Brilliant

Rating: 10/10 (20 July 2008)

Little more can be said... The Dark Knight was simply brilliant. Never have I seen a comic book movie explore the metaphysical depths of morality, bad conscience, resentment, vigilantism, and justice to the extent that Nolan does here. The story takes so many abrupt left turns and on-a-dime twist that it leaves you as dizzy as the breathtaking action sequences are themselves.
If there were any flawed traces left in those tautly edited reels they are erased by mesmerizing performances from the entire cast. Freeman and Caine's chops ranged well beyond just being two clever and witty old men. Bale surpassed what he did for Begins. Eckhart is able to take a somewhat clichéd character (thematically and in appearance) and generate it into someone complex, brooding, and yet seemingly fragile.
Ledger's performance alone should and will haunt you for years to come. He truly becomes what he proclaims himself to be, and agent of chaos, a juggernaut that fuels anarchy and tragedy like an all consuming fire. Despite how disturbing and unnerving his humor becomes, you can not help but give a macabre chuckle. The sequence where the Joker appears in a nurse's dress becoming frustrated with an explosives detonator while bangs and fire surround him is a riot.
Believe the hype! This is may be one of the best movies of the year, let alone the best movie of its kind.