One of the greatest performances I have ever seen

Rating: 9/10 (30 July 2008)

Let me start by saying that I always like the first movie of a superhero series best. I love the telling of how the character becomes who he/she is and watching the character go through training to get to the point they need to be. So the second, third, and sometimes fourth movies are at an unfair advantage when being rated by me. So when I went to see The Dark Knight I tried very hard to remember that fact and keep an open mind about the film.
Now, that being said I absolutely enjoyed this movie! Almost every aspect of it was entertaining while not being too dumbed down. The action was a better than Batman Begins because this time you could actually see what was happening. The problem with the cape being in the way of all the action was solved, and allowed for the audience to feel every punch, kick, and grapple. I was permitted to fear for the main character unlike in Batman Begins.
The plot of the movie was gripping. I did not believe that the riot and madness at the climax of Batman Begins could be duplicated, but it was and may have actually been surpassed. The way that people were 'forced' into their actions was ingenious. It actually made one think, unlike most crap that is thrown from the undergarments of Hollywood.
While the action and plot were both well done, there is one variable of this movie that set it aside from any other superhero movie. The final performance of Heath Ledger. I must admit that when I first saw that Ledger had been cast as the Joker, I was extremely skeptical. This just did not seem to be a role that he could pull off, but he did. And not only did Ledger pull it off, he mastered the Joker. He took the Joker to a whole new level of crazy, insane, and funny(in a way). His performance actually made me believe that the Joker was nuts. From large moments in the movie to little quips and "magic tricks", every time the Joker filled the screen this movie was more than enjoyable.
Now comes the hard part. The part that I always wish was not present in a movie but somehow always sneaks in, which is why I could not give this movie a ten. This is the part where I must share my complaints about a movie, no matter how glorious and masterful it may be. Luckily, my complaints about this movie are not large, and may even be seen as picky.
To start, Gotham was not the same Gotham in Batman Begins. It is as if it was picked up, shaken about, and set down, in a new location. I was wondering throughout the movie if we would see the train that had such a prominent role in the first movie. Yes, I know *part* of it was destroyed, but that does not mean it would not be repaired. Even if it was not repaired there is no possible way all of the track would be entirely removed.
There is a motorcycle stunt in the middle of the movie which is absolutely ridiculous. If you have seen the movie you know what I am talking about. If you have not seen the movie then once you watch it you will understand. I know that theoretically it is possible but if you cannot perform the stunt without CGI, and poor CGI at that, do not put it in the film. Especially when the stunt was so unnecessary!
Finally, I must admit that I did not like the performance of Maggie Gyllenhaal. She did not remind me in any way of Rachel in Batman Begins. Therefore, I ended up seeing her as a different character altogether. In addition, and I know that this will upset some people, she did not look very attractive. So when there were certain people drooling over her it was completely unbelievable and made me want to laugh more than anything.
Overall, however, this is a great movie and I would suggest to anyone that if you can see this movie, do it. If you like a movie with good action, a twisted, sinister villain, and a plot with depth, you will most certainly enjoy this tale.