PAGE 22 - KANATA KOURIER-STANDARD - JULY 25, 2008

Arts & Entertainment REEL REVIEWS

Late Heath Leger should win Oscar for Joker role in Dark Knight
5 OUT OF 5 STARS
KATIE BRADFORD

The new thing en vogue in Hollywood is the comic book film. While a lot of these films have been excellent and entertaining summer blockbusters, most of them probably wont see recognition beyond fan boys and everyday movie lovers. But this time a film has not only lived up to its expectations, but flown high above them into the light of Oscars golden statue. I hate to think that The Dark Knight has been profiting off the untimely death of Heath Ledger earlier this year, but it seems that this actors legacy is drawing

KATIE BRADFORD audiences to the theatres almost as much as the obvious pull of the unstoppable, rejuvenated Batman franchise. However, what keeps people gasping, laughing, coming back for more is Ledgers unbelievable performance in his second-to236011

last film. The Dark Knight picks up where Batman Begins leaves us. Batman (Christian Bale), otherwise known as Bruce Wayne, is continuing his attempt to fight the forces of evil in the corrupt Gotham City. Wayne is aided in his attempts to quash organized crime by Detective Gordon (Gary Oldman), but is making little headway until the brave-hearted new D.A. Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) takes the lead. Batman is wary, however, as the lawyer is also in love with Batmans former leading lady, Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhaal). When a new villain, the Joker (Ledger), arises to unite the criminals and create mass hysteria and chaos

in the already fragile social order of Gotham. With the help of his tech wiz Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman) and butler/friend Alfred (Michael Caine), Batman gets new gadgets and new tricks to fight the maniacal Joker. To say that this film is brilliant is to be modest. It is not about the explosions, although there are quite a few. It focuses its energy so expertly on the acting and writing, and the unmatchable characterization and complex story that comes along with it. Anyone can blow up a building, but can they do it with perfect cadence? Ledger is almost unrecognizable, proving himself to have been one of the

most talented and dedicated method actors Hollywood has seen in decades. He harkens comparisons to Brando, Nicholson, even James Dean. His early departure from the worlds spotlight makes this fact tragically poetic. That this is his legacy is both terrifying and inspiring. He is the Joker. Every cackle, every licked lip, every word uttered is expert. This character will no doubt go down in film history as one of the greatest villains, and perhaps even performances, of all time. If he doesnt receive a posthumous Oscar nomination, the world will be in uproar. Not to be overshadowed, though, the film doesnt disappoint in any other capac-

ity. Ledger does not drown out the spot-on performances from Bale, Gyllenhaal, and most notable Eckhart, who provides a brief ray of hope in this darkest of pictures. The writing, as aforementioned, is on par with any award-winning film of years past, with deep seated metaphors and studies in human nature and morality that reach far beyond the action film spectrum. The special effects are so precise they become almost entirely invisible. The car chases (a motorcycle that drives sideways, and upways? Sign me up!), gun fights, music, and even editing, is perfect. I believe in Harvey Dent, and I hope you will too.

Good example helps children love reading

OTTAWA PUBLIC HEALTH

If your child is watching you read this, something important is happening. Your child is learning that reading is an activity that is enjoyable and useful. This is one of the first steps that a child takes in becoming a good reader.

Reading aloud to your baby, besides being very pleasurable, is beneficial. It is a good idea to have a variety of books available and within your childs reach. Ask your librarian or bookstore owner to make recommendations. Take your childs interests into consideration when

choosing books, for example, they may have an interest in pets, cars, boats, airplanes, dinosaurs and so on. Infants respond to books with many colourful pictures. Toddlers like books with simple pictures and stories. Few words and many pictures work well at this age.

Young children enjoy stories about everyday routines. Catchy phrases and stories that have strong rhythms are enjoyed by older toddlers (over 18 months), and preschoolers. Nursery rhyme books are always very good choices and their appeal lasts for many years.

Fully Insured
Read the Kourier-Standard for news about Kanata (and just Kanata)
Visit our Website at www.rstottawarealty.com Click on the free, on-line, condential simulator to see if you are well suited for real estate. Attend a Career Information Seminar to get details on becoming licensed.

Specializing in Interlock & Retaining Walls

Lawn Maintenance, Commercial and Residential, Interlock Walkways, Retaining Walls, Tree & Brush Removal, Top Soil, Sand, Gravel. Bob Cats - Mini Excavators & Backhoe Rentals Triaxle Dump Trucks Commercial & Residential

Call Jessica at 613-728-2664

204138

Your Future Starts Here

219280

613-229-9977
SPECIAL SAVINGS
Boscobel, Sandy Bay, Negril, Turks & Caicos
232952

Where cleanliness is next to dogliness

WEST CARLETON BOARDING KENNEL

Includes: Modern indoor/outdoor runs Air conditioned and heated Large 2 acre fenced play area Music Inspection welcomed

www.dogrunner.ca 2077 Kinburn Sd Rd., Kinburn, Ont. 613-832-1766

235047 235047

SEND YOUR DOG TO CAMP

GET 1 FREE NIGHT when you stay 5 nights or longer. GET 2 FREE NIGHTS when you stay 7 nights (or longer). Valid in any room category at Beaches resorts in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos. Combine it with up to 45% o for incredible savings. TRAVEL DATES: See details below
Some restrictions apply, o ers can be changed or withdrawn anytime

Exclusive Savings: SAVE UP TO 45% OFF

1 NIGHT FREE

when you stay 5 nights or longer & travel between Sept 1-Dec 20/08

2 NIGHTS FREE

when you stay 7 nights or longer & travel between Sept 1-Nov 4/08 in any category at one of our resorts featured.

46547

1364 Stittsville Main St. 613.831.4690 stittsvilletravel@bellnet.ca