[blackthorne]

By now you're probably sick of hearing people talk about the film and are just interested in actually seeing it. In which case, what the fuck are you doing reading my review?

With that said, a lot of what you'd expect is all there. I knew there were major expectations for the film, and Nolan essentially delivered.

First off, the performances. Okay, yes it's true- Ledger's version of the Joker is absurdly good. There isn't a moment or a line that he doesn't speak where your eyes are not glued to the screne. The truly great thing about the Joker here aside from the fact that he's not Nicholson saying stupid shit and using retarded gags (wasn't a fan of Nicholson or Burton's vision) is that he's equipped with really good dialogue. He's not just a creepy presence, but a creepy layered presence with a compelling perspective. Whether menacing, or humorous there's always a thematic weight to everything he says so he's never QUITE a caricature, silly as that may sound.

Gary Oldman, is also very good. A lot of people want to see him let loose but here he's a sympathetic everyman, and it's nice to see that change of pace- again he's supported by an expertly written character. Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent is also superb. He's probably the second best in the whole lot, and it's a VERY big lot. Even the small roles do well.

But the film works not just on the level of its performances, but within the story as well. It's really an action/crime film using the spectacle of its comic book roots as its aid. As an action film there are bits that are truly stunning- Joker chasing Dent in the 18 wheeler is just pure gold. And as a crime film the actions of the characters are given weight in their consequences- their behavior is never simply glossed over, and the physical conflict becomes just as engaging as the conflict of perspectives.

I haven't paid attention to the hype, so lucky me I guess. All in all, I highly recommend it. And yes Michael Mann's influence is firmly present.

9.5/10

[I Am Korean]

I watched the movie and I agree with your review but you should edit out the Aaron Eckhart part. Major spoiler.

[blackthorne]

Done and done.

[paul varelans_1]

I loved it-best comic book movie ever-by far.

[Bullitt68]

Originally Posted by blackthorne

9.5/10

So you're saying it's damn-near perfect? I like your reviews and we do have [sort of] similar taste in film (although I loved Burton's Batman films) but I have a hard time believing that.

Everyone's going to have their opinions, though. And I'm glad you reviewed it as opposed to a, "OMG! Best fucking movie EVAR!" review.

[GermanBJJ]

I would give it a 9/10, with that 1 being taken away due to Gyllenhaal's performance. I simply didn't care what happened to her and that took some of the drama away from the movie.

But it was quite excellent and I liked how the plot wasn't what I expected.

[Darkballs]

Originally Posted by blackthorne

And yes Michael Mann's influence is firmly present.

what was Mann's role in the film? or is it just similar to his style?

[younggunz]

Originally Posted by Bullitt68

So you're saying it's damn-near perfect? I like your reviews and we do have [sort of] similar taste in film (although I loved Burton's Batman films) but I have a hard time believing that.

Everyone's going to have their opinions, though. And I'm glad you reviewed it as opposed to a, "OMG! Best fucking movie EVAR!" review.

It is near perfect...

but it's all based on personal perspective..

I've seen it twice now...and the storyline becomes more engrossing the second time..as the only real complaint (some of the ending seemed jumbled..perhaps due to the action and shock factor)) was much less hectic to watch the second time around..therefore, it left time for contemplation.

-Dent's change is easier to swallow upon second viewing.

-Bale plays Batman exactly how he needed to for the scope of this story.

-Ledger is basically flawless.

So IMO 9.5/10

[younggunz]

Originally Posted by Darkballs

what was Mann's role in the film? or is it just similar to his style?

Its his style..

-the action is sweeping, much like the fighting in Heat.

-the tone(visual) is very much like collateral (a movie I didn't love, but thought the use of the Viper cam, and the cinematography were extremely well done.

[RJ43]

Thanks for the review. I haven't been this excited to see a movie in years. I feel like a kid again.