Exceeds all expectations!

Rating: 10/10 (24 July 2008)

This is what film making truly is! Christopher Nolan has taken the comic book story and turned this film into a complete masterpiece. The Dark Knight is intense, dynamic, and a truly beautiful film. Much like Batman Begins, the story is honest, and the audience believes it. The film is darker, we see the characters inside and out-and as we try and make sense of their actions so does Batman,but it only leads him to question himself and his purpose....thus the battle begins, the external battle of good vs. evil, and the internal battle, one in which Batman is struggling with throughout the film. "You can either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become a villain," a line passed on to Batman from Harvey Dent...as Batman tries to make sense of this, Gotham City is being swallowed whole by crime, led singlehandedly by The Joker.
Heath Ledger's portrayal of The Joker is historic. WOW. Phenomenal, amazing, terrifying, SICK, The Joker is all of this tied in to one(and so much more) The Joker haunts you, you fear The Joker...all while remaining completely in awe of what this man has done with his character. His makeup smeared, his laugh alarming- he is homicidal, enthralling,RUTHLESS, and why? The Joker makes it clear throughout the film that he is not your common criminal, he wreaks havoc simply because he can, and he will. He is in every sense of the word-evil, and yet he doesn't see himself that way..The Joker has his own point of view,and methods. If Heath Ledger does not earn an academy award nomination I don't know what I'd do, his portrayal of The Joker blew me away, I have never seen such a performance!! It left me speechless.
All aspects of this film if not considered to be perfection were the closest i've ever seen to it. The cinematography is just as breathtaking as in Batman Begins. The musical scores...POWERFUL, while you're sitting there wide eyed, heart pounding as if you've just run a race, the scores give you goosebumps, they consume you with their ability to enhance your emotions, and are just beautiful, captivating...beautifully captivating! The action sequences....GRIPPING! Wow.
Costume design- inspiring.
Cast - superb.
This is what film making is. This is what every film maker should aspire to do. GO SEE THIS FILM!! Every aspect of this film was perfect...