Surpasses all expectations

Rating: 10/10 (6 September 2008)

In 2005, director Christopher Nolan successfully rebooted the Batman franchise with "Batman Begins." The final scene of that film depicts the caped crusader receiving the news that a new criminal is causing terror in Gotham, a man who leaves a calling card which was revealed to be a Joker. From that moment on there was only one question on the minds of anyone who saw it. Who would be cast to portray The Joker in the inevitable sequel?
The rumors began, and the hype grew for the role that Jack Nicholson made famous. Finally, the decision was announced. Heath Ledger was to play the homicidal clown in "The Dark Knight." Ledger's casting came as a surprise to almost everyone, as his previous roles hardly suggested he could pull off the historic villain. That was until the public got a look at the young actor and his seemingly complete transformation into The Joker. Adding to the hype was the reports of the stunning performance Ledger was delivering on set, followed by his sudden death months before the film's release. These events set off an almost unreachable amount of expectations, curiosity and excitement for the film. I'm here to assure you that "The Dark Knight" meets the expectations, and then blows them out of the water.
This film is not only the best superhero movie ever made, it is one of the best films released in the past decade. It is a crime drama, character study and action extravaganza all packed into one triumphant masterpiece for director Christopher Nolan.
The biggest of the film's many strengths is the cast. Christian Bale returns as Bruce Wayne/Batman and delivers an understated, yet strong performance that shows a man struggling with his Batman persona and the consequences surrounding it. Michael Caine is once again Wayne's butler, Alfred. Caine is the consummate professional adding a sense of stability to the chaos of Wayne's life. The impeccable Gary Oldman delivers another great performance as Lt. Jim Gordon. Gordon has much more to do in this film, and Oldman's performance packs the emotional punch the character needs. Aaron Eckhart provides the film's backbone, as District Attorney Harvey Dent. Eckhart plunges his character from grace to madness with incredible ease, never forcing it. Rounding out the main cast is Maggie Gyllenhaal, a definite upgrade over Katie Holmes as Rachel Dawes, and Morgan Freeman, who seems to be in every movie but never gets tiresome.
However, the true star of this film is Heath Ledger. His performance is beyond any superlatives that exist in the English language. This villain belongs right next to, or even above Hannibal Lecter and Darth Vader in film history. Ledger is unrecognizable; he has disappeared into the make-up wearing maniac physically and spiritually. The Joker will make you laugh, scream and cringe all in the same scene. Ledger has created a true vision of evil. His Joker has no back story, but every aspect of him seems completely authentic. The film seems to get hit with a bolt of lighting every time he appears, and you'll want him right back when it's over.
"The Dark Knight" has become the second highest grossing film of all-time and it deserves every dollar. It is a perfect storm of a film. The film is huge, but never feels disconnected from its characters. The action breath-taking, but bathed in a sense of reality. "The Dark Knight" is candy for the eye and mind. Watch it more than once, and then go watch it again.