Movies

Anne Hathaway Catwoman

I wasn't thrilled when Anne Hathaway was cast as Catwoman in the upcoming Batman movie, but I accepted it because she had done well in other features. I also accepted the fact that Tom Hardy was scripted to play Bane, although he's a little on the meeker side and not nearly as buff as Bane used to be. I could even tolerate Christian Bale again, but it's sad when producers want to put a new spin on the background of the character stories.

Batman writers and directors have decided to add a naughty flavor to Catwoman's past. She now comes equipped with emotional baggage from years of childhood abuse, and her previous work history involves stripping for rich old men and pick-pocketing on the streets of Gotham. She's no longer the mild and outspoken broad that Michelle Pfeiffer portrayed so well. Hathaway has described her Catwoman depiction as "edgier." Although I wouldn't describe broken strippers as edgy, I'm sure Hathaway will do a far better job than Halle Berry ever dreamed of doing.

The recent stills of the new Batman movie have shown bits of violence and tragedy. While this is to be expected, directors are relying too much on the violent aspects and shock values of the new characters. The only hype "The Dark Knight Rises" has gotten thus far has been based entirely on a handful of actors and where the film filmed. The whole prospect of a new Batman movie has been underwhelming and disappointing for many fans who hoped for better.