Midnight reaction: Believe the hype
Midnight reaction: Believe the hype

By Matthew Price

Published: July 18, 2008

NORMAN — Believe the hype, according to fans attending midnight "The Dark Knight" screenings in Norman and across the metro. "Going to see Batman" was shoe-polished on a truck in the parking lot of the Hollywood 14, and following the film, viewers were glad they had.

Filmgoers were awed by director Christopher Nolan's epic vision. "The most adult comic book movie I've ever seen," said Douglas Hurst, 31, of Norman. "It makes you think about what it means to be a hero."

Others agreed that "The Dark Knight" was innovative and realistic.

"I liked the way they made comic-book stuff real," said Brian Jones, 24, of Norman.

Theo Karn, 23, originally of Napa, Calif., said the filmmakers "brought a new idea to the superhero" with their vision. The anarchic Joker, portrayed by the late Heath Ledger, was noted for his strong performance.

"That was really definitive," said Stuart Belcher, 18, of Norman. "Truly a masterpiece."

Daniel Martin, 20, of Norman, agreed. "Heather Ledger did an amazing job, the Joker was played to a T, I thought, everything from the laugh to the heinousness." Matthew Sarsycki, 23, of Norman has been to a number of midnight showings before, he said, so he knows it can be "exciting and interesting."

Other midnight showings he has been to include two of the "Lord of the Rings" films and "Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones" and "Star Wars Episode III: The Revenge of the Sith." "I thought it was a tour de force delivery of epic proportions, brilliantly executed by Heath Ledger as the Joker. I think this is finally the first 'Batman' film that delivered as the creators of the comic book wanted. ... This is finally the 'Batman' everyone wanted to see, and I'm glad I was able to see it."

Fans enjoyed the serious tone of the superhero blockbuster. "It was more focused on the characters than what they can do," said Chase Louthan, 19, of Harrah.

Joel Blackmon, 20, of Norman, said he enjoyed the effects of movies like "Iron Man" and "The Incredible Hulk," but felt "The Dark Knight" was more about story than effects.

Casual fans and comic-book experts were united in their praise.

Brian "Buck" Berlin, 24, the owner of New World Comics, 6219 N Meridian, shared his expert opinion with The Oklahoman: "Just about everyone did the performance of their career," Berlin said. "It really is amazing."

Berlin said "The Dark Knight" stacks up well with other comic-book based films.

"Watching just about all of them a million times, I'd say this is by far the best of them."

Contributing: Richard Hall

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