The Dark Knight
Director: Christopher Nolan
Writer: Jonathan Nolan, Christopher Nolan
Based on: Bob Kane‘s comics
Sequel to: Batman Begins
Cast: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Morgan Freeman, Cillian Murphy, Eric Roberts, Chin Han
[Here’s my first review.]

Plot:
Gotham’s streets are considerably cleaner since the Batman (Christian Bale) started his work. Nevertheless, the mob is still going strong. So when the up and coming DA Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) and Lt Gordon (Gary Oldman) ask Batman to help with the rest, he doesn’t say know. But at the same time, a new villain is trying to make the Batman’s life hell: the Joker (Heath Ledger).

I know I just gushed about Batman Begins, but I have to gush even more about The Dark Knight. It does have its faults, but it’s fucking amazing and even better than the first film.

[SPOILERS]

One of the biggest faults the movie has, is the same as in Batman Begins: the action scenes, especially the long car chase through the tunnel, just suck really, really hard. It would have been better if they had done without that scene entirely. But one scene that doesn’t work in a film of its length: I’d say that’s a pretty good average.

The other thing that (still!) irks me is the whole “Gordon poses as dead” plotline that results in the introduction of James Gordon Jr instead of Barbara Gordon Jr? I mean, really? Really? You have the chance to introduce Batgirl, and you opt to go for the almost completely unknown son instead? No. [And while we’re on the topic of things that irk me: was it really necessary to fridge Rachel?]

But all that is eclipsed by Heath Ledger’s Joker. The film almost isn’t even a Batman movie anymore, but The Joker Show. And it’s not that the rest of the cast isn’t good (are they ever!) but Ledger just outshines them all at every moment.

And the resolution of the Joker storyline… When I saw it the first time I was frustrated by what I felt was the Joker winning. But actually, I’ve come to love this resolution: I love that it’s Gotham that beats The Joker, Batman just apprehends him. And even though Batman kills Harvey Dent, he also helps keep his memory and reputation alive. And let’s face it, Harvey was already gone a long time when Batman kills Two-Face. So I made my peace with that.

Summarising: Fanfuckingtastic.