The Dark Knight One Of The Best Films Of 2008

Rating: 10/10 (6 September 2009)

The Dark Knight is one of the best films that came out during the summer of 2008. It has a great ensemble cast, an intricate story, suspense, thrills, exhilarating action, and some small doses of humor that lighten up the serious mood of the film from time to time. Writer/Director Christopher Nolan gives us a worthy follow up to his 2005 blockbuster hit Batman Begins and he continues to show his talent as a filmmaker with this one. Christian Bale reprises the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman and he continues to be the perfect choice for the character especially in the action/fight sequences. He portrays him with intensity as Batman and at times vulnerability as Bruce Wayne. The voice Bale came up with is fitting for the character and it didn't bother me. In The Dark Knight Batman finds himself in a battle for Gotham's soul against his arch nemesis a rising anarchist criminal mastermind known only as The Joker played with psychotic menace by the late Heath Ledger. Ledger owns the role from his very first scene and gets some of the best lines in the movie. In fact the rest of the cast (Bale, Eckhart, Caine, etc.) also get some memorable lines like Ledger. This Joker isn't given an origin story and I think that was a wise move from Nolan. He's unpredictable a man with nothing to lose which makes him that much more dangerous. His character is an absolute a self prescribed "agent of chaos." Ledger gave this role his all and it shows in the movie. He definitely deserved that posthumous Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his performance. Rest in Peace Ledger. Returning from Batman Begins are Michael Caine as Bruce's most trusted butler Alfred and Morgan Freeman as scientific genius Lucius Fox. Caine isn't in it all that much and Freeman sort of disappears for most of the second half before reappearing later in the third act but the two veteran actors make the best of their short screen time. They both provide some comic relief and have great chemistry with Bale. Gary Oldman's also back as incorruptible Lieutenant Jim Gordon and is given more screen time. Oldman inhabits the role of Gordon and does an effective job with his role. Well done. Aaron Eckhart is equally impressive as both crusading District Attorney Harvey Dent and later the psychotic revenge driven vigilante Two-Face. Eckhart gets the role of the character down and his tragic transformation perfectly. The special effects used to create the burned part of his face are fantastic. Maggie Gyllenhall is good as Assistant D.A. Rachel Dawes replacing Katie Holmes. She's a woman torn between two men and Gyllenhall makes the best of her limited screen time. Director Christopher Nolan does a great job of handling the large supporting cast without making the film feel overstuffed with too many side characters. Scarecrow fans may be a bit disappointed since Cillian Murphy's character from the first one only makes a very brief appearance in the beginning who could be used for another sequel. I read some reviews complaining about Bale's performance, his screen time, and that he played second fiddle to Harvey Dent and The Joker who stole the show. I for one thought Bale turned in another solid performance and like he does get less screen time in this sequel than he did in Begins but he's still the main character. Bale's in it a lot more compared to some who make cameos while others show up for extended appearances throughout the film. Batman Begins was all about Bruce and his journey into Batman. This film on the other hand is an ensemble piece that focuses on; Bruce Wayne/Batman, The Joker, Harvey Dent, and Jim Gordon giving all four actors plenty of moments to develop their characters and shine. Bale seemed to be in the bat suit a little more than Begins but I think in the end he got just as much screen time as Ledger, Oldman, and Eckhart. As far as Bale being overshadowed by Ledger I didn't feel that way because he may not have the flashier role (like Ledger) but he still gave another strong performance none the less. The performances by Bale, Ledger, Oldman, Eckhart, Caine, Freeman, and the rest of the cast made this film the box off hit it was in 2008. The Dark Knight is one of the best sequels ever made period. This film has a good soundtrack by Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard who collaborated on Batman Begins. It suits the tone of the movie very well especially at the emotional conclusion. Batman's new vehicle The Batpod is a perfect vehicle just like the Tumbler for Batman to get from one place to another. I also enjoyed that after a few opening action sequences Nolan gets right into the drama by reacquainting us with returning characters (Bruce, Alfred, Gordon, Rachel, and Fox) while developing the new ones as well (The Joker and Harvey Dent). There was a nice balance between the character development, action, drama, suspense, thrills, and some light moments of humor. The action sequences are well executed which felt realistic and not something made up a computer making it that much more intense. The amazing Tumbler/Batpod chase is one of the best ever put on screen that will have you on the edge of your seat and the interrogation scene between Batman and The Joker is just as impressive. There's so many memorable scenes and quotes in this film the list can go on and on. I thought the ending was fitting and it makes you wanting another sequel. Overall The Dark Knight is an exceptional sequel thats a thrilling crime drama with suspense, some humor, and plenty of intense action especially the second half that moves at a steady pace even with a 153 minute running time. If you're a big fan of Batman Begins than chances are you'll enjoy the Dark Knight just as much.