time it was done. i.e. Jaime and Cersei.

I really didn't care much for Dany's story line, although it sucked that they killed Rakharo.

So I guess that's pretty much it. There you go: Game of Thrones Season 2! I'll just add some things here and there if I forgot something.

Maybe I'll review The Borgias next time.

So I disappeared for a while...

...and I've missed so much of my TV shows while I was away.

Yes, I've been away for quite a while for my education and I've missed my two favorite shows in the whole world: Game of Thrones and The Borgias. So both these shows had their season finales a few weeks ago... and I still haven't been able to catch up. However, I have it on good authority that both season finales were fucking awesome. That's right. So fucking, jaw-dropping awesome.

I'm also going to get into Sherlock Series 2 somewhere down the line. I've already finished it even before I left to go far, far away but reviewing it somehow slipped my mind. I guess I'd have to re-watch it.

Anyway, I didn't regret being away. I had a really fun time in that place. Granted, there was no internet but still... I didn't really miss it that much. Anyway, I'll go into much more details with Game of Thrones and the Borgias once I'm completely done with them.

Right now though I'm still busy with my fucking education. Yeah. That's right. My super important education for my fucking future.

Sir Toad out.

Fuck This Shit

First week back at uni and I'm already fucking stressed out. So many shits to do, so many things happening at once. Events that you didn't think would happen (at least not until the very far future) are happening and you couldn't do a single thing about it. I never thought I'd feel so utterly powerless. I am thoroughly and properly  and completely fucked.

I need a drink. Or two. Or ten.

There are times when there's nothing to do but say,
loud and proper: FUCK this. I'm tired of this shit!!!

Admittedly, things have been easier since I got my swag back on (that means not giving a single fuck about anything)... but still. The challenges are finally living up to my awesome swag.

Well, since I'm already fucked anyway, might as well...


FUCK THIS SHIT!
I'm out bitch.

Got my swag back on!

I was always scared of other people. I don't know why. I guess I have that phobia thing. I really don't get it sometimes. Whenever I'm around other people, I feel like they're watching my every move and some shit like that.

But well, since it's 2012 already, I decided to...

...not give a fuck anymore!!!

"Oh excuse me, I seem to have lost the fuck I wanted to give."


And it worked wonders.

I am fucking invincible.
Got my swag back on!

School Restarts Tomorrow... bummer...

...because Sherlock's back! And on New Year, nonetheless! And I haven't got the time to watch the stupid thing because I have to think of my stupid future and complete my fucking education.

Which is not really that bad when you think about it, if you consider the long-term effects of said stupid education, that is.

A Scandal in Belgravia, wait for me. I will devour you when I have free time again.

Anyway, so school's restarting. I hate being in university. Sucks the life out of me.

Here's to another year of pretending I like everyone in uni!!!
And to another soul-sucking, mind-numbing, backbone-breaking year!!

*I can't decide if I should toast or kill myself*

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!!!

The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe

Christmas is more awesome with the Doctor!!!

Especially when I saw the house and the taps for hot water, cold water and LEMONADE!!!

"I know!" said the Doctor.

I was really excited for this Christmas episode because I really loved last year's A Christmas Carol. You know that feeling you have when you couldn't stay still and you just had to watch it?

So there I was, eating my Christmas sandwich and drinking some hot coco when suddenly tears burst forth from my eyes as I watched the Doctor Who Christmas Special. I wasn't expecting to cry at this... especially since it was a Christmas episode and it was supposed to be HAPPY! Would I ever learn? I said the same thing about last year's Christmas special too.

I cried so hard at the part when they went into the time vortex and the mother was remembering her husband, especially at the part when she said "Goodbye, my love," or something like that. I couldn't properly remember. Tears were running down my cheeks and I couldn't see or hear properly.

Damn you Christmas special! Making me cry when it's supposed to be a happy holiday!
And then the mother started telling her children about their father dying. The Doctor interrupts them (or the Caretaker rather, seeing as he was known as the Caretaker, the Doctor or Get the hell off this planet!) and tells the mom, Madge, that they should go take a look outside! It turns out that the pilot father got out alive and well, something to do with her guiding him out of the cloudy and dark skies through the light of the time vortex or something. I can't remember correctly, I just can't... gah... too many emotions!!!

The family reunion scene!!!

"It's Christmas, dear, where else would you be?"

And then they were all crying happy tears, and the Doctor was happy for them, saying that happy tears were so "human". I thought the torment would end there because I just could not take it anymore! Then when he was about to leave, Madge tells him to stay for Christmas but he disagrees, saying he was used to being alone. Madge convinces him to see his friends though and he agrees and so he leaves, telling her that if she ever needs him again, just "make a wish".

He goes to visit Amy and Rory after two years of pretending to be dead. At this point, my tear ducts weren't even trying to suppress my tears. And I couldn't drink my hot coco because I'd look ridiculous, drinking while crying. The Doctor and Amy hug, forgiving each other and Amy invites him to dine with them, since a place was already set for him. The Doctor says they didn't know he was coming, so why set a place for him.

"We always set a place for you," says Amy.

And then Amy and Rory go ahead inside, and the Doctor stands there for a bit rather awkwardly. He touches his cheek... and there are tears. Happy tears.

And I'm crying and laughing at the same time and I look fucking ridiculous, but I don't care. The Doctor's happy. After all the shit he'd been through, thinking he was all alone in the world... there was still a place for him to come home to. The Ponds will always welcome him back with open arms.

For once though, the box being referred to was not the TARDIS.

I'm crying while I'm typing this.
Are you happy now Moffat? Huh?!! Are you happy?!

This episode made me realize how lucky I am, being with my family this Christmas. It also made me feel how much I miss my dad (something I've been trying to ignore ever since I found out he couldn't spend Christmas with us this year). To my mom and dad: I LOVE YOU!!!

I had a really great time with the Doctor. I hope I continue to have great times with him...
...forever!!!

Happy crying everybody!