The Dark Knight Finally Shines Brightly

Rating: 9/10 (9 July 2006)

As an old Batman fan, I've been extremely disappointed in all of the former Batman movies. Overall, they lacked solid story lines, were far too light-hearted and trivialized the comic into a special effects nightmare without any substance or quality.
Writer/Director Christopher Nolan of "Memento" fame, has truly captured the essence of Batman. This bold film explores the psychological "push and pull" of Bruce Wayne and his grand alter-ego.
All-in-all, Batman is a detective dealing with some pretty hardcore criminals. Like Bruce, they are all consumed by their own psychological limitations and underpinings, but where the Dark Knight rises above the easy road of self-destruction, he fights to survive while defeating those who represent his own internal demons.
Christian Bale has certainly made the best Batman to date and with such a phenomenal supporting cast, the movie was exemplary.
I only hope that the story, theme, imagery and dark distortions will continue in future sequels. And since Batman and Joker are two sides of the same coin, Christopher Nolan may be the only one who can keep the story edgy, twisted and downright horrifying.