A well done version of very well worn characters

Rating: 6/10 (5 December 2011)

hate to go all "emperor-has-no-clothesâ? here but I'm not understanding how this is regarded as one of the best movies of 2008. It is certainly a good movie â" the 2 Â½ hour running time goes by imperceptibly due to the steady, rapid pace. The special effects are remarkable particularly the "Two-Faceâ? CGI on Aaron Eckhart. Obviously, the cast features three generations of greater actors (including the tragically deceased Heath Ledger). I guess my issues are largely around the plot. Batman (be it Christian Bale, George Clooney or Michael Keaton) is just not an endearing enough character for me to really care whether he defeats The Joker or not. Also, how does The Joker recruit henchmen when he kills them all at the end of his capers? Don't henchman talk? Or at least notice when their numbers start to dwindle? Also maybe I missed it but Two-Face knew The Joker was ultimately behind the killing of Rachel Dawes, why did he effectively join up with him near the end of the movie? I guess this movie will be like "No Country for Old Menâ? was for me last year, I didn't understand why people loved that thing either.