3/1 Tuesday paper

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Brian Cox gives stirring SAG Awards speech condemning Russian censorship after Ukraine invasion

Rich Fury From left: Jihae, Brian Cox, Dasha Nekrasova, Kieran Culkin, Nicholas Braun and Jeremy Strong accept the award for Ensemble in a Drama Series for “Succession” onstage during the 28th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at Barker Hangar on Feb. 27, 2022, in Santa Monica, California.

Peter Sblendorio New York Daily News “Succession” star Brian Cox received a standing ovation at the Screen Actors Guild Awards as he spoke about censorship in Russia following the country’s invasion of Ukraine. The Scottish-born actor, 75, described the situation in Ukraine as “truly, truly awful” during a stirring speech Sunday after “Succession” won best ensemble cast in a drama series.

“The thing that’s really distressed me is what’s happening in Russia, to my fellow actors and actresses and performers, and writers and critics, they are told under pain of high treason that they cannot say a word about Ukraine,” Cox said. “And I think that is pretty awful. And I think we should all stand together.” Cox, who wore a mask reading “F— Off” on stage, also said the Ukraine situation is “as particularly awful in terms of what is affecting the other people, particularly in our profession.” “The president of Ukraine was a comic,” Cox said. “He was a wonderful comic performer, and we should respect that for him, and to come to the presi-

dency is amazing.” It was one of several moments during the ceremony that someone spoke about Russia invading Ukraine last week. “While tonight is a celebration, we are all at the same time holding a place in our hearts for the people of Ukraine, and sending our thoughts, prayers and hopes for impending peace,” Leslie Odom Jr. said after doing an opening segment alongside fellow “Hamilton” stars Lin-Manuel Miranda and Daveed Diggs. entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Road to ‘The Batman:’ Ranking previous batman films Connor Gray Staff Reporter The world’s greatest detective will be returning to the big screen on Mar. 4 as director Matt Reeves shows the world his take on one of DC comics largest superheroes in the much anticipated “The Batman.” To prepare for “The Batman,” here are all the previous live-action film adaptations of the caped crusader ranked. 9) “Batman & Robin” (1997) “Batman & Robin,” to put it nicely, is a waste of time, and is nothing more than a movie that feels as if it was made for the sole purpose of selling toys. A film that is overly bizarre in the sets, full of terrible writing and cringeworthy performances from most of the cast, “Batman & Robin” feels like a parody of the beloved superhero and his villains. From bat credit cards and bat ice-skates, this movie is nothing short of an irredeemable Batman film. 8) “Batman” (1966) Based on the television series of the same name, “Batman” is a fun adventure with just the right amount of ridiculousness and enjoyable moments from all the classic cast including Adam West, Burt Ward and Cesar Romero. While it has not aged all that well, “Batman” still succeeds in just being a fun time, with the great Batman and Robin duo that does not take itself too seriously. 7) “Batman Forever” (1995) Director Joel Schumacher’s first attempt at a Batman story is a lighthearted and silly take, but also has a good balance of seriousness. Val Kilmer’s performance of Batman and Bruce Wayne is underrated, as he does a decent job at subtly portraying a tortured hero. Jim Carrey’s performance as the Riddler is so extreme and charismatic that while some would not enjoy it, majority of audiences find it entertaining while also being a good insight of a man with insecurities that parallels his life to Kilmer’s Bruce Wayne. 6) “Batman” (1989) The first live-action adaptation since 1966, director Tim Burton brought a darker, more gothic tone to Batman and the Joker. With grand sets, an iconic musical score from Danny

Elfman and great performances from Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson, 1989’s “Batman” succeeded in bringing the most accurate representation, at the time, of the hero to the big screen. Though one critique many watchers stated was that Michael Keaton simply is not in it enough, which is baffling since he is the star of the movie. 5) “Batman Returns” (1992) The second and final installment for Burton and Keaton, “Batman Returns” does almost everything that “Batman” does, but better. Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman is the standout of the film, but Michael Keaton has another good outing as the Dark Knight. Danny DeVito makes for an enjoyable Penguin, however his storyline is easily the weakest point of a film that is a worthy sequel to 1989’s “Batman.” 4) “The Dark Knight Rises” (2012) The weakest of Christopher Nolan’s trilogy, this is far from being a bad movie. The writing is weaker and more convenient than Nolan’s usually well-crafted scripts and while there is quite a bit of action in the film, the choreography is just lacking. The film is packed to the brim with great performances and payoff from the rest of the trilogy that makes this one of the best conclusions to a series and a great Batman movie. 3) “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016) The most divisive movie on this list, Zack Snyder’s take on Batman is either loved or hated. Ben Affleck plays Batman that is old, beaten down by time and void of hope. Affleck does great in portraying a hero that thinks he is serving humanity by fighting Superman, but along the way rediscovers what hope truly is. With some of the best action and cinematography on this list, “Batman v Superman” is a unique and interesting take on Batman. 2) “Batman Begins” (2005) A grounded and realistic take on Gotham City and how Batman would exist in our world, “Batman Begins” tells the vigilante’s origin and is also probably the best pure Batman movie. Christian Bale’s portrayal of Bruce Wayne is phenomenal, and his Batman is also great. Cillian Murphy as Scarecrow is one of the most memorable villains to be put on screen and the world

Jeffrey Wright (left) as Lt. James Gordon and Robert Pattinson in “The Batman.”

building of Christopher Nolan’s Batman universe elevates the film to a whole other level. 1) “The Dark Knight” (2008) Regarded as the greatest comic book film of all time, “The Dark Knight” has been untouched as the best adaptation of Batman and the Joker on the big screen. “The Dark Knight” shows the Joker testing Batman’s morals and how far it takes to push someone over the edge in our current society. A visually stunning film, “The Dark

Jonathan Olley

Knight” is also what would be considered a narrative masterpiece and is worth a watch from moviegoers whether they are Batman fans or not. Whether you choose to watch the new Batman movie or rewatch something from the past, many renditions of Batman will be sure to keep you entertained.

entertainment.ed@ocolly.com