The Batman movie we all wanted to see, but never had the chance!

Rating: 10/10 (25 July 2008)

Long ago, two otherwise good directors set on their own respective campaigns to make two Batman movies. However, the result was, in the first case, inappropriate, and in the second, disastrous.
After watching Batman Begins, I was left satisfied. Nolan really took the helm of the film and gave us a better, far more developed Bruce Wayne/Batman.
Looking back, Begins wasn't really that good. The emotional arc was flawless, but the plot went too slow and the action was not properly presented, with not so good or memorable villains. But I understand now that Chris Nolan and David Goyer felt rather obligated to tell the origin story, just so they could make the sequel.
The Dark Knight is just excellent. Let's start with the story. Great. It's deep, mature and very realistic, and most certainly, not too fantastic or unbelievable. And, unlike any of the previous, this time there are real characters. Three characters are the gems in this movie: First, of course Batman. He's no longer the inexperienced vigilante, but more of the professional crime fighter. And his suit just gets better and better. And, at the end, he's a publicly misunderstood hero, but still chooses to protect the people. Funny, though. Batman appears less than before. The story is more focused on Harvey Dent. The district attorney who gives everything, even his safety, to eradicate crime from the streets. Now, there are several nods and hints to his character's fate that only three year olds couldn't figure out. The coin, "his face is in it", the oil. And still, Eckhart provides a sympathetic genuine performance. His downfall transformation into the famed Two-Face is gradual but effective, and acts as a real tragedy. And the make-up done on his second face was brilliant. Just as I remember in the animated series.
But, none of these characters are so satisfying and spine tingling as, (drum role please)... The Joker. Finally! After the disgusting misinterpretation of the character Jack Nicholson made, Heath Ledger finally gives us the Joker we all remember and (ironically) love. Not only the coolest villain in years and the most intense character in ages, but also Ledger's greatest performance. He's sarcastic and a wise cracker, but also dark, sinister and a real bastard. And I love it! The Director deliberately put an inside joke in the story. When The Joker is about to fall while laughing and is ultimately saved by Batman, the Chris tells us: "It's not Tim Burton's Joker again. We haven't seen the last of him". Too bad for Heath's departure. I don't think it would be wise to hire someone else for the next movie. Even still, his posthumous work is the best in his career. Best Joker ever!
As for the other actors, what can I say? GREAT JOB. Even Rachel Dawes, with inconspicuously switched actresses playing her and a rather expendable character, was good. Commissioner (at last) Gordon also deserves acclaim. He's not just a person in the background, he's Batman's true ally and the human monument to integrity.
Alfred seems a little out of place here. He has some importance, but, just like Batman, we don't see him a lot this time. But I can't say anything bad about Michael Caine's performance.
The only thing I did not enjoy was the music. Sorry, Mr Zimmer and Mr. Howard, but your score sucks! Nobody will ever beat the Danny Elfman theme.
As a drama piece, it's excellent, and as an action ride, it's even better. Two words: FLYING CARS. The trailer crash was not just awesome, it was actually beautiful!
Chris Nolan managed to make right everything Burton and Schumacher threw down the drain. The villains, of course. It's almost an "F U" to Burton, Nicholson, Schumacher and Lee Jones. "THIS is the way you should have done it" And the lighting, we finally left the dark cheesy sets passing for Gotham streets and saw some daylight in a real city.
Christopher Nolan deserves to be thanked for the honor returned to it's rightful owner. Batman is here. In the best movie of the year. 100 out of 10 stars! Let's just hope the trilogy curse doesn't strike again.