This is finally the movie everyone has been waiting for and it's definitely worth the wait. The Dark Knight is a direct continuation of the Batman Begins and it involves Batman facing his deadliest adversary ever, and my favorite villains of all time; The Joker. As sadistic and maniacal as he is in the comics, the Joker is really an impressive character ever to be portrayed on the big screen and I'm sure everyone would agree with me.
When the first teaser came out, I was very skeptical about the Joker at first due to his appearance. The insane criminal was supposed to have his skin permanently bleached in white from a toxic mishap, just like in the comics, so why in the movie the Joker is an ordinary lunatic with makeup? Based on my comic book knowledge, I've never heard of the Joker putting makeup and lipstick on any form of media before. The Joker has always started of as an unknown dude being pushed or forced into a pool of acid, which altered both his physical appearance and his mental state and thus the clown prince of crime was born. The comic book said so. The animated series said so. Even the lousy Tim Burton movie said so. That thought really had me thinking and thinking for months and I was worried that the movie will not turn out the way I want it to be. But after watching The Dark Knight, I was truly impressed with what both Christopher Nolan and the late Heath Ledger did to the character. It was spectacular, fabulous and a terrific performance. I guess Nolan wanted to proof to fans like me that a guy doesn't have to be insane by jumping into a pool of acid. Most people criticized about the Joker's superior skills stating that the madman was just too powerful and could negotiate with mobsters, making him truly untouchable. Sorry to disagree but that's how the Joker works. As crazy as he is, the Joker is by far a really strong individual who can coerced people into working for him or with him just like that. And his antics what can I say. It's really astounding.
Heath Ledger really played his part well, but as we all know he died too soon this year by a sudden death. Again, I was surprised when Nolan announced that Ledger would be portraying the Joker because before the Dark Knight I've never heard of this actor before. I'm dead serious. Sure, I saw the movies The Knight's Tale, Brothers Grimm and Brokeback Mountain but I really didn't really notice the actor that much. But lemme tell you, he's 100 times a better Joker than Jack Nicholson. Sure, most of you would disagree with me saying that you can't compare between the two because both of these Jokers portray different kind of personalities. Jack Nicholson played as the Joker brought to life from the classic 60 Batman TV show and the Joker from the Dark Knight is a darker version being inspired by the newer comic books. I'm somewhat agree with the two but my vote goes with the darker Joker. It is the same Joker I know and love since young and I'm glad Nolan saw that, which was why Nicholson was not even chosen for the audition for the Dark Knight. Ok, I think I'm getting a little out of hand with the Joker thing but that's what this movie is all about. He is really a true villain and the star of the show. I look forward for the next sequel. For those who are not a true Batman fan or new to the series, you might be confused with these two new Batman movies and the previous four movies before that. In short, Batman Begins and the Dark Knight are the new Batman movies that retells how Bruce Wayne became the Batman. It's entirely a new and fresh universe to replace the four previous Batman movies which most people find them inferior. For Batman and Batman Returns, both directed by Tim Burton, it had good plots but the atmosphere was too dark and violent and people complain. So Burton was out of the project and Joel Schumacher replaced him and directed Batman Forever and Batman & Robin. Both were much more catered for kids which was good, but they somehow butchered both the storyline and the characters making Batman and the gang looked ridiculous and stupid, definitely not being treated the way it should be. Warner Bros had no choice but to cease any films involving Batman due to the poor reception of Batman & Robin. Now you see why Batman Begins and The Dark Knight are important because that's how you do a Batman movie. Shame on you Tim Burton, and shame on you Joel Schumacher. Batman fans my ass.
In conclusion, The Dark Knight is a must see movie for the summer of 2008. It's a bit longer than its predecessor but it's worth watching it from start to finish. All actors and actresses were fit to be in their roles (With the exception of Rachel...damn you Tom Cruise!). The previous movies before Batman Begins had all their casting wrong. Commissioner Gordon was too fat, Penguin was too scary, Catwoman was too crazy, Robin was kinda old, and the list goes on and on. Aaron Eckhart plays a good Harvey Dent, better than that crappy version played by Tommy Lee Jones and don't get me started with The Riddler. Christian Bale what can I say, he's got the looks and the charisma to be both Bruce Wayne and Batman. Only one problem, his voice as Batman is too grumpy and weird. I know Bruce Wayne alters his voice when he becomes the Batman but I think Bale exaggerated it too much. Bottom line, this movie rocks. It's the perfect Batman movie and it's really an in-your-face to the previous four Batman piece of crap movies. You must watch The Dark Knight.
Plot: 10
Sounds: 10
Performance: 10
Replay Value: 10
Overall: 10
Score: 10/10
