Movie Mania: The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Batman, Van Damme and a young ladies man feature this week…

Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed Batman trilogy draws to a close with this epic tale, which sees the caped crusader (Bale) battling a new foe in the form of Bane (Hardy).

Bruce Wayne has withdrawn from public life, with the multi-millionaire playboy now living a drab hermit’s existence in his mansion. This changes as Bane, a highly powerful and intelligent revolutionary, takes over Gotham City and reveals his plans to destroy the metropolis – believing it to be poisoned by greed and inequality.

This threat stirs Bruce into action, as he reassumes his role as the city’s protector alongside Commissioner Gordon (Oldman). But can he trust the unpredictable antiheroine Catwoman (Hathaway) to help save the day?

Whilst falling short of the masterpiece that was The Dark Knight (2008), this lengthy and bombastic tale nonetheless excels thanks to Hardy’s memorable villain and Nolan’s ability to bring out the humanity in his otherwise fantastical characters.

Starring: Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Morgan Freeman

Celeb Trivia

Before becoming an action movie superstar in his own right, Jean-Claude Van Damme was cast in the sci-fi thriller Predator (1987) as the story’s alien villain.

But after filming began in April 1986 in the Mexican jungle, it soon became clear that the role had been miscast. Van Damme complained continuously about the stifling heat within the monster outfit, as well as the fact that he would be hidden within it throughout the film.

Another problem lay in the fact that, at under six-foot tall, the Belgian actor wasn’t physically imposing enough compared to the muscle-bound heroes, who included Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jesse Ventura.

After just a few days of filming, the role of the Predator was recast, with the 7’2” Kevin Peter Hall stepping in. The cult film went on to become a financial success, spawning a lucrative franchise, while Hall would also go on to play Harry the bigfoot in the family comedy movie Harry and the Hendersons.

Just for Laughs

How many minimalists does it take to screw in a light bulb?

1.

Love Connection

Action stars Kiefer and Uma have certainly taught us a thing or two about foiling the bad guys over the years as the stars of 24 and Kill Bill respectively.

But before all the sword swinging and the gun toting, the duo starred together in the forgotten 1996 short film Duke of Groove – which also starred a young Tobey Maguire and Kate ‘Mrs. Steven Spielberg’ Capshaw.

We’re certain Kiefer and Uma wouldn’t mind getting their groove back, ideally with one another if we’ve got any say in the matter (N.B. we don’t have any say in the matter).

You Tube: Girl trouble

A five-year-old lothario talks to his mother about a problem he’s facing – he has three girlfriends and it’s stressing him out.

“I have to give one up,” says the contemplative youngster, who adds that his dilemma isn’t made easier by the fact that “they’re all pretty”. But it’s his final statement that’ll have you in stitches…

To see the clip, visit www.youtube.com and type ‘Kid predicaments’ into the search box.

Mole of the Emirates

Overheard from conversations around Dubai this week…

>> “It’s the French Nutella vs. German Nutella taste test”

>> “When did the backpack become the bag of choice for travelling businessmen?”

>> “Not pictured: the world’s most terrifying picnic on the road”

>> “You win the Spirit of Roger Rabbit Squeaky Griever Fellowship award”

Celebrity Anagram

Princess Leia

Special Siren