Oh boy.

My only real complaint is that forcing Two-Face into a major villain role, instead of leaving him for the next one, made the end a bit muddled. If he's truly dead, then it's just a big waste. They should have ended with the scene of him in the bar (like that rumour from long ago stated), and had the Joker stay the main baddie throughout. But oh well.

As great as Ledger and Bale and Eckhart were (and they were all superb in their own ways), I think the unheralded performance of this film is Oldman. He's long been a favourite actor of mine, and he just totally owns the role of Gordon and makes him into a real hero of these films - a far cry from the version in Burton and Schumacher's films.

I loved how the film just dropped us into the middle of the story, with no exposition or backstory, and trusted we would figure it out as we went along. The plot got a little contrived at times, but most of it is heavy drama of the highest nature, and I loved it. The action setpieces were exciting and original, the camera was active and fluid, the visuals were stunning and remarkable.

Nolan and Bale and company were right. This isn't a comic book movie. This isn't Spider-Man or X-Men or Superman. We've already had that version of Batman. This is a fucking crime saga. A true epic. And I can't wait for the next one.

Great movie. Occasionally convoluted, but always masterfully acted. Ledger's Joker is, without a doubt, one of the best villains in film history.

Fell short of perfection.

Fell short of my #1 of the year.

Fell short of what I wanted, which could've never been met.

But how much short? || that much.

9.8/10 A+

The one thing about this movie... The fact that we will never see a role played with such devotion, such passion and creativity as we did with Heath Ledger's Joker. Absolutely phenomenal. Unparalleled to almost every character I've seen on film. Stunningly brilliant.

Well, if that wasn't one of the finest action movies ever made, I don't know what is. Easily an A+, and I want to stress this: See this beast in IMAX! Anyways, I'm really tired right now, so I'll just put down a few thoughts:

A+

Gordan's final speech is classic script writing, best film of the 00s cant wait to watch it again later today.

Guys, I have a question:

Do I need to see Batman Begins before watching the Dark Knight??

Yeah. So.

I have major issues with it. Sorry guys, best film of the year? Not by a long shot. Was it a good movie? Sure, bordering on really good even. But it is not the second coming or anything even remotely close.

It was too long. It had way too many characters and stories to follow and too many villains (Scarecrow, Two-Face and the Joke plus the whole anti-hero Batman...).

Burton got it right. His weren't too dark, they weren't too comical, they had the perfect balance of everything. This was just way too dark, way too serious (I might ask the filmmakers Joker's question...) and not a lot of fun. As an action film, it was good, as a movie itself it was well made, brilliantly directed, brilliantly acted and such. As a Batman film...it didn't hold up.

And another thing, Batman's "voice" really pisses me off. If he was wearing a full mask I could see it...but not like he was.

B

Yup he does. What Rachel said about Bruce halfway through the movie was completely correct about him even if things didn't work out that way and what the Joker said throughout the film was also very true. Batman truly is an egotistical bastard and even if he does keep stating otherwise, he truly believes himself to be the one true hope for the entire city. i hope they keep building on that.

not neccessarily no. though i dont see why you wouldn't watch BB first before seeing this.

I think

Man I love this film. I really cant articulate it right now as im extremely tired - but i'lll put up some jumbled thoughts.

Everyone was perfect in this. Ledger is beyond brilliant. The Joker is a psychopath, creepym crazy and the most enjoyable character to watch in a loooong time. Bale is better here than in Begins. I actually prefer him as Bruce Wayne than Batman (maybe its the Batman voice which irks me a little). Gyllenhaul is cute, sweet and sassy and it was sad to see Rachel go like that. Oldman has alot to do this time and he nails the role of Gordon. That leaves Eckardt as Dent. Had no idea he'd get so much screen time - but he's fantastic. Though it does seem he changes to dramatically after his "accident".

The Joker's tricks are crazy but work so well on screen. I have to say my fave scene of the film was when the Joker confronts the mob in the beginning.

Yeah the films a little long - could have been cut back 15-20 mins but I never felt bored or uncomfortable.

I know this is the type of film that gets better with a 2nd viewing - and i'll do that in IMAX.

