Mixed feelings...sort of

Rating: 10/10 (29 July 2008)

This is only the second film I've reviewed that I've given 10 stars to, and to be honest that is mostly based on Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker. In some ways I feel the film has suffered as a result of Ledger's death and all the hype around this portrayal and you cannot help but ask, how much of the adulation and the Oscar rumours are due to his untimely death back in January. That said, I've been looking forward to seeing this film since I Ledger's death and the comments on his performance, particularly from Michael Caine - some of the praise from such an established actor about someone still so fresh, relatively, is staggering.
I was absolutely delighted by Ledger's performance - that at least wasn't ruined by all the hype. His psychotic hilarity is delicious. The disappearing pencil trick is quite horrific, the more so because of the intense, aggressive indifference he manages to conjure up. But for me (and I urge everyone to look out for it), that defining moment of the performance is the video that Alfred and Bruce watch together: the strangled roar "LOOK AT ME!!!" is so unnerving it defies belief.
In summation, I think this is a fantastic film. It lives up to the ambiance of its predecessor, and I believe Ledger's cult status is well deserved. Go see it and enjoy it, I promise you won't be disappointed!