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Batman: The Dark Knight Movie Review
Reviewed by: Nemesis
Let’s begin. To describe the acting of Heath Ledger in this film, is the answer to this question. How do you take a ‘character’ that has been written, played, acted and established in so many variants then cast aside those images and define the persona?
This film is a perfect 10 because it sets the benchmark. If this movie wasn’t about a comic book hero and just a dark action drama then others would agree it is comparable to The Godfather 2. Why? When The Godfather 2 was released it was the measuring stick for sequels. In this new generation of films, this sequel is that mark.
The film is dark… very dark. Even during the day light scenes there is a shadow that carries the tone of the film. The Joker’s influence sets the pace of the film from start to finish. It seems that the good can never catch it’s breath! Just when you believe you’ll get a moment pause to take in the action sequence you just saw, then bam! There is another punchline. Another ’sick’ joke, or twisted gotcha that you weren’t expecting. Even the good guys had a ’surprise’ for the Clown Prince of Crime that had the audience cheering! Then at the point where you expect another wicked pun, you the audience and the Joker are unsuspecting.
One of the BEST aspects of this film is that it, with Batman Begins, stands alone. You don’t have to know the story behind Batman and the Joker. Who D.A. Harvey Dent or L.T. Jim Gordon are, and how they influence Gotham and Batman. Of course if you are a comic buff, or know anything about that area of the DC universe you pretty much know what is going to happen. Yet and still between the actors, the writing and direction you can slip into a ‘general’ audience type.
People were cheering, applauding and glued to the film more so than Iron Man on the premiere or opening day. The cool thing is that this was a sequel put everyone watched it with origin eyes! Not because of special effects, but because of story.
The ’stark’ difference between Batman: The Dark Knight and the films of The Incredible Hulk, Hellboy 2:TGA and Iron Man is the quality of story still wins over CGI, creature and puppet effects. This film of course had it’s share of special effects, but the writing was so superb and properly executed by the director it blew the visually gluttony with substance AND eye candy.
For instance, there is a sequence where The Joker cleans (or washes) his hands. You can miss it if you are just running with the bulls as it were as the pace picks up, but this speaks volumns because whatever should happen as a result of others, the blood spilt, doesn’t stain his hands. He had nothing to do with it.
There is only so much that can be said with out letting the cat out of the bag. I will say the 2 and HALF hours you are sitting is seemless, unless you are in uncomfortable chairs, or you have annoying audience members. If you are fortunate enough to see this film spoiler free (as I did), it is even better! The IMAX is worth it 100%. There are so many cameos from talented actors, both A-listers and B-listers. Everyone plays their part to a ‘T’. I mean you forget that Maggie G. is unattractive! Well, some may like her… but compared to Katie, she’s not as attractive. Anywhoo… she comes off as a hot little number too! If you pay attention during the second time you watch this film there are small jokes through out the film. In addition to deeper meaningful messages hidden in images and dialog. I will say the weakness of this film is that it is 2.5 hours long. If you are not totally into the film, you will check your watch a few times, slouch in your seat. If you become antsy easily or if you can’t sit still, this film may not be for you. That’s just being honest. Another plus to the film, is that certain information that others may deam necessary to explain, aren’t needed to be explained. The movie carries itself surprisingly strong with out having to go into a lot of detail about certain aspects to the characters, situations and the film themselves.
If you got expecting perfection, you will NOT find it in this film. You can always nick pick any masterpiece. You can find holes and cracks in any armor if you look close enough. In it’s flaws, however, is it’s strength. It may not be a perfect alignment of Script writing, Screen Play, Castings, Acting, Production and Director but it is DAYUM CLOSE!
This movie just KICKS ASS! There is no reason to attempt to compare previous versions or other CBM (CBM inspired) flicks.
Batman: The Dark Knight stands alone, looming.