The Dark Knight Review

Wow.  As a very big fan of Batman Begins, and as one of the many that hated where the 90's Clooney/Schwarzenegger Batmans' took the series, I must admit that this movie blew me away.  Christian Bale again played the conflicted superhero to perfection.  Morgan Freeman provided another excellent performance.  Aaron Eckhart was also excellent as Harvey Dent.  I must admit that the gadgets have gotten even better, The Batman motorcycle makes an extended appearance and thank god Robin and/or Alicia Silverstone isnt riding it.  For us Chicagoans, we can get excited as half the movie portrays Chicago as Gotham. Lower Wacker Drive, the Financial District, Navy Pier, our skyline all are featured.

Everything I've said to this point cannot even begin to describe what made this picture great.  No superhero movie can become great unless its villain steals the flick.  That is what made Tim Burton take Batman to the next level.  Jack Nicholson, Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer, all played incredible villains in the first two Batmans.  Ledger, takes even those performances to a new level. He is maniacal yet charming at the same time.  I am deathly afraid of clowns, and he will probably haunt my dreams as much as the clown from Stephen King's IT, yet I'll still think of his portrayal of the Joker fondly.  If he does not win Best Supporting Actor for this movie, then there is something seriously wrong with the Academy.

 With that said, go see the movie.  It's about 2 1/2 hours and feels like 45 minutes.  Just go already... it is a true summer blockbuster.