Nolan and co. triumph again with superb Batman sequel

Rating: 10/10 (20 July 2008)

THE DARK KNIGHT C-152min****(2008)D:Christopher Nolan. Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Eric Roberts, Cillian Murphy. Superb sequel to BATMAN BEGINS outodes it's predecessor, picking up one year after billionaire industrialist Bruce Wayne(Bale) became Gotham's shadowy protector. This time, a sociopathic menace known as the Joker(Ledger in a brilliant performance) terrorizes the heart of Gotham. Teaming with Lt. Jim Gordon(Oldman), and ambitious new District Attorney Harvey Dent(Eckhart), the Caped Crusader and the two do what is necessary to stop the Joker. Nolan's take on the Batman mythos in this sequel is darker, deeper in plot and storytelling than it's predecessor. Fine acting by the leads. Bale is a triumph as he plays the dual persona of Batman/Bruce Wayne, Ledger transforms into the Joker, making him one of the best villains in cinematic history. Eckhart gives a brilliant performance as fearless, crusading D.A. Dent. The film really belongs to these three performers. Oldman, Caine, Gyllenhaall, Roberts and Murphy are all excellent. First-rate production highlights Nolan's fantastic direction, Wally Pfster's dazzling cinematography, stunning stunts and special effects. Thematically rich and narratively complex, a real triumph. An American crime classic and and a brilliant piece of cinema.