Does the hype let the viewer down?

Rating: 10/10 (9 August 2008)

So, the hype is relentless and the calls for Heath Ledger to get an Oscar had me wondering if this was Hollywood unashamedly plugging a film. I wondered if, on a visit to the cinema to see the film, would it fail to live up to expectations. And I was feeling a bad taste in my mouth over the anticipation that Heath Ledger's would be good but not have the wow factor.
So, I went to see the film last week.
Wow! Quality film and an amazing performance by Heath Ledger. Even a cynic like me loved every single minute! It's a two and a half hour film that never slows down and allows you to check how long it has been running for. Who cares - just keep on going. That felt like forty minutes filled with pure entertainment.
I don't know if Heath deserves an Oscar but, should he not get it, the performance that is awarded the Oscar will be for an incredible display from another actor. Heath Ledger, without any sentiment to the actor due to his death, puts in an incredible display and is dark and comical. All the actors were superb in this film.
In the UK it has a 12A certification but I'm not sure if I would take a 12 year old to see it. It is a fantastic departure from stereotypical Hollywood American-dream drivel that is so often churned out.
Brilliant!