The epitome of a second act.

Rating: 10/10 (16 December 2016)

It's amazing that in today's Hollywood, The Dark Knight which contains brutal action violence, crash courses in law and justice logisitics, themes that joint comic book fantasy with real world darkness, authentic filmmaking, and the casting of Heath Ledger which repeled fans; it's the highest grossing juggernaut of 2008 and a classic in the Superhero genre. Does it still hold up?-In my opinion, absolutely yes.
The film takes a familiar concept and twists it into something distinctive from other superhero films. The struggle between the Police and the Mob is excellently crafted and manages to never be boring. Bruce Wayne's story arc, though more subdued in comparison to the other two films in the series, is meaningful. His morals and viewpoints he channeled in Batman Begins are challenged to the Max, and he doesn't give up until the end. Maggie Gyllenhaal is fantastic as Rachel Dawes; as her character also serves the story, as she is fighting to preserve the Legal foundation of Gotham City. She's not a stereotypical damsel in distress (looking at you Mary Jane Watson). Aaron Ekhart gives his best performance as Harvey Dent. The buildup to his transformation into Two- Face is fascinating and tragic in all the right ways. James Gordon, like Batman, is driven to do dirty work in the name of virtuousness. The ending is beautifully dark and leaves the door open for more.
Everything that has been said about Heath Ledger's portrayal as The Joker has been said, which is what makes him my favorite movie villain; the embodiment of pure and nihilistic Pandemonium. The score that plays in his scenes-"Why So Serious?", is chilling and petrifying. This film serves as a tribute to Heath as he proved himself as a substantial actor before the making of this film with the likes of Brokeback Mountain.
I've loved this film since it came out, and all of this is why I believe this film and the rest of the Trilogy will be remembered fondly.
Grade-A+