Batman the best version to date! Joker was not what I expected.

Rating: 10/10 (7 August 2010)

I want to start by saying I was very impressed with this film and I could watch it a million times. I thought Gary Oldman who is one of my favorite actors because of his diversity brought Commissioner Gordon into the story as a main character instead of the winy guy that turns to Batman to solve his problems. I think Christian Bale is by far the best Batman yet, however I think George Clooney was a very close second. If Clooney would have had a better script instead of the outlandish campy romp he went on with Mr Freeze and Poison Ivy, I think he may have shined.
I must now be overtly honest. I did not like the Joker in this film at all! He may have been a psychopathic killer but he was not at all funny, in fact he was disturbing. The rivalry between Batman and Joker has been around for nearly 75yrs and I didn't feel the Joker had any respect for Batman at all. Heath Ledger was an awesome actor and I really enjoy his films. He has a depth that is hard to find and he becomes believable as his characters. Had he not died before the movies release I wonder how people would have reacted. The Joker was silly even though he was psychotic and I didn't even chuckle at his laugh like I have in the past. Cesar Romero invented the character in the 1966 series and in the first movie. I felt Jack Nicholson was by far the absolute best joker. Batman from 1989 should have been called "The Joker". Dark Knight succeeded at further developing Batman's character, unlike Tim Burton, who seemed to spend more time developing the criminals than he did Batman's or Robin's character and aside from butchering the story of Batgirl as Alfred's niece made the films a step above campy. Heath Ledger barely laughed in the movie and when he finally did my mouth was so wide open with awe from trying to figure out who he was portraying that it finally hit me it was the Joker after all. I am glad they didn't reiterate the Jokers origins but in all honesty the Joker was a lot more fun to watch in the other films.
Christian Bale continued the dark detectives amazing skills and I especially enjoyed the brawling in both films he starred in. I thought this one was the best by far but if Jack Nicholson or even Christian Slater had played the Joker It would have been a masterpiece instead of a Damn Good Film!!! I highly recommend this to anyone who has ever liked the caped crusader and I look forward to the next movie.
To sum up, in my opinion if you are looking for the Joker to bring a laugh or too, then be prepared for his ominously hellish demon like rendition of my favorite criminal and part time resident of Arkum Asylum. Batman and Commissioner Gordon are in top form and both had stellar performances. The aura of the movie is even darker than any before it and it is certainly a must see film!!!!