The Dark Knight shines light to success

Rating: 10/10 (7 April 2009)

Without a doubt one of the best movies I've seen. Absolutely outstanding. I was blown away when I saw this at the cinema. Batman Begins too was outstanding and would've been hard to top that, but this movie is an incredible movie experience.
Christopher Nolan's direction is so atmospheric, so too is the score by Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard, particarly in the scenes with the Joker. They create such a chilling atmosphere and it truly does leave you on the edge of your seat. I also love how there's no need for CGI or any special effects, like Joel Schumacher. This feels more like a crime epic than a superhero movie, and that's how Batman should be.
Once again, the acting is on top form. Christian Bale is on majestic form as the dark knight himself, Maggie Gyllenhaal is the perfect replacement for Katie Holmes as Rachel Dawes, Aaron Eckhart is a terrifying Two-Face, way better than Tommy Lee Jones's camp portrayal in Joel Schumacher's Batman Forever, and Michael Caine, Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman all reprise their roles very nicely indeed.
Of course, I should spare a paragraph for Heath Ledger's portrayal as the Joker. One of the most terrifying performances I have ever witnessed on screen. Simply terrific. It's hardly any surprise Heath Ledger won an Oscar for his role. I must state that the loss of Heath Ledger is devastating. The acting world has lost a true artist and has done some amazing work. This just tops the lot!
It's hard to put down in words how amazing The Dark Knight really is. This franchise of Batman is looking highly impressive, very dark and I think we can all safely agree the follow- up will find it quite impossible to surpass the quality of The Dark Knight.