WHY SO SERIOUS? (My review of the movie THE DARK KNIGHT)

Alright, so it wasn’t my most original title, but it was too perfect to pass up. Just like this movie. I have seen it twice already and will most likely see it a few more times before it leaves theatres. It is on pace to set every box office record and it is well deserved as it is the GREATEST COMIC BOOK MOVIE OF ALL TIME!!!! I know. That is quite a bold statement, but it is accurate. I did not believe it could surpass the hype, but it did.

Let’s start by looking at the acting. Everyone involved should get an Oscar, never mind just Heath Ledger (who WILL win Best Actor, you heard it here first). Christian Bale did a stellar job reprising the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman. He has an air about him in this movie that shows that the character has evolved and become more comfortable with his dual life, while still struggling with it at times over his love of childhood sweetheart Rachel Dawes. Speaking of Rachel, a superb job done by Maggie Gyllenhaal; she made you completely forget about…umm…what’s her face. Aaron Eckhart was amazing as Two-Face and I hope he comes back for the third movie as the main villain since we saw so little of his villainous side develop in this one. And, as I said above, Heath Ledger deserves the Oscar. He made you believe that he was the Joker. He showed no remorse. He was cold, calculating, and hysterical. It was the perfect blend of actors playing an amazing assortment of characters.

Part of the credit for Heath Ledger’s performance should go to Christopher Dolan, though, for writing an amazing script. It was a scheme worthy of the Joker and bringing to the forefront his relationship with Batman very early was brilliant. Kudos goes to Dolan for not beating around the bush. I do not want to spoil the movie, but every move the characters made was both realistic, which Dolan harps on, and true to the form of what the characters should be. And if you have seen the movie and doubt this, all I have to say to you is that we should start with a magic trick. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Sorry. I’m good. I’ve calmed down. I promise. There is really very little to criticize in this movie. It might have been a little long for people with weak bladders. That’s about it.

Before I wrap up, I would like to say that I hope that we see more of Two-Face in the third movie since the rise and fall of Harvey Dent was wonderful, but Batman has always been driven by his Rouge’s Gallery so to only have Two-Face in action for a short portion of the movie was like giving a starving man the T-Bone, but not the actual steak. You get a taste to whet your appetite, but you need MORE. And just like the tease at the end of the first movie, hopefully they will flesh it out beautifully in the next one. After all, this movie really was driven more by the Joker than anything else, but Two-Face as the main villain for the third would be a great follow up. Although Dolan might want to explain how his left eye works without tear ducts and an eye lid. For someone who strives on realism like Dolan, that detail did bother me a little.

Overall, there was nothing bad about this movie. Everyone gave