Heath Ledger's swan song...and it hit all the right notes.

Rating: 10/10 (20 July 2008)

Many critics and fans thought Jack Nicholson would flop as the Joker in the 1989 "Batman" movie. They were surprised to be proved wrong. Many critics and fans thought John Candy's last film, a Western-spoof called "Wagons East," would be hilarious. They were disappointed at being proved wrong.
Many critics and fans prayed that THE DARK KNIGHT would prove to be worthy of Heath Ledger's considerable talents. Their prayers were answered.
I have seen this movie twice, now. Partly, because of one theater's lousy sound system. But, mostly, because I just plain liked it.
Ledger's Joker has a more Gothic-look than Nicholson's. More similar to Brandon Lee's version of the Crow. And, the maniacal laugh sounds like an angrier, edgier version of the one used by Mark Hamill for the 1990's cartoon version!
Add to that, some truly frightening actions (I literally jumped in my seat when that hanged corpse came crashing against the window!), and you have a new kind of Joker. One you would have no trouble believing when he professes to being an agent of chaos. In fact, I would be willing to go one step further and call this Joker the personification of chaos!!!
Because, as played by the late, great Heath Ledger, this Joker is waging a one-man war against order. Never mind the law!
As for the rest of the cast? Maggie Gyllenhaal reminded me more of a brunette Kirsten Dunst, rather than Katie Holmes. But, she still put in a masterfully poignant performance as ADA Rachel Dawes. And, Aaron Eckhart, who I remember only from the romantic comedy "No Reservations," surprised me with the convincingness with which he played Harvey Dent.
Tommy Lee Jones and Billy Dee Williams, eat your hearts out!
As for Christian Bale, Michael Caine, and Morgan Freeman? Chances are good they'll be back for the next sequel. And, I can only hope that a slight quip made by Mr. Freeman--during the scene where Lucius Fox and Bruce Wayne discuss the lighter-weight Batman costume--proves to be an accurate portent of who will be the next Bat-foe to appear opposite Mr. Bale.
In summation, then (as Harvey Dent might've said): this movie is a fitting feather to posthumously put in Heath Ledger's proverbial cap. And, for that reason alone, you should all see this movie.