Batman vs. The Joker

Rating: 10/10 (23 February 2017)

The Dark Knight
Christopher Nolan continues the highly acclaimed Batman Trilogy with The Dark Knight which remains one of the best and darkest comic film of it's kind. Of course this action packed film has massive explosions, guns, and money, but that's not what keeps fans intrigued. It's the depth of the characters. Christian Bale, as Batman, has made an intense mental and physical commitment to his role. From The Machinist to The Dark Knight, not only did Bale gain over 100 pounds and get trained in the Keysi Fighting Method, but he presents the indomitable will of Bruce Wayne with an air of prestige. Bale did this by developing Bruce Wayne beyond the script and into a tough, dark, and damaged billionaire because anyone who spends their free time dressed as a bat gallivanting through their city has some issues. He portrays the complicated, unmasked Batman with minimal smiles, smart comments, and extremely passionate actions. Covertly equipped with his black mask, Batman transforms into an immortal symbol of hope for the helpless people of Gotham. Bale acquired many fans and critics alike through his appearances, but when it comes down to it, he did a marvelous job that carries on the legacy of Batman. With such a highly praised superhero, what villain can possibly match that reputation? The answer to that my friends is the Joker, and what unexpected casting Nolan did with Heath Ledger to play him. Some of Ledger's past characters consist of a knight in shining armor and a nice sheep herder not exactly the kind of guy you think would be at the top of the list for playing an insane supervillain. Even though at first I was skeptical about the casting, I underestimated Ledger, he surpassed all expectations of presenting this classic villain. His constant licking of his scarred cheeks and his calming expression under every situation makes him fascinating to watch. While Batman Begins was the set up for Bruce Wayne's past, The Dark Knight is the time for the Joker. The Joker, a man of manipulation, is directly antithetical of Batman which makes them quite possibly the best superhero villain combo ever to exist. In this movie his goal is to prove to Gotham that in dire situations, anyone can be just as horrible as he is and it's Batman's job to prevent that from happening. Now Gotham's new DA, Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman), and Batman are a great trifecta of awesomeness that's all gung-ho about cleaning up the city. But Gotham City deserves a better classic criminal and that's when the Joker comes in at the worst possible moment for the good guys and threatens to demolish the symbol of Gotham's hope. The Batman. Christopher Nolan has done Warner Bros. justice. He definitely did his research on the comic lore The Long Halloween, which is where much of his inspiration came from. Nolan leaves us with many questions scrambling around in our head at the end, but also with all the answers we need. Just don't forget, the Dark Knight rises.