rightly rated, nothing more, nothing less

Rating: 10/10 (14 August 2008)

I give this movie a solid 8, which by no means matched the undeserved hype it has inevitably received. This is a solid summer epic, which proves to be a clever and exciting sequel to the successful Batman Begins. Nolan provides a dark, sinister and human insight into Batman, concluding that the Batman needs Joker and the Joker needs batman as they are actually rather similar- insecure, complex 'freaks' as the Joker says. Almost everyone had high expectations before watching this, eager to see the late Ledger's widely praised performance on screen. The movie starts of tense, fast and straight to the point, introducing all the characters in their different contexts accordingly. Zimmer's epic score lifts the movie to great proportions, you can't take your eyes off the screen. The plot is by no means original, but does does give great justice to each character and the interplay between them. Then comes the acting.. Bale provides the necessary humanistic subtelties and mannersisms in Bruce Wayne's character. He has great screen presence. AS Batman his voice is slightly off putting sometimes, but that is a minor flaw. Gyllenhaal is a necessary step up from Holmes, providing a sophisticated and elegant fit to Rachel's character. Eckhart is the right man for the job of Harvey Dent/2 Face. He is a good looking man thus making the 2 face character even more disturbing to view. The juxtoposition of his face to the monster's is incredible. He is a good actor too, but in this movie he really shines, managing to play the confident, suarve and profressional Dent with great ease. Oldman appears consistently throughout the film. I do feel he has acted better in other films, for example Leon. But to be fair in this film he doesn't need to immerse himself incredibly in the character. And then there's Ledger. I didn't see Ledger in the movie, i saw the Joker on screen. And for that there's nothing more i can see. If i see somebody completely different i know then he has trascended completely beyond the barriers of acting. Just sit back and enjoy what is the true Joker. Sorry Jack. All in all a fantastic movie which is rewatchable. Not only is it entertaining but dark, sinister, thrilling and sometimes emotional