Very good and enjoyable but not a Masterpiece

Rating: 8/10 (31 July 2008)

I saw this movie a few days after it came out because all my friends saw it and said it was great and they loved it. The hype for the movie was crazy. However, the movie wasn't an all around masterpiece. I have read some reviews saying it belongs up there with movies like Goodfellas, The Godfather, and many many other greats. Not even close in my opinion. The ending wasn't really great in my eyes with the joker not dying. I know Ledger died and he played the joker but its not like everyone on set knew he was going to die.
As for the positives, I enjoyed the movie. Ledger's performance was outstanding as was the rest of the supporting cast. Eckhart, Caine, Oldman, and all others were superb in their respective supporting roles. Ledger's performance is Oscar worthy but I'm not sure I want to give the nod for this movie to receive a best picture nomination. As of right now, I would say yes but the Oscars aren't for 6 months. Many other great movies will come out that are better than this one. However, I do think the best supporting actor category is over with Ledger. He was already robbed once in Brokeback Mountain and so was the movie of best picture. The entry of the movie with the bank robbery is outstanding. The movie does deserve many Oscar nominations.
RIP Heath Ledger