Best Batman movie ever

Rating: 10/10 (18 July 2008)

Besides being a top-notch superhero flick, The Dark Knight is a gripping thriller that surely raises the benchmark for future superhero movies. For a film with a running time of 152 minutes, it is amazing that The Dark Knight does not have any dull moments. The fast-paced tone of the film is set from the first scene itself. Director Christopher Nolan goes into much darker territory with this film that is reminiscent of the critically acclaimed 1980s graphic novels The Killing Joke and Dark Knight Returns.
After his hard-hitting performance in Batman Begins(2005), Christian Bale proves yet again why he is the best on-screen Bruce Wayne/Batman. Throughout the film, he comfortably switches between the goofy playboy Bruce Wayne and the gruff-voiced vigilante Batman. Batman's struggle with ridding Gotham City of all crime continues in this film and it is made more difficult by the rise of a deranged killer called Joker.
At last, two of Batman's most formidable nemeses  Joker and Two-Face  are portrayed in a manner that is true to the comics. Even before the film was released, there was much hype over the late Heath Ledger's performance. After seeing this film, I truly believe he deserves every bit of accolade. He brings out the real madness of the Joker, being both funny as well as scary at the same time. Compared to Jack Nicholson's Joker in the Batman(1989), his portrayal is more sadistic and maniacal. Then there is Aaron Eckhart, a highly underrated actor, playing Harvey 'Two-Face' Dent. Eckhart fits into the roles of the virtuous Harvey Dent and the vengeful Two-Face with such ease that you can't help but marvel at his acting genius. Like a lot of comic book fans, I hated Tommy Lee Jones' campy take as Two-Face in Batman Forever(1995). Thankfully, Eckhart's performance helps in erasing those painful memories of Batman Forever.
Veterans Morgan Freeman, Michael Cane and Gary Oldman return to their roles and make for a strong supporting cast. Special mention should be given to Maggie Gyllenhaal in a very heart-warming role as Rachel Dawes.
Apart from these superb performances by the actors, the visual and sound effects are breathtaking. The script is very tight with no loopholes and the editing is really crisp. Techno fans will love the new Batsuit, Batpod and array of gadgets that Batman uses. Special kudos to the cinematographer for the awesome camera angles and lighting techniques. All in all, it is a high-octane entertainer that delivers what it promises.