Honestly, what else is left to say?

Rating: 10/10 (20 July 2008)

It's pretty obvious now, here only three days after The Dark Knight premiered in theaters that this movie is one of the best of the year as well as the best Batman movie ever as well as the best superhero movie ever as well as one of the better crime epics over the last fifty years. Critics and fans all over the world universally agree with the above comments. I have to say, I agree as well.
There are multiple reasons as to why this film is so successful. The first and most obvious one is that of the performance of Heath Ledger. Like everyone else, Ledger creeps the heck out of the audience whenever he comes on screen and completely dominates every scene he is in. The character of the Joker here is so different from Jack Nicholson, even from the cartoon version in the animated series, which was quite good. Here, there are some jokes, but none too funny. Whatever the Joker does, he does only for self-entertainment or to cause extreme havoc and chaos. His character his developed enough to show that he has no remorse and even no reason to feel the way he does. If you want to spend money on a good movie, go see this one if only for Ledger's terrifying, Oscar-worthy performance, which is better in its short time than most other characters in whole movies.
Other reasons attributed to this film's success is that of Christian Bale, who is just becoming more and more perfect as Bruce Wayne, the arrogant and smugly rich billionaire who has his own dark side in his alter ego. Bale is so likable and looks so good in the suit, it's hard to think that anyone else, even George Clooney, could play Batman. The supporting cast is good, including Maggie Gyllenhaal who makes the character of Rachel Dawes even better than Katie Holmes did, as well as Aaron Eckhart, bringing a warm and comfortable sense to the character of Harvey Dent, yet can still match the powerful sense of pain and anger he expresses when he is Two-Face.
Still, perhaps the biggest reason why this film is not just popular but great is because of director Christopher Nolan. Nolan, already a hit with Memento, Batman Begins and The Prestige completely outdoes himself with flawless direction and incredible pacing during this two and a half hour epic that covers everything needed. The action sequences are some of the best I have ever seen filmed. The script from Nolan and his brother is really good with some excellent dialogue discussing serious subjects such as crime and the moral weights that affect all decisions we make. Mostly, this is more than a superhero movie. It feels more like a crime drama epic more reminiscent of Michael Mann or Martin Scorsese. The cinematography is perfect and completes the whole mood of this film: dark, depressing, and gloomy. Yet, there is still good being done in Gotham City.
The Dark Knight is there and he will never leave. And while I wasn't completely satisfied with the way things wrapped up, I am sure it was the right way to do it. So, save your money and don't bother getting popcorn or soda to have during the film. This is a completely engrossing and captivating picture that requires all attention. It may just win Best Picture in February, and what a treat that would be.