Simply the best superhero movie of our time.

Rating: 10/10 (18 July 2008)

The crowds had started to pile out of the door waiting in anticipation for the 3 near midnight showings of The Dark Knight. Three showings attracted more of crowd than the same cinema usually does in a day. Some even had come in purple suits and elaborate clown makeup, a tribute to the late Heath Ledger, who's role as the Joker has prompted rave reviews and whispers of a posthumous Oscar. Though the Joker is indeed easily the most hilarious and chilling element of the film, it is not one of gimmicks.
The 185 million dollar budget might make you assume that this is yet another comic book popcorn Hollywood plastic fest that will churn another 300 million for the studios, but this film doesn't feel that way. Indeed one finds it hard to imagine such a large budget, because as he always has, Chris Nolan has made this film very realistic and gritty.
His take on Batmans world almost seems plausible in ours, only adding to the entertainment. Yet it also evokes artistic quality, something lacking in big budget films these days. The Joker and Batman's titanic struggle forces Batman to examine his principles, with the new DA Harvey Dent caught in the middle with his new squeeze, Rachel from the first film. Also shining is Gary Oldman (as always) who's nervous yet ballsy take on Jim Gordon is lovely.
It's hard not to focus on the Joker, whom Ledger has totally re-imagined as a (as he put it) "psychopathic, mass murdering, schizophrenic clown with zero empathy." His grotesque makeup chills, while his unabashedly terrorist actions thrill, and one never knows what horror he plans next.
Some may balk at the films runtime (over 2.5 hours) but make no mistake, there are no boring moments in this film. Eckhart manages to steal the show a little in the end with his lovely other half. Bale is fantastic throughout, though it almost seems like he is a little absent. Not because of his performance, but simply because Ledger stole the show completely. He gets my vote for best supporting no matter what.
Though some will laugh at this statement, this film has to be in contention for best picture. It's got everything you want in a film. Daring action scenes, incredible acting (and casting), brilliant writing, and of course an atmosphere buzzing with originality by Nolan. After passing over Memento and the Prestige, the academy has to give Nolan the best picture and director for this. This film HAS to be seen.
The films climax is so rattling, everyone in the theater left nearly silent, as did I, blown away by this outstanding film.