amazing! a Batman film and so much more

Rating: Null/10 (21 July 2008)

It's a critical time for Gotham City: behind the strength of Batman less citizens are living in fear, yet the last remnants of the mob still seek to claim the city for themselves. Teamed with prominent cop Lt. Jim Gordon and golden boy D.A. Harvey Dent, Batman meets his match in The Joker—a wily, sadistic anarchist out to send a message to the citizens of Gotham. It's hard to envision director Nolan crafting a better sequel, transcending the simple boundaries of the comic book genre and creating a powerful tale of fate and chance, morality and justice, sacrifice and redemption that's rich in emotion and nuance, large-scale action scenes, ingenious plotting, and strong characterizations. In his final film, the late Heath Ledger (he died tragically following the film's completion) is nothing short of astounding, creating a deranged and remorseless evil genius whose threat to the hero is formidable. The most major criticism is that it goes on too long, with a few climaxes too many, but it's hard to complain while viewing such masterful storytelling. Too dark and edgy for the youngest audiences but still solid entertainment, arguably destined to be a classic. ***½