Quite possibly moving into the most successful film of all time and here is why...

Rating: 9/10 (2 August 2008)

I will tell you right now that I completely ruined this film for myself. That's not to say that I didn't love it but this film might be one of the most hyped up, advertised, and talked about film of all time and 99% of it all was nothing but sheer greatness so you go into the film with high expectations which the film doesn't have any problem meeting. My problem was, despite the fact that I LOVE Batman (next only to Superman), grew up adoring everything about him, loved the movies until the disgustingly deplorable Batman and Robin, but I was determined to be critical of this film. I knew it would be great but I wanted to find the flaws in the bat armor and truth be told I'm not sure I could find any but constantly looking for it ruined the true greatness of this movie for me. Honestly I could write about this movie for pages and pages which is the sign of a great film. On top of that I almost wish I could with hold this review until I've seen the movie again and I will see it again!! Although a sequel of sorts with familiar cast members and Chris Nolan taking up the helm as director it absolutely stands on it's own merits and resembles more of a starting film that is pure brilliance but certainly Nolan gives loyal fans familiar tie ins from his original movie Batman Begins. The one thing I can be critical of in this film, is that while Heath Ledger is terrific as the Joker as everyone says he is, there are some equal if not surpassing performances by other members of the cast who are getting shafted.
It seems this time around star Christian Bale is getting a bit of flack for his flawless portrayal of the man with dual identities. I think Bale is absolutely brilliant, completely built for this role and makes it near impossible for anyone to ever portray The Dark Knight OR Bruce Wayne ever again. He plays both sides so remarkably that you truly can't tell he is both characters. His overtly raspy voice as Batman is perfect, dead on, and adds an heir of darkness and mystery to The Dark Knight that was all about gone in the second installment of Tim Burton's Batman. The late Heath Ledger plays the best Joker ever to come from the pages of the comic book. I adore Jack Nicholson but his Joker wasn't the Joker that we all knew from the comic book. Joker was meant to be deranged, disturbed, twisted, brilliant, cold, and evil. Ledger embodies all of that and makes you squirm when he's on screen. He literally brings the joker to life and kudos to him for his final performance. He does deserve the acclaim he is getting. That being said Aaron Eckhart is just as, if not better, in his role as legal crusader Harvey Dent and later the twisted Two Face character. Eckhart should be nominated right along with Ledger AND Bale because he is amazing. He holds your attention and his performance as Two Face is far too short lived!! Gary Oldman is also incredible in his role as Commissioner Gordon, very under rated I think. Maggie Gyllenhaal is okay as Rachel Dawes but certainly no better or worse than Katie Holmes was. The amazing Morgan Freeman seems to give a half hearted and much less involved performance as Lucius Fox. I think this most definitely will be his last go around in the Nolan's Batman series. Although he doesn't have a big role I'm still trying to figure out how Eric Roberts ended up in the potentially biggest film of all time??!!
The Dark Knight is the most unique super hero film ever made. It truly defines a Superhero epic. It's not so much an action film as it is an intense, dark drama about Batman. It really is the definitive Batman film and as much as I love sequels Nolan would be smart to end things right now because the odds of coming even close to this installment would be astronomical. Now the bad side...I hate the Batmobile or tumbler or whatever it's called. The new Batbike was okay but the scene with him driving up the wall was ridiculous and made me shake my head in disgust. I mean in such an epic well made movie how can you toss something in there so bad?! It felt like it was done on purpose. The Dark Knight is everything Batman should be and felt like it was very true to the comics and to the character. Certainly they didn't hold back how dark it was with some genuinely disturbing scenes and I was sure Two Face and whatever make up job they did would be disappointing and I couldn't have been more wrong. It was incredible and actually made me cringe when I saw it. Now let's talk Joker because obviously he is the focal point of much discussion and potential Oscar buzz. The Joker is phenomenal and everything you would expect from Batman's infamous nemesis. One of the greatest scenes in the film is Bale as Batman interrogating Ledger's Joker in the jail...just phenomenal. And when you think it's over...it's not even close to over. Ledger's Joker is disturbing and downright evil. The scene right from the bat (no pun intended) with Joker and his "magic trick" sets the tone for what this Joker is all about. Any way you look at it this just put a bar on superhero films that few others will ever touch. Go see this now no matter what you like because it can't disappoint and you'll leave breathless!! 9.5/10