The Dark Knight

The Dark Knight is a rare kind of movie. It is so overhyped that it's almost impossible to believe that it could live up to your expectations. But guess what? It doesn't disappoint. In fact, The Dark Knight is a huge step forward for comic book / superhero movies. For years, these kinds of movies were seen as brainless summer popcorn flicks. You don't really need to think about them - just sit back and enjoy. It might not be particuarly thought-provoking or intellectual but at least it's a fun way to pass the time - great special effects, so-so acting, so-so story. The Dark Knight is whole different kind of movie. It's definitely not a brainless summer popcorn flick. It's a well-done, classy, smart film - the kind that will stand the test of time and the kind that should definitely be called a masterpiece. The special effects? Great. The storyline? Smart in every way. The acting? Well, it's out of this world (especially by a certain late actor... more on that in a minute). Director Christopher Nolan is back and better than last time. The story picks up a few years after Batman Begins lets off. Batman / Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) is still struggling to clean up the streets of Gotham. This time around he may get a little help in the form of White Knight district attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) who is the kind of politician who is actually trying to make a difference. He's also dating Bruce's old girl, the love of his life, Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhaal this time around who is about a hundred times better than Katie Holmes was). The mob (led by Eric Roberts!!!) is uncontrollable but that is the least of Gotham's problems. There's a new villain in town - he's absolutely out of his mind, embracing chaos, anarchy. He says at one point that he makes no plans. He's like a dog chasing a car but he doesn't know what he would do if he actually caught the car. He just acts without thinking anything through - and that terrifies the people of Gotham. His name is the Joker and in the hands of Heath Ledger he becomes the most terrifying, hilarious, downright crazy villain. The late Ledger creates a masterpiece of a performance. I don't see a scenario in which he won't win a posthumous Oscar for his work here. He's amazing and he gives the performance of his much too short life. Then there's that fantastic supporting cast - Michael Caine as the ever faithful Alfred, Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox and Gary Oldman as Lt. Gordon (who really deserves an honorable mention because he's pretty damn good as well). Overall, The Dark Knight is two and a half hours of pure entertainment. There's little to nothing wrong with the movie. Not only does it meet expectations, it surpasses them.

Grade: A