The Dark Knight (2008)

Writer-Director Christopher Nolan has created an amazing follow-up to 2005's Batman Begins. Returning with a stellar cast including Christian Bale, Gary Oldman. Michael Caine, and Morgan Freeman, Nolen also taps Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhard and Maggie Gyllenhall.

Without giving away crucial details, The Dark Knight picks up with Batman (Bale) teaming up with Lt. Gordan (Oldman) to dismantle Gotham City's criminal underbelly. A crusading young D.A., Harvey Dent (Eckhart) wants to assist the two and bring Gotham's crime scene to an end. But when the Joker (Ledger), a psychotic new villain decides to bring anarchy and mayhem, Gotham's heroes may have just met their match.

After viewing The Dark Knight, the film's staying power at the box office is evident. Chris and John have written a brilliant story beyond explosions and mayhem. The dialogue is as much an essential part of the film as are the characters.

The performances across the board are top-notch. Bale is stout. He embodies Bruce Wayne well, but once he dons the bat suit, he morphs into something completely different. He plays Wayne with two personalities: rich and bemused, menaced and annoyed. It's amazing to see. Caine and Freeman play powerful supporting characters. Oldman is subtly brilliant. Maggie Gyllenhaal is a a beautiful and engaging replacement for Katie Holmes.

Heath Ledger. His performance as Joker is commanding. Further enhanced by his death, I know, but the Joker more than surpasses Nicholson's turn. Nicholson's was macabre. Ledger's Joker is brimming with menace. Ledger's Joker is madness and evil incarnate. Nefarious comes to mind.

Aaron Eckhart is a treat. He is solid as Dent and phenomenal as Two-Face. What a villain. Cillian Murphy has a cameo as Scarecrow. I can only hope for that storyline in the third film.

The Dark Knight is solidly paced and uses every second to deliver action, drama, and reflection. {Yes, thoughtful reflection, courtesy of Luscious Fox and Alfred.} The film doesn't prostelzited, but rather gives pause to consider modern-day concerns.

Gotham City and Hong Kong are beautiful under Nolan's direction. The cinematography is equally sweeping and chillingly tight. Han Zimmer's score is a masterful compliment to the film.

The Dark Knight is Nolan's masterpiece. It's a film worth getting excited about and definitely worth seeing on the big screen.

Postscript 05.11.09 ~ Nearly a year later, The Dark Knight is still exciting. Though I'd temper my adoration of Ledge--still a knock-out performance, the atmosphere of the film is amazing. It's bleak... poetic and I enjoy it whole-heartedly. Still a must-see!