Oh - and really how can you top this?? What is left to do in a third film??

Grade : A+

The one thing i was thinking about when i stepped out of the movie is something you just said. Standalone, TDk is just .... i mean .. i'm speechless about what it is. But where does this leave the 3rd? Penguin? Riddler? Bane? noneof those villains will work. Batman is a vigilante outlaw now and to keep the story interesting, he can't be seen battling mob bosses or gimmicky villains interested in him only ... we need Gotham to be in danger again which is something Joker did .. he really put the stakes up. I can't see the sequel working without someone like Freeze .. i really can't. i honestly have no idea what villain direction they'll take. its obvious the next film is going to be about batman's struggle with fighting crime on 2 fronts while saving his own ass. i also think that TDk gave some good glimpses at batman becoming a paranoid egotistical bastard and hope they keep working and building that.

if people had an issue with his voice, i think its just going to keep getting worse. the character is meant to be demonic to instill some fear into people and hopefully, they'll keep working that angle.


LOYAL come online. we must talk TDK.

Actually they wouldn't have to do any of that. The Joker is that dark in the comics so making him be sadistic in the film fits. There aren't really too many other villains in the Batman's Rogue's gallery who are that way. Now they will have to find a way to top the movie and I think there will be a final film in the trilogy. I think it sets up one more film pretty well since Batman is on the run and something will have to happen for Gotham to love him. My personal guess is maybe they bring in Ra's daughter and she could cause so much havok that Batman has to save the city.

Went to a 3:30 am showing, I am DEAD tired...maybe wasn't the best idea to go at that time I had a hard time concentrating on everything (though it moves quite quick either way), will try to see it again this weekend.

With that said it really is a ground breaking achievement in cinema....this was the night that comic films grow into a whole other level. I'd like to come here and say that Joker is great but the other cast members are just as good but I can't. Honestly, Heath Ledger makes everyone else pale in comparison (Nolan deserves some credit for creating this awesome rendition as well). There isn't one single second that I didn't absolutely love Joker, he completes Batman and this film.

Sadly an amazing talent has been taken away from us and with him an amazing trilogy that was developing with Batman and Joker. Theres really no replacing Ledger, it's going to be futile.

Grade - A

@bABa: I know this is from left field, but isn't there some story line involving Batman vs. Superman in the comics? Is that because Batman does become a sort of vigilante and thus become a villan of sorts as well? Superman then comes to the rescue??? Forgive my ignorance. LOL When I left the theater, I felt as if Batman was set up in that awkward role for something big to happen like a showdown with Superman. Like you said, it feels like the movie hints at something MAJOR coming in the next film.

its an alternative timeline .. doesn't exist in the real timeline at all. its a what if story.

Atmospherically, TDk has set its sequel up to be something massive. I honestly can't see it working without Joker right now. And I can't see Joker working without Heath.

Considering this movie is about to break the opening day record, i doubt thats ever gonna happen and we both know it. so we gotta keep thinking of what they CAN do.

Well it is too bad they kill off Ra's since I could see him being able to do something truly epic. I think WB will try to find a way to finish off the trilogy. I imagine they will throw all kinds of money at Nolan to think of something for a third act. If anybody could top this movie it is him. As for the Joker, I am not sure what to do about him. If Ledger was still alive I say the Joker would be in the film again, but now I don't know. I guess they could spend money and get Johnny Depp to play him, since he is the only actor alive who could even come close to pulling it off.

Does Scarecrow even count since he's in it for less than 5 minutes? Really...

Two-Face, was he even really a villain? It's not like he was hunting down Batman. He was more of a vigilante imo who was going after the people involved with Rachel's death.

Joker was the only villain and every other bad guy was a side show.

As for Batman's voice, yes it is still somewhat annoying but that's so nitpicky.

When the whole movie he's talking like that and it makes no sense, yeah, it is a big deal.

Well I'lldisagree on the 'no sense' part. there is a reason why he sounds like that specifically. but yes, i dont think you're nitpicking. if you find it annoying, he does speak like that through the whole movie so yea ... it would be a problem.