Masterpiece - 11 out of 10

Rating: 10/10 (19 March 2012)

Surpasses Batman Begins.
Anyone who rates this under a 5 has issues. Now onto the review...
Let me begin by saying that I did not watch this movie until months after The Oscars and Heath Ledger's posthumous win which I assumed his death had been a major contributing factor. WAS I EVER WRONG - My apologies. Heath Ledger stole every scene he was in and brought depth and excitement to The Joker like none before him. Outside of the Batman universe, Heath's portrayal of the Joker is easily a top villain. As the movie credits rolled, a profound sorrow overcame me and I was ashamed of the selfishness I felt because this Joker would never again delight me. I mourned a second time.
The script is excellent and full of great character interactions. As usual, top notch acting straight across.
If I was pressed to find fault, I concur that Bale's voice change as Batman is not optimal; but this is really nit-picking because there is not much leeway as far as voice modulation goes and I'm sure he wanted to deviate from his predecessors.
The Dark Knight Rises is so wonderful that I fear for its part three sequel because I can't imagine anything better. However, if there is one person that could accomplish this, it is Christopher Nolan. I hope he makes me eat my words.