A truly shocking swansong never to be forgotten

Rating: 8/10 (25 July 2008)

What you've heard is true. You can't deny it's one of the best film experiences of the year, however it's ALL because of Ledger. Without Ledger, this would be just another solid but forgettable action blockbuster. Fortunately for IT, Ledger has graced the film with his "SWANSONG" performance, and it is one that will never EVER be forgotten. This is all because of his character, The Joker, which ironically and frighteningly enough HAS TO relate directly to the dysfunctional psychosis he had to be dealing with leading up to his decision to off himself.
The explosions are impressive, the soundtrack is effective, everyone else's performances are solid - but when Ledger comes onto the screen, you're not just watching a movie anymore - the room around you disappears and you have entered a truly morbid place. And I don't think I've ever picked up on anything like that in a movie ever before.
Honestly, all the performances/characters are solid but NOT INTERESTING when going up against the memorability of The Joker. The only exception to this is Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent, who does a great job of making his character stand out.
The last hour is all edge-of-your-seat. The kind of top notch action you're hoping for. But the first hour and a half, I was just kind of waiting around for Ledger to get his carcass back on to the screen. People are right when they say "he steals it" because he literally does. He makes most of the other actors seem like a joke when he's on the screen.
What it comes down to is: This is Heath Ledger's suicide note - it's one hell of an experience, which is not to be missed, and never to be forgotten.