In general, I’m not a huge fan of movies based on comic books. I assume it has something to do with that whole being a female thing. But Batman is definitely an exception. Why? Because Batman kicks all kinds of ass, duh!

I loved the first two Batman films (the Tim Burton ones). Then came the two horrifying sequels that brought us such gems as a batsuit with nipples. But all was forgiven when Batman Begins was released. Christian Bale was a fantastic Bruce Wayne and a badass Batman. Michael Caine was perfectly cast as his sweet and sour butler, Alfred. And they’re both returning for The Dark Knight, along with Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent and Heath Ledger as The Joker. Even the weakest link from Begins (that would be Katie Holmes) is getting replaced by Maggie Gyllenhaal. I never understood why it was necessary for Batman to even have a love interest in every movie, but at least Gyllenhaal is 80 shades of awesome. The only downside to this movie is that I have to wait another year to SEE IT. But I think I speak for a lot of people when I say I am fully prepared to once again dance with the devil in the pale moonlight.

The Dark Knight is not yet rated and opens July 18, 2008. (Official site)

It’s Tuesday, and you know what that means–new DVDs! Today is the DVD release date for one of my favorite movies of 2006, Stranger Than Fiction. In Stranger Than Fiction, Will Ferrell did something completely out of the ordinary for him–he played a normal, nondescript guy. Specifically, he portrayed Howard Crick, an analytical tax man who starts hearing a voice in his head. The voice is narrating Howard’s life, and it tells him his days are numbered.

Stranger Than Fiction is an ingenious, thought-provoking, original comedy. The strength of the film comes from Ferrell’s performance and Zach Helm’s script, which was nominated for a Writer’s Guild Award. Maggie Gyllenhaal, Dustin Hoffman, Emma Thompson, and Queen Latifah round out the cast in an unusual combination that works. Put it on your Netflix queue immediately.

Also out this week are Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny, Alexander - The Final Cut, and Don’t Look Back, a film of Bob Dylan’s 1965 tour of England. Check out DVD Talk for the full list.

Trust the Man is the new comedy from Bart Freundlich, better known as Mr. Julianne Moore. Fortunately for all of us, the director’s luminous movie star wife is along for the ride, along with David Duchovny, Billy Crudup, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Eva Mendes, and Garry Shandling. Duchovny and Crudup are either longtime friends or brothers, and both are struggling with the commitments of their long-term relationships. The trailer opens with the men discussing porn, dispelling any notions that Trust the Man is going to be another typical chick flick. Everyone can relate to the issues the couples are grappling with: staying faithful and keeping a relationship exciting. The script definitely is written from the point of view of the two male leads, but it’s a relationship comedy, which naturally women will find more interesting. Trust the Man has a great cast (including Moore and Freundlich’s 4-year-old daughter), a soulful soundtrack, and a plot with which many of us will identify. It looks mildly entertaining, so therefore I say Rent It.
Trust the Man opens in select cities on August 18 and then nationwide on September 8.

What do you think? See It, Skip It, or Rent It?