superb

Rating: 8/10 (27 January 2009)

I'm near speechless when it comes to describing this movie. Saw it opening weekend (regular sized screen as my local IMAX was sold out for DAYS.) And the pleasure to see the re release on IMAX (finally!)
The cinematography is astounding. Especially in IMAX). Nolan does an excellent job directing. The score is exquisite and powerful in supporting the actions and emotions. The CGI is kept to a minimum and supports the story and scenes instead of overpowering them. (Take a lesson Lucas!!!)
Bale is hands down the best Batman of the "Batman" franchise. He captures the emotions and conflicts of Bruce Wayne perfectly and that of his alter ego Batman. I'll be disappointed if they make another Batman movie in this series and start replacing Batmans. And no, the "growley" Batman voice didn't bother me.
Eckhart was a good choice for Gotham's white knight. He's convincing and easily able to make a believable transition from city hero to the bitter, disfigured twisted psyche required for Two Face.
The support cast as always is excellent. Freeman & Cain return, as does Oldman, who as always disappears into his role. Gyllenhaal is an awesome replacement for Katie Holmes. She gives the character of Rachel Dawes some dimension, emotion, and life, unlike Holmes's wooden, shallow portrayal.
And last but not least. Heath Ledger. There's not a word that exists that could adequately describe his performance as the Joker. Superb? Mind Blowing? Excellent? Chilling? Astounding? All these words don't even seem to measure up to level of performance that is given. As the Joker, he's frightening, psychotic, chaotic, twisted, evil, chilling. Ledger doesn't just play the Joker, he disappears into his character as "an agent of chaos." Ledger IS the joker. To say the least, I was absolutely blown away. As far as i'm concerned, there is nobody else even in that Oscar Cattegory. The void left behind by Ledger's tragic death is still felt, and will be for a long time to come. (Especially after viewing the Dark Knight.) Just Excellent. 10/10