Christopher Nolan's second bundle of joy The Dark Knight EXCEEDED all of my expectations!!! With the success of 2005's reboot of the Batman franchise, they took what was already established and expanded it, amped it up, and gave a deeper, darker and brooding story that is more gripping and the suspense is likely to catch you of guard several times throughout. Christian Bale delves more deeper into Batman, sworn to fight evil and injustice, through also quite reluctant and uncertain if his crusade can ever end and cleanse his inner turmoil from his fractured soul due to the murder of his beloved parents. But with the help of his trusted butler/ally Alfred (played superbly by Micheal Caine) grounds him, gives him moral support, and keeps him in check. But the real star of the show is Heath Ledger as Batman's most deadly enemy, The Joker. I can honestly tell you that: as good as Jack Nicholson was in the 1989 Batman film, he is nothing compared to this Joker. He is sadistic, psychotic, and downright SCARIER and PSYCHOLOGICALLY disturbing than the previous incarnation of The Clown Prince Of Crime and Ledger gives it his all to do him justice. Along with the original cast comes some fresh faces such as Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal and more. As much as Katie Holmes was good in the last film, Maggie Gyllenhaal gives a much better performance and is a far cry from the "damsel-in-distress" stereotype (though there's a little of it, THANKFULLY) that's common in super-hero films. Bale and Gyllenhaal have vastly improved and feature more brutal and bone crushing combat than Begins in addition to new technology at Batman's disposal. Also worth mentioning is screenwriter Jonathan Nolan, who gives the film an added frosting to an already delicious cake. Simply put, The Dark Knight is totally more awesome than any previous installment of the Batman franchise. The action is great, and the plot is more deeper and engrossing. I applaud Christopher Nolan, Christian Bale, and especially Heath Ledger (who sadly passed away right before the film was released) and all those aboard for believing in Mr. Nolan's talents for this second installment. Although some may feel a bit of melancholy over Ledger's death, but as a final note I will say this sincerely from my heart: Remember Heath Ledger and honor him in your minds and hearts not only for his performances, but as a human being and father to his daughter Matilda Ledger. Remember... Horror him not only for this role and past roles, but as an incredible individual and talented actor. Rest in Peace.
I couldn't believe The Dark Knight could live up to the hype. That's perhaps the biggest surprise. The secret, I believe, is a stunning, mature, intelligent script. As a ninth-grader when this came out, it was something to behold. That makes it one of the best superhero movies ever made. As if that wasn't enough, Heath Ledger. He, the newest of the tragic modern icons present us with a preview of something we'll never see. A fearless, extraordinary actor capable to fill up with humanity even the most grotesque of villains. His performance is a master class. Fortunately, Christian Bale's Batman is almost a supporting character. Bale is good but there is something around his mouth that stops him from being great. The Dark Knight is visually stunning, powerful and moving. What else could anyone want. It's easily on par with 2019's Joker and Heath Ledger's posthumous Oscar-winning role as the Joker was ever so great that it rivals Joaquin Phoenix's performance. Though I honestly think this is even better.
10/10.
I couldn't believe The Dark Knight could live up to the hype. That's perhaps the biggest surprise. The secret, I believe, is a stunning, mature, intelligent script. As a ninth-grader when this came out, it was something to behold. That makes it one of the best superhero movies ever made. As if that wasn't enough, Heath Ledger. He, the newest of the tragic modern icons present us with a preview of something we'll never see. A fearless, extraordinary actor capable to fill up with humanity even the most grotesque of villains. His performance is a master class. Fortunately, Christian Bale's Batman is almost a supporting character. Bale is good but there is something around his mouth that stops him from being great. The Dark Knight is visually stunning, powerful and moving. What else could anyone want. It's easily on par with 2019's Joker and Heath Ledger's posthumous Oscar-winning role as the Joker was ever so great that it rivals Joaquin Phoenix's performance. Though I honestly think this is even better.
10/10.
