By: Leslie Rewis

EXCITING ENTERTAINMENT

By: Jon Paul Perez

The Joker Dies: Heath Ledger’s Death Affects New Movie

May Movies Materialize

     As the merry month of May rolls around, Seniors are getting ready to graduate, teachers are racking in the end-of-quarter grades, and everyone is preparing for final exams. Want to get rid of some stress? Here are a few movies to help get rid of anxiety and add a chuckle to your life.

Iron Man (5/2/2008) – Want to see another Marvel superhero movie? Then Iron Man is your movie. It’s been long anticipated, and now it’s finally here. Inventor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is in an accident that nearly kills him. But with technology, he survives and is forced to make a weapon. Of course, he refuses and improves the technology, helping him survive. Soon a new enemy appears…will Tony be able to defeat it? Rated: PG-13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All photos courtesy of IMDB.com.

The suave, handsome, and gifted actor Heath Ledger   before his tragic passing. Courtesy of  photobucket.com.

     Heath Ledger's unfortunate death on the 22nd of January was a shock to us all, but now Warner Bros. is considering withholding the release of the movie because of his untimely end. The last "Joker" was Jack Nicholson in 1989, and audiences really want to see the newest incarnation of the laughing lunatic.

     Let’s take a trip back to the movies with deceased cast members. First, we all know [or have at least heard of] Brandon Lee. This man was the son of the famous Bruce Lee. He was shot while filming The Crow  in 1994. This movie was released despite Lee’s death, and it is widely popular today. If Lee died DURING the making of the movie, why won't they release Batman with Heath Ledger, who died AFTER shooting his portion of the movie?

     According to www.post-gazette.com, “After [Ledger’s] death, his family gave the go-ahead for the movie to be completed, and it was thanks to editing, doubles and digital images. But given the subject matter—a rock musician is murdered but returns to seek revenge—and tragic

history, The Crow wrapped moviegoers in an eerie cloak when it arrived in May 1994.”

     They should release the new Batman for many reasons. First, Ledger died after the movie; not during the shooting, as Brandon Lee did. Second, they should release it in his honor. Should Heath Ledger have done all of that work for nothing? Why waste the talent?

     The Batman movie should be a remembrance, not a mistake. However, I understand the other side of the story, too. Some people believe that they should not release the movie because of all the pain and agony it may cause. But if Ledger somehow came back to life and found that all of his hard work went to waste, he would probably be furious.

     “If this movie is not released,” Freshman Andrew Villalba believes that “it will disappoint a lot of people.” He thinks the movie will be good, with “a lot of action and a little bit of comedy.”

     If they release the movie, lots of fans and even newcomers to the Batman series will go to see it. Plus, they will get lots of money from the release. If they don't release the movie, then lots of people will be outraged and disappointed.

Made of Honor (5/2/2008) – Can’t wait for the next “chick flick,” ladies? Made of Honor is about Tom (Patrick Dempsey), who’s in love with his best friend, Hannah (Michelle Monaghan). Problem is, she’s engaged to be married! Not only that, but she asks him to be her maid of honor! Now, he attempts to win her heart, all the while trying figure out how to fit into that size two dress. Rated: PG-13

Speed Racer (5/9/2008) – Following Transformers in the anime-to-live action transition, Speed Racer comes speeding along to join the bandwagon. This movie follows the adventures of racer Speed (Emile Hirsch) and his girlfriend Trixie (Christina Ricci). Speed plans to avenge his brother’s death by racing the very race that took his brother’s life. In order to overcome this challenge, he must team up with his arch-rival Racer-X (Matthew Fox). How will this interesting predicament turn out? Rated: PG

Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian – Have you been dying to see the new Chronicles of Narnia movie? Well, it’s finally here! Chronicles of Narnia: Price Caspian takes place one year after our previous adventure—at least one year in our years. It’s actually 1300 years later in Narnia! The land is in complete ruin when our heroes return, and the rightful prince to the heir to its throne has been overpowered by an evil king. Will they be able to defeat this evil king? Rated:  PG.           

     There you have it, the May movies exploding onto the big screen. I’ll see you guys next time for our summer movies update.