The Dark Knight

Now Batman is back and fighting crime off the streets of Gotham City in The Dark Knight, sequel to 2005's Batman Begins.  If you really want a plot summary, see Mandy's review below.

Now on to my thoughts.  This is different from any other comic book movie adaptation we've seen before, it's basically a crime epic using comic book characters.  The film is very dark, complicated and realistic, like Batman Begins, but it takes it to a whole other level.  I really liked the movie, amazing acting, story, direction, special fx, everything is very well done.  Although I do agree with Mandy that it is too long and in a couple tiny parts I lost interest as well, but I think my overall excitement for seeing this movie overcame them.  I do however disagree with Mandy about Batman's voice.  He's trying to hide his identity and intimidate criminals, so he has to change his voice, I think it works well.

Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker, in my mind, is one of the best villains I have ever seen in a movie.  He is so creepy, unpredictable, funny and scary that you're excited every time he's on the screen.  Speaking of screens, this film MUST be seen on an IMAX screen.  The scope and resolution for the 6 scenes that were actually filmed with IMAX film are phenomenal.

There's great action and suspense, at times the action feels a little too spread apart, but the intensity of the film and acting keeps you interested in the story, although the ending is a little drawn out.  Overall I really liked it and highly recommend it, but at the same time I feel like it's almost too much for a comic book inspired movie.  I don't know, almost too realistic maybe, like I said it's basically a crime epic, almost Godfather-like.  At times I kind of wanted a little more of the fun of say, Tim Burton's 1989 Batman.  But it truly is an awesome version of the Batman story.

***1/2 out of 4 - Must see (and Heath Ledger's performance just may be Oscar-worthy)