Outstanding! A Masterpiece, a few flaws but nothing major.

Rating: 9/10 (24 July 2008)

As a massive and long time serving Bat-fan, I have at last seen my hero done justice on film. (I loved Begins, 89 Batman, Batman returns) Shoemaker killed him, and Nolan resurrected him like a fiery phoenix!
Aaron Eckhart surprised me the most, Probably because Two-Face wasn't ruined with all the hype and trailers. Great acting, great character. Awesome face Effects!
I am lucky enough to have read all the Graphic Novels and comics that this film takes its elements from. Seeing things that have been on the page become reality is fantastic. "Something the nay sayers on here have obviously no idea about!" Some nay-sayers have said, Batman is for kids and they walk out shocked because of its violence!" Well, to those people, may i recommend Batman & Robin? "I cant believe i found an audience for that film". Well done IMDb.
That said, This is a violent film. One of its very few flaws may be its PG rating, as not only is it too dark and scary for kids, but it is too complex! This is an adult film! And not one to bring your Gran to neither.
Great storyline, great acting on all counts. great character development. Beautifully filmed. Great action,pacing,stunts and all the hype about Joker, even i got a little sick of hearing about it. BUT, after seeing the film, It was all well deserved! Joker truly is a work of art in himself.
And I believe that this film did not sell well because of Heaths untimely death. I was anticipating this film as were most since the end of begins. Why would people want to see a film just because an actor died? That sounds morbid to me. This sold because of his acting skills, and word of mouth that this film is truly a work of genius.
Bits i wasn't keen on...
Things that weren't in the film that i was expecting to be, were my only major problems, but, I'm hoping they will play a big feature in the 3rd instalment. "Bat-cave etc.."
I also had a few problems with the visual design of batman's suit and mask, and speech. That's cos i'm a bat-fan, and an artist. The bat-suit/mask while practically explained in the film, was a massive leap away from the comics, which is something the rest of the film was perfect. So ugly design is the costume stuck out a mile for me. Some love it, i hate it. Its the reason i gave this film a 9 and not a 10. The central character is after all BATMAN, and part of what i love about batman in the comics and previous movies is the LOOK. But, who knows, maybe he will get a prettier costume in the next film. I love Bale as Bruce, but i still prefer Keatons quietness and look as Batman. Maybe for Bat-3 Bale will find a middle ground, and not so shouty.
If you loved or hated this film, pick up the graphic novels... The Long Halloween,
& Dark Victory.
The source material for this film. And for the haters, maybe if you read these fantastic books, you will appreciate the film better. And finally realise that Biff,Pow,Bam!is from a very different era, and one that has past. Time to let it go.
Hopefully CRISPIN GLOVER will be in Bat-3 as RIDDLER. And TIMOTHY SPALL will play PENGUIN.
Maybe BANE could make an appearance? Place your bets for next bat-villains! Hopefully a new Batmobile and Batwing for 3 as well?