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Reviews
The Dark Knight (2008)
Not just a comic book classic
Many people I know haven't yet seen this film, put off by the comic book aspect. "Batman? I'm not really into that! It's for kids isn't it?" WRONG! Forget the genre, this is a timeless masterpiece. Unlike a lot of recent "Superhero" movies (including Batman Begins), this doesn't waste time with how they gained their powers, what their backstory is, a love interest distraction etc. It starts with Batman and ends with Batman. The film grips you from the very beginning and takes you on a mesmerising roller-coaster of tense action and drama. Whilst there is a grand finale of sorts (the brilliant 'spirit of human race' boat scene) you could pick 4 or 5 different scenes from the film which all could have merited any films climax. Take for example the attempted shooting of the major scene, Batmans dilemma of who to save between Harvey Dent and Rachel, the hospital exploding etc. Quite frankly the film leaves you physically exhausted. Heath Ledger's Joker is also one of the most brutally savage 'badies' in movie history. Savage in the sense that he has no super power, no physical strength of skill but has the mind of a genius. When he talks you start thinking "Hold up, why do I want this guy to succeed" It's a Thriller with no Filla!!! (I can never pull that phrase off!)
I'm Alan Partridge (1997)
Never been topped
The TV comedy landscape began to change with The Day Today back in 1994. For me, the highlight was the Alan Partridge Sports Report - which is still frequently quoted today. Then came the outstanding Knowing Me Knowing You, I remember after watching 5 minutes of the first episode thinking everything had changed and comedy on TV could never go back.
It was when I was in university that the first series of I'm Alan Partridge ran in late 1997. I had a fellow Coogan fan as a house mate and it absolutely blew us away. I've never quite laughed like that at anything on TV before or since. There are the obvious quotes which I wont bore you with now (thankfully Gervais killed off "quote comedy" on the 2nd series of Extras) - but what stands out for me most is Coogan's subtle portrayal as the annoying, rude, hopeless and heartbreaking ex celebrity trying to find his way back. It's comedy perfection, cringworthy at times (but not hide your head Office / Extras) but highly watchable. Superb supporting cast together with Coogan at his height of powers make this the finest comedy series ever made. As a side note, the 2nd series did have it's moments but was over acted and too exaggerated, lacking the subtlety of the 1st.