The Dark Knight at Dundrum
I went to see the new Batman film, The Dark Knight, at Movies@Dundrum yesterday. Surprisingly, it lived up to the hype. I thought it was great, perhaps a bit long, but that’s a minor quibble. I’m not usually into these sorts of films, but I caught Batman Begins on the TV a few weeks ago and was pleasantly surprised. I preferred the way that there was more of a storyline in Batman Begins, but overall The Dark Knight is far superior. That’s mainly due to the Joker. Yes I know that everyone is saying it (although a BBC entertainment correspondent disagrees), but Heath Ledger makes the film. His portrayal of the Joker is one of the best character performances I’ve seen, right down to the little gestures like his odd lip licking habit. My favourite scenes both involved the Joker – one near the start involving a pencil, and the other when he visits the hospital. I won’t fill in the details in case I spoil the fun.
I know I slagged off the Movies at Dundrum cinema website a couple of years back, but sadly it still leaves a lot to be desired. However, I must commend them for keeping it up to date and topical, which is more than can be said for this blog. They have even gone all out and created a special Batman theme for the site. The only trouble is that the crude, madcap graffiti that pays homage to the Joker is so authentic, that some people got the impression that the site had been hacked. So, they had to add a message to the top of each page a few days back explaining that “This is a promotion for “THE DARK KNIGHT”, our website has not been hacked and is completely secure. Your Credit Card details are safe as always and we assure you the Joker will not steal your number”. Oh dear! Step away from Microsoft Paint lads, or whatever graphics program helped you create this:
Glad it worked out...
July 25th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Great to see you post again Janine.
Yet to see the much hyped film but am gonna catch it in a week or two so I won’t be arching my neck in the front row and i can be left out of a lot of office / water cooler conversations. . .
July 25th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Thanks Ben – I wish I could get back into blogging again, but it just never seems to happen…
You’re wise leaving Batman for a week or so alright. I was able to catch a daytime show (*occasionally* freelancing has its perks!), and it was still fairly full.
July 31st, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Hey Janine, good post, i actually just saw the joker type movies-at page today myself. Im a little confused though, are you saying you like it for its authenticity or dislike it cause its scribbly?
July 31st, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Hi Yossarian,
Design is always subjective and each to their own, but to me it looks a state. I never thought the site had been hacked, but when that message went up, I could definitely see how some casual web users could have reached that conclusion. More professional Batman theming is possible, as proven at http://www.cineworld.ie
Thanks for dropping by. My post was a bit tongue in cheek but I had hoped that the last line would have cleared up any confusion!
July 31st, 2008 at 5:31 pm
ah fair enough, i actually like it myself which is why i was curious what you meant. To be honest im not a fan of the cineworld one, they’ve only changed the logo which i dont feel is in keeping with what they were going for when they graffitied the Dark Knight page for example. Thats just my two cents thought, obviously im not a web designer myself so i guess im a bit ignorant of what should and shouldnt be there but i like that they tried. Do you not agree?
July 31st, 2008 at 5:56 pm
I always like to see a site making that bit of effort to theme its look and feel at special times. I love the different Google logos, and the way that some sites incorporate pink in their look and feel during October for breast cancer awareness month. However, if the styling does not look professional and is over the top, it can worsen the user experience and put people off.
I think the Dundrum site needs a radical design and usability overhaul anyway, but I think it has gone from bad to worse with the Batman theme. Just my opinion of course, and I’m not a designer either. Not being a web designer does not make you ignorant either!
Everyone knows what they like and is entitled to their opinion. So, I’m sure there are people out there who like what Dundrum have done, although given your IP address, perhaps you’re a little biased? 
July 31st, 2008 at 11:46 pm
LOL, touche…….and i would have gotten away with it too if it wasnt for those meddling kids. Honestly though i was just trying to get contructive critisism without seeming like i was coming on to attack what you had said and i appreciate your input. I wouldnt have posted in the first place because it seems quite pathetic but i came across your post about the new look and wasnt sure your feelings on it so i needed to ask for specifics. Again, much appreciation and keep up the good blog work.
August 1st, 2008 at 9:35 am
You’re not pathetic at all Yossarian – I can see where you’re coming from – it’s just appreciated if you declare an interest if you have one
If it’s any consolation I have not seen any mention of it on other blogs or web design message boards where they like to pick bad layouts to shreds which is a good sign – I could well be in the minority – I often am! 
Also, the batman film was my first trip to the Dundrum cinema and I liked it. Nice leg room round the seats, and the lids on the popcorn are a great idea – I spilt a whole tub in the Screen once eek!