Your guide to planning your summer around the ‘Dark Knight’
With summer barely a month away, there is but one event that flutters through the caverns of the nation’s mind: the July 18 release of “The Dark Knight.” Nationwide, this event shall be celebrated. However, for those students staying in Reno the next four months or so, there are various events that will happen this summer that deserve honorable mention. Before the silhouette of the caped crusader overshadows these activities, let us compare these alternatives to Batman on A&E’s “bat key” (below).
Don’t bother consideringDo only if your air conditioning explodesDo after seeing “The Dark Knight” more than onceDo before seeing “The Dark Knight” for the third timeDo instead of seeing “The Dark Knight” — actually, see “The Dark Knight, too.
Movies
“The Incredible Hulk”
Releases June 13
It comes as no surprise that the ever-angry Hulk would re-emerge after 2003’s infuriating depiction of the not-so-jolly green giant. With Edward Norton and Tim Roth going head to head, Hulk versus the Abomination, the chance of this Hulk being better than Ang Lee’s rendition are incredibly high; almost as high as the Batplane’s maximum altitude of flight.
“Get Smart”
Releases June 20
Steve Carell is not exactly Christian Bale, but he does have a better sense of humor. In this revival of the ‘60s comedic spy show, Maxwell Smart uses various gizmos and gadgets to stop international criminals — much like Batman. While Smart does not have the amazingly awesome costume or vehicles, he does have an all-star cast on his side. Bill Murray, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Terry Crews make up his team of agents, not to mention the hotter-than-Maggie-Gyllenhaal Anne Hathaway.
“The X-Files: I Want To Believe”
Releases July 25
Mulder and Scully are back again—10 years after their first feature film. This time the X-Files duo is teaming up to investigate the disappearance of young girls in rural Virginia. Fifteen years since the show’s premiere is a lot for any team to endure, but if Batman and Robin can make it through 65 years of double-teaming villains, anything is possible.
“Step Brothers”
Releases July 25
This comedy brings together two heavyweight comic stars: John C. Reilly and Will Ferrell. Not quite a dynamic duo, the two grown men butt heads when their parents marry. The sibling rivalry that follows should result in utter hilarity. While neither character gets a Ferrellmobile or a Reillycopter, the comedic presence they bring to the big screen is worth seeing.
“Pineapple Express”
Releases Aug. 8
From the juvenile mind of Seth Rogen comes a strange blend of weed humor and crime drama. When two potheads, played by Seth Rogen and James Franco, witness a murder, the two must run for their lives. The problem with this premise is that James Franco destroys films, making him the Chris O’Donnell of our generation.
TV Shows
“America’s Got Talent”
Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on NBC, Premieres July 1
Often referred to as the German equivalent of Bruce Wayne, David Hasselhoff returns this summer with Piers Morgan, Hasselhoff’s version of Alfred. With wise words and a thick accent, Morgan is the weathered veteran of the bunch, much like Michael Cain. With an array of dancers, singers and tricksters, the team of judges must find the most talented American. Hasselhoff has his work cut out for him as NBC’s Dark Knight.
“The Bachelorette”
Mondays at 9 p.m. on ABC, Premieres May 19
If there is one thing to learn from Batman, it is not to trust women. Poison Ivy, Catwoman and various other love interests have destroyed Bruce Wayne time and time again. So why is it that men are willing to go at each other’s throats for the affection of a network hussy?
“Monk”
Friday at 8 p.m. on USA, Premiers July 18
Going onto the seventh season since 2002, Monk comes back this summer. Known for having an obsessive-compulsive disorder, the single-named detective is a lot like the caped crusader himself. While both are a bit batty, which detective is more worth watching? The Dark Knight, of course.
“Law & Order: Criminal Intent”
Sundays at 9 p.m. on USA
“Law & Order” provides multiple cases all summer long to catch your attention. However, the somewhat unstable Detective Robert Goren, played by Vincent D’Onofrio, is still a little too fundamental when pitted against Batman. D’Onofrio is more of a match for Commissioner Gordon, who would still kill him in a deathmatch.
“So You Think You Can Dance?”
Thursdays at 8 p.m. on FOX, Premieres May 22
With a changing lineup of judges and consistently new talent, “So You Think You Can Dance?” brings to the table a solo version of “America’s Best Dance Crew.” But dancing can only entertain for so long before the crimes of Gotham City catch one’s interest. Dancing is cute, but crime fighting is cooler.
Local Events
Reno Rodeo
Reno Livestock Events Center, June 19-28
One of the oldest traditions in Reno, the Reno Rodeo is on its 89th year as a non-profit event. Much like the circus in “Batman Forever,” the Reno Rodeo draws attention from fans across the state and is the fourth largest sporting event sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Raising $40 million per year for the Reno/Sparks economy, the Reno Rodeo is sort of the Bruce Wayne of Reno events.
Artown
July 1-31
A city-wide promotion of local art appreciation, Reno shows it has culture, unlike its southern counterpart. Over 300 events take place throughout the month of July, attracting more than 285,000 people to the event. Not even Bruce Wayne’s birthday bash would raise such a fuss.
Hot August Nights
Aug. 1-10
Celebrating muscle cars and classics alike, Hot August Nights brings the spirit of ‘50s hot rods to Reno. Even though the Batmobile has endured multiple revamps, Adam West would be able to appreciate this blast from the past.
Reno Urban Market
The Reno Urban Market brings urban consumers together with rural producers right in the heart of the Biggest Little City. Fresh fruits and vegetables are fun a few times a year; however, like Poison Ivy, they could turn on you at any moment. Before you get bored, just go see Batman.
Outdoor Activities
Tahoe Beaches
Beaches are fun, especially the ones at Lake Tahoe. Next to King’s Beach are many boulders to leap from, not to mention cliffs to climb. Chimney Beach, down the road from King’s Beach, is free and definitely worth visiting. To top it off, or rather take the top off, are the nude beaches around Tahoe. While not as adrenaline-pumping as swinging from a grappling hook, Tahoe beaches are worth the trip.
Floating down Truckee on an Inner Tube
Too lazy to go to the movie theater? Or possibly looking to kill time before seeing Batman? Either way, the Truckee River is a perfect way to sit back, relax and get some sun before spending the best two hours of your life seeing “The Dark Knight.”
The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
July 10- Aug. 17
This event is an outdoor depiction of William Shakespeare’s greatest works. Featuring “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Cambio” and “Richard III,” this year’s festival is one you will not want to miss. However, the dramatic doings of the ever-daring Joker may still be more entertaining. Indulge in the arts, for both Shakespeare and Ledger are legends of the theater.
Burning Man
Black Rock Desert, Aug. 25- Sept. 1
The craziest event of the summer takes place at the Burning Man Project, a temporary community that gathers for a short time in a no-rules setting. The attendees will be tripping out for a week straight on drugs that would make Scarecrow go insane. Burning Man is the sole rival to Batman this summer.
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