I never want to watch another movie again.

Rating: 10/10 (20 July 2008)

Because it will be lacking.
The Dark Knight was one of, if not THE best movie I've ever seen. I know people throw that around a lot after just seeing something, but I absolutely mean it.
It's in that league with Empire Strikes Back. It's incredibly well written and acted, it looks beautiful, and it does things that no superhero movie before it has had the balls to do.
The story has many, many layers but it never seems cluttered, and none of it ever feels unnecessary. Even the supporting characters have actual, meaningful story arcs, especially Jim Gordon and Harvey Dent.
There are so many moments in it pulled from different Batman stories from over the years, either verbatim or slightly rearranged. I won't get into what they are as to not spoil anything for anyone who hasn't seen it yet, but fans who know their history and are paying attention will be VERY happy.
Earlier I said that this movie does things that no superhero movie has had the balls to do, one of the biggest ones have a lot of scenes of our hero out of the costume. There is just as much if not more Bruce Wayne than Batman in this movie, and not for once does it feel like a bad thing. That's because he's actually using that time wisely and doing some real detective work, which is another first for a Batman movie. It's a shame that that's taken so long.
I could get into how it's more of a crime drama than a superhero movie, which it is, but there are plenty of reviews out there that put that much more eloquently than I'll be able to. I will say that it was awesome to see a villain whose plan was more than "kill a bunch of people/hold the city hostage".
Speaking of villains, Heath Ledger was absolutely jaw dropping. I sincerely hope anyone who was disappointed in his casting is eating their words right now. He IS the Joker. From now on when I read Batman comics, I will hear is voice for the Joker. That's not to take anything away from Aaron Eckhart, who plays Harvey Dent/Two Face, because he was perfect. You really feel for him, and that guy has made a lifelong fan here.
Christian Bale is awesome as expected, as are Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, and Morgan Freeman. Thank god for Maggie Gyllenhaal, because I wouldn't be able to stand anymore Katie Holmes. Christian Bale really has all the aspects of Bruce Wayne nailed. He really gets that he's playing three characters. Batman, the real Bruce, and the irresponsible public Bruce. He has such a great presence and weight to his performance.
I really, really can't get into the story here, because I don't want to spoil anything, and also I'm still trying to process it. If anyone wants to discuss just message me.
In no particular order (mainly because I need to view TDK more times, and I'm tired): Empire Strikes Back Godfather pt II The Dark Knight.
yeah it's that good.