“Batman – The Dark Knight” Review

Damn.
I apologize that the first word of my review is a cuss word, but “wow” would just be an understatement for the film “Batman – The Dark Knight.” I saw it in IMAX during opening weekend and was absolutely blown away by the acting, cinematography, writing and directing. This is a complete package, a near perfect movie.

Pros:
- The acting. This is an ensemble movie. From the gangsters to the convicts to the pretty ladies at the parties to the all star cast – the acting is superb. What an amazing group of actors who, no matter what small part they played, put their all into their performances and it comes together to make a very captivating movie.

- The Story. This is a villain movie. We've already learned Batman’s back story and now we get to see his limits tested. There is a changing and evolving city as well as changing and evolving criminals at Batman's heels. It’s fascinating to see Batman realize what Gotham City really needs.

- The writing. Witty yet subtle, just the way I like it.

- The directing. There is only one person to be credited with making this film a complete package and that’s director Christopher Nolan.

- Heath Ledger/The Joker – Ledger’s “Joker” is funny, likes to spice things up with a little bit of chaos and is a killer with no plan. Some actors relate to the character they play and therefore put that emotion towards their performance making it more genuine. The Joker is the complete opposite of anything that I might think that Ledger was. So to be able to create a completely different person and make that performance believable is the ultimate goal for an actor, I think. You do not see Heath Ledger on that screen for one second and that is the talent we will all miss.

- Aaron Eckhart/Two Face – Two Face is a torn man which is also reflected in Batman. They are both conflicted between what is right, what is fair, and what is just. I really like this parallel and Eckhart does a terrific job of showing the emotional hurt and complete break down of what was once Gotham City’s “White Knight.” (Awesome article on Aaron Eckhart by John at TheMovieBlog.com)

Cons:
- It’s a little long.

- Not enough Morgan Freeman or Michael Caine.

Unique Qualities:
- The cinematography is AMAZING and really IMAX is the only way to truly appreciate the images and scenery throughout the movie. The opening shot alone in IMAX makes you feel like Batman flying over Chicago…I mean Gotham City. There are also some spectacular shots of Hong Kong.

- I left the movie theater (and still a few days later) saying to myself “I cannot WAIT for the next one!! What’s going to happen?!”

Did you see it? Any thoughts or reactions to it? Any rumors about what will happen in the next movie?

“Basically, I'm for anything that gets you through the night - be it prayer, tranquilizers or a bottle of Jack Daniels.” – Frank Sinatra

So may the prayers, tranquilizers and JD be with you and see you next time.
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