Epic movie-making

Rating: 8/10 (5 May 2012)

This film is so huge, it would be best for me contemplate the story so soon after seeing it before submitting a review. One reason for the crowds is that now Heath Ledger will reach legendary status with this being his last film. That makes this film an instant classic. Nolan could have folded to the pressure of the hype, and somehow tripped up on this sequel. Indeed, it took a lot of effort to avoid the genre conventions when piecing this story together. One particularly applauds the addition of Aaron Eckhart, but also his character. They both have integrity and a larger-than-life persona that works with the rest of the acting troupe. Eric Roberts works well as a mobster, but Morgan Freeman has a pretty thin role this time around (and may get thinner). So much screen time is devoted to Harvey Dent that it takes away screen time of our main character. Even our main antagonist. This actually works in the film's favour, as overall, we get to see just enough of them after the 2 1/2 hour running time. The film is very aware of the backstory built-up in the first film, that means we need to see very little of Bruce Wayne's life. The Joker is very slowly revealed in the story, another intelligent approach, giving the audience just small tastes of the Hannibal-like appeal of a criminal-minded genius. This is a villain with a complexity unmatched in any comic book movie brought to the screen. Every time Joker does appear, you know something unpleasant is going to happen. It is very hard to discern the actor Heath Ledger with complete facial make-up and greasy hair. The intensity of Ledger is surprising, something no one but Nolan seemed to know when casting him, which originally had some people's head scratching. I agree an Oscar nomination would be warranted as much as Hopkins did in "Silence of the Lambs". If there any sequels with the Joker, the actor will have some very big shoes to fill.
Next to the character the Joker, there is other good news. We get a wicked Bat Motorcycle, some large set pieces involving trucks, helicopters, and more trucks. We get a damsel in distress situation that shows this film has a dark side. The ending of the film, operatic in it's arc, leaves with a notion that we the audience should decide if we can really root for Batman, regarded by Gotham as a vigilante. You also wonder how you can top an event film like this. Everything is big in this film (partially shot in Imax), Hong Kong skylines and big shootouts. Also ever present is the loud soundtrack, especially with a large sound system at the Imax theatre I attended. The subwoofers had plenty of work, as each bullet fire, explosion, even Batman's voice, was full of bottom end. Punctuating these loud sections was a signature crazed cello piece (penned by Hans Zimmer), representing the Joker's fringe of sanity.
My only complaint is a couple lapses in logic for the big finale, and the twitchy feeling that I was ready for the film to end just near the climax. Minor to say the least.