When was the last time you were rooting for the villain in a superhero action film at least as much if not more than the hero? Try never. But with the highly anticipated Dark Knight, this is exactly what happens.
The theatre is abuzz with the superfans, out on opening day and as the film starts, you could cut the anticipation in the air with a knife. Never mind that everyone seems to have temporarily forgotten how to breath. Then, the opening shot...and you find yourself soaring over beautiful Gotham city and you exhale all your hope, anxiety and fear because YOU JUST KNOW... The Dark Knight is going to soar its way into Summer Blockbuster orbit - reaching far beyond anyone's imagination.
Immediately we are at the opening scene, a grizzly bank heist executed by a gaggle of clown -faced bank robbers working under the notorious criminal, the "Joker". And so it begins. Over 150 minutes of masterfully created (though not perfect) "everything-an-audience-has-been-looking-for-in-movie-entertainment-for-a-long-time".
And yet, the Dark Knight has more going on than you may expect. It explores new superhero film territory with a study in the depravity of the human condition, the very real threat of terrorism, mans internal struggle with himself and the light of the Dark Knight when we see why we should guard closely (lest it be stolen from us by the depravity of the world) our faith in humanity.
A complex story line is played out by a confident and totally capable cast of familiar from Batman begins (Bale,Oldman,Freeman), and the new and most welcome additions, ala Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent, Maggie Gyllenhaal as Rachel Bowes(You wont miss Katie Holmes one bit...I promise) and the most in-valuable asset to the film, Heath Ledger. Ledger's riveting iconic performance as the Joker painfully reminds us that he died much too soon. This all encompassing dark character leaves little room for well...anybody else. Although Eckharts Two-Face is superb and Bale does not disappoint as Batman. Bale is more comfortable and confident in this role as if he has taken the past 3 or so years to get to know his character a bit better. Even so, Ledger's presence onscreen takes over not only his scenes but casts his dark shadow over the gesthalt of all scenes. Ledger has created a frightening visual and haunting presence with his joker, one who in any other circumstance you would want to forget. But not this one. With a telling line he tells Batman, "I dont want you dead, You complete me". It is too brilliant what Ledger has done with this role (and what the Nolan Bros allowed him to do)and indeed you find yourself forgetting that Ledger is no longer on this planet and cheer him in arguably the richest, most complex and depraved villain to enter film history.
Although there are plenty, DK stands apart from other Superhero films in that it does not rely on its beefy action scenes or mind-blowing special effects, this a a superhero flic that actually has some quality dialogue.
Of course Batman still has even the Bat moves, Bat gear and Bat toys. You will LOVE the Batcycle!! It has all the stuff comics are made of.
With endless surprises you never really know where the end is going or what evil and mischief the villains will create next. Then, it is all over. The sure sign of a blockbuster? After all two and a half hours of the emotional angst and exhaustion of the Dark Knight, we are left revved up with energy and adrenaline and are already hoping for the next Batman film. Sans Ledger, sadly, but you will notice, we never have to see the Joker die so perhaps... just maybe...he lives on.