A Must See.

Rating: 9/10 (15 June 2010)

Another of DC Comics turned into a movie but unlike other Batman movies, this sequel does what others in the Batman series failed to do. This sequel actually got better. I thought it would be hard for me to like this film after seeing the first Batman movie with Joker being played by Jack Nicholson. Heath Ledger took this role on and out did himself. Heath Ledger truly dived into this role the way no other has. You feel that he could actually be the Joker in real life. The Joker made this movie a success. Christian Bale continues to show us why he is fit for this role. He doesn't try hard to be funny like previous Batman actors and has the right fit, build and soft natured. The use of camera angles allows you to believe that he is the same tall figure like in the comics. Rachel Dawes who was played by Maggie Gyllenhaal, who replaced Katie Holmes, brought the role to life. She was a part of the character and you got the feeling that she had a presence throughout the film. Michael Caine who plays Alfred brings his usual soft spoken and smart wit to this character. He keeps Bruce Wayne grounded during this film and reminds him that he is still human. The theme of the Dark Knight is action adventure with a mental battle between Batman and the Joker. The Joker understanding that Batman has one rule that he is unable to break without becoming an out of control vigilante. The Joker will spend the rest of this time trying to break Batman of this. He advises the rest of the Mob that the goal is simple, Kill the Batman. Towards the end of the movie Joker tells the Batman that he can't kill Batman because without him, there is no need for the Joker or no reason for the Joker to exist. I think of a simple line from the movie Speed, The whim of a Madman. This line portrays the Joker to a T. Like the movie Speed, music or the score and dialog dictate the pace of the film. During Intense dialog moments or when the director wants you to focus on what is being said, background sound is at a minimal. When the scene is heightened and the pace of the film is increased, the background music or outside element noise is heightened. Batman does this very well. Like most films there is a love story that is taking place between Harvey Dent and Bruce Wayne's former love Rachel Dawes. Bruce wants to be with Rachel but as long as he is Batman, he can't be with her. Rachel however, has already been lost to Harvey Dent. The love story is just a small part of the film and if you have not seen this film, you are truly missing out on a dark, but yet intense film. Graphic in nature at times, it's the best and last performance of Heath Ledger. The film could have been much more gruesome with the way that the Joker kills his victims but the camera always cuts away from the scene when the Joker kills someone up close. This film will quickly become one of your favorites. So go out and watch it tonight.