The Dark Knight...A Review

I was up early on this summer Saturday in July to see the first showing today of the latest Batman installment, "The Dark Knight." I had been anticipating this sequel for about two years. I loved the last Batman flick in 2005. Generally speaking, I'm a superhero movie fan. Of course, this film has been talked about even more because of the late actor, Heath Ledger and his death just prior to the film's completion earlier this year. More on Heath later. So, on to the review...

Basically, I thought the film was great. It is a dark film. There are not many laughs, but I still enjoyed it. I'm okay with darkness. In my opinion, the darkness had a purpose. (My Boo disagreed on this point.) It tried to explore the side of humanity that we would rather not delve into but we all know exists. Also, it attempts to define, what is a "hero?" Can a "hero" be both good and bad in society's opinion if that is what society truly needs? How will people react in the face of their own death? Would they help others or help themselves? Very interesting to me. The story line gets a little hard to follow at times when certain cops become "dirty cops" and sometimes you feel like you're supposed to have a revelation about some character but you don't.... The special effects were awesome and it had one of the best truck crashes I think I've seen on film.

Christian Bale was very good, once again, as Batman. I love Michael Cain so in my eyes, he's pretty much always perfect but his point on humor as Alfred is so great. Morgan Freeman is back again but in a smaller role. Aaron Eckhardt played District Attorney, Harvey Dent and his reviews I read were not good. I disagree. I think he did a great job in this role. Maggie Gyllenhall...Um, not so good as Rachel Dawes. Where was Mrs. Cruise this time?

So, what about Heath? There has been Oscar buzz you know... Well, first, let me say that I hate it when there is "award talk" after someone dies. Don't get me wrong, I think Heath Ledger was one of the best actors around. If you saw the film "Brokeback Mountain" you know what I mean. In my opinion, that is the film he deserved to win the Oscar for. Even if you don't agree with the subject matter, his performance was brilliant. He was also excellent as the Joker. He was evil, but in a deliciously smart way. He was a villian with a purpose and in his own sick, demented way thought he was doing what needed to be done. Yes, Heath was wonderful in this role. He deserves all the raves he's being given. Oscar worthy? Well, I guess I want to see what the rest of the movie year brings us in the way of performances. But, Heath, he rocked the Joker like no one else....okay, except maybe Jack...
Two (of my) thumbs up!