Ledger does not disappoint, billionaires bloodied, Dent dented.

Christopher Nolan weaves a tale to honor the “Dark Knight” and stays true to the brutality of his laughing nemesis.

To Summarize…

Without a doubt the finest screen adaptation of the Joker ever portrayed. If that alone doesn’t sell it to you, how about the best action sequences, comedic-timing, supporting cast performances and effects that I have seen in a while (and I recently saw Hellboy 2!)?

Now for the full review…

The Dark Knight is the VERY highly anticipated sequel to Batman Begins. The Batman franchise was a bit of a killing joke in and of itself until The Warner Brothers re-boot of the detective in 2005. Grounding the character of billionaire crime fighter Bruce wayne with heavy hitter Christian Bale and a somewhat more serious tone, meaty cast and a visual feast, DC and WB finally gave it the respect it deserved.

Now DC’s love child is learning to run. We are spared back-story and most of the character exposition. Batman is growing up and learning some serious life lessons. For example, in this film alone he is facing; copycats, psychotic madmen, misplaced hope, betrayal, losing faith in mankind, redemption, crippling depression, vicious dogs, exposure, and a little sprinkle of love – lost. Combine all that with an ass-load of anger, intimidation and clever twists and you have “The Dark Knight”.

[Read no further if you have not seen it - you have been warned]

Batman (Christian Bale) is trying to breathe life back into Gotham. To save it from itself (usually with little regard for insurance rates and general public opinion). After all, As pointed out in the beginning of the film by Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy) Batman does not do subtle. He is going up against organized crime and wants to him them where it hurts most. The wallet.

Alfred (Michael Caine) manages to keep him on track (most of the time) and serves as Wayne’s conscience, confidant and our link to his childhood. In ‘Knight’ We see Wayne’s desire to have a normal life – to get out of the suit, the car and the violence. But there is someone who won’t let that happen. Ever.

The Joker (Heath Ledger) is a brutally chaotic force that will not leave Batman alone – said to Batman in his own words, “you are just too much fun!”. He seeks to unhinge people, make them do what they do naturally, destroy each other. The Joker is played with such dark edge, such precisely delivered (sometimes almost elegant) comedic violence and twisted humor that it takes you ideeper into the Joker’s mind and your own than most anyone is willing to go. Ledger brings a villain that is smart, funny and dynamic to the party then hangs a pinata full of death over the entire dance floor. He is frightening, funny and fast – Pure Joker.

Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) is played with such conviction and feels so much deeper than the rest that ultimately his change at the end felt a little rushed, and I had a bit of an Anakin Sywalker moment. I honestly thought I missed something. Kind of sad given Dent was intelligently played and morally planted like so much emotional re-bar.

Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhaal) was served up for the sake of the story, but Gyllenhaal carried her own in the testosterone fueled mayhem. Pinned between the new love of her life and her past Rachel makes the strong decision. The right decision. She demonstrated some real emotion from a tough as nails Assistant DA instead of being a simple damsel in distress a-la so many others in this film genre.

The only disappointment in my opinion (aside from crashing a Lamborghini) was from Gary Oldman as the promoted “Police Commissioner” Gordon. He really did not have me believing the plight he was inat the end of the movie. He felt detached while his department was being shredded. Maybe disappointment is too harsh, but I have come to expect a lot from Oldman. Note to director: his plea scene should have played more like Brad Pitt from Se7en when he finds out what is in the box. More raw emotion, less shouting. We should have seen him turn into a whimpering train wreck willing to do anything (just my opinion).

Finally I get to a character I was not expecting so much from but impressed me. Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman) is a great public face for Wayne Enterprises. His character is funny, noble, and as Q to Batman’s Bond, he is believable witty and has all the weight a CEO should have. Freeman obviously relishes this role and enjoys working with Bale and company.

In summation, I loved the film and with box office numbers to prove it, others did as well. Go – you will NOT be disappointed.

My rating: 5 stars