Sets a new standard for superhero movies

Rating: 8/10 (29 May 2011)

Christopher Nolan's The dark knight, sequel to the 2005 batman begins, definitely sets a new standard for what to expect from a superhero movie.
The story focuses on the battle between batman (Christian Bale) and the joker (Heath Ledger). The story brilliantly touches on themes of good and evil and how hero's get corrupted. The story as a whole is very well written and is always moving, things never start to get stale.
On the other hand, the action sequences are also top notch as well featuring batman's usual fist-fights with other things such as some great chase scenes. I also have to give extra praise to the films opening scene, while I won't ruin, but I will say its a brilliantly clever scene that sets up the Jokers character for the rest of the movie.
Although even though the story and action are strong and the camera work is great giving some beautiful views of the city of Gotham, its really the performances that make this movie. Heath ledger leads the way with one of the greatest performances I've ever seen in any movie. playing the joker in a dark yet realistic way. Gary Oldman plays police chief Gordon very well and both Morgan Freeman and Micheal Caine give solid performances as well. Two people I think always get underrated from the dark knight are Maggie Gylenhaul who plays batman's old girlfriend and Arran Eckhart who plays Mob lawyer Harvey Dent, who mainly displays a lot of the films themes of corruption and chaos. While Christian Bale plays Bruce Wayne/Batman, his acting is solid, just hugely overshadowed by Ledger.
Overall the dark knight isn't just the greatest superhero movie ever its also one of the greatest movies ever, hugely boosted as well by heath ledgers Oscar winning turn as the Joker.