Overrated, but still really great

Rating: 10/10 (14 May 2016)

This film has for nearly a decade now been called the peak of perfection when it comes to comic book movies, and well, I can't say I disagree. While this film is dark, and features barely any moments of childlike wonder, for example Superman first taking off in Superman: The Movie, it remains an enthralling film to watch, and one that is never short of entertaining. It isn't really much of a superhero film, it's more like a drama/crime/action film, and I'm not complaining. If the MCU has taught us anything, it's that the same formula gets boring after ten movies.
The strongest aspect of this film is the characters, particularly the villains who are developed magnificently. The Joker gets more screen time and is generally the one who people talk about, but I think Two-Face, played by Aaron Eckhart, is just as good. Throughout the film he goes through this journey into madness, reaching it's conclusion when half of his face is burned off just as his love is blown up. It's a very touching scene, for a very tragic character. The Joker is excellent also, though his plan makes no sense at all, and his motivations are never explained, other than, "I like causing chaos." Even then, he is very entertaining to watch and Heath Ledger most certainly deserved that Oscar he received. Christian Bale does a good job at Batman/Bruce Wayne, though his Batman voice is extremely cheesy and laughable to watch. Batman himself could also be developed, but really, this film is mostly centred around a Batman who is at the top of his game. Michael Caine is great, though he doesn't get much screen time, and Gary Oldman is perfect as Commissioner Gordon. The action in this film is fantastic, I'm so glad Nolan didn't do shaky cam again like in Batman Begins. The car chase is a visual spectacle and is relentlessly entertaining. Sadly, though the camera-work is very good, the cinematography is really quite boring. Just a load of grays and blacks, it isn't very interesting to look at. Though really, the flaws I mentioned have little impact on the film, and only bring it down slightly. All in all this film is very great, and certainly deserves it's reputation as the best comic book movie.