The Dark Knight

I think with this movie review I could take away the title and also take away the movie poster and just simply say the phrase "Why so serious?" and you will immediately know what amazing movie I am reviewing is that of The Dark Knight. Nolan picks up right where he left off from Batman Begins, but while the first one was dark and gritty, he took this one another step further with the nemesis of the Joker. The Dark Knight is more then just a movie it is a phenomenal piece of art. Everything in this movie from the scale, to the acting, the atmosphere, the music, the action, it's all art. I have not experienced this level of greatness in a movie in a long time. This film is the darkest Batman, as well as one of the darkest, most gripping films, ever made.

Bale continues his gritty portrayal and does an excellent job as our caped crusader, who has a flawed personality that hangs on the balance between righteous and crazy. His perception of justice causes an emotional and personal shift, whether he is a rich guy who fights crime in a suit or just a regular guy who is sick of all the injustice in Gotham City and decides to give the psychopaths a dose of their own medicine. Because of this, and Bale's tremendous acting, the Bruce Wayne character is justified, and we, the audience, emphasizes with Bale's flawed hero. Bale plays the role of righteousness versus insanity in such a way that it plays so well together.

Ledger though is the real star of this show, as he steals the show with every scene that he is in as the villainous Joker. This rendition of the Joker though is like no other before and is truly the best. Ledger's portrayal of the Joker is downright evil, psychotic, corrupt, insane and even a little terrifying. With a more scary then funny rendition, he shows audiences the Joker is undoubtedly Batman's greatest foe and his perfect nemesis as he challenges Batman every step of the way. With his cynical smile and his proclaiming that Batman is a freak to the public just like him. This helps to show us the reason behind Bruce Wayne's struggle with the balance of righteousness. Ledger though makes this role legendary. 

The cinematography is truly some of the most amazing scenes. The cities of Gotham and Hong Kong are  

wide, yet there is this dark aura of crime and corruption all around of them. It really blends in well with the film, giving it a distinct and unique look. Quite simply, this is the best Gotham city in any Batman rendition. Wally Pfister has done an excellent job. To accompany the atmosphere is the tremendous music score by movie music maestros, James Newton Howard and Hans Zimmer. With talents like these, the score is unforgettable. It is tension-building at times, and throbbing and glorious yet dark/moody during others.

Nolan has done it again. Nolan has made his "I will always be remembered" movie, this is the crown jewel in his portfolio. Perfect directing, perfect story, perfect balance between action and drama, everything is perfect. The dramatic scenes are engaging and the action sequences are crisp, thrilling, and will blow you out of your seat. Nolan's direction is tense, whip-smart, kinetic and smart. All of the action sequences are realistic, "bombastic", and CGI is used only when necessary (Steve Spielberg and George Lucas, take note). The new vehicle and some gadgets look cool and stylish and do not take away the film's credibility and realism. There are a lot of action sequences to boot, some of them combining themes from above. You will have to see them to believe them. The brothers Nolan have done it again.

Seriously, to me this film does not have a single flaw in it that I can see.  After having seen this movie and knowing how amazing of an improvement this film was I am truly looking forward to seeing what Nolan and Bale do in the third installment. For the perfect acting, amazing cinematography and the fact that this movie truly is a masterful piece of art I am giving this movie five buckets of popcorn out of five. This is a truly must have DVD.

-The Movie Man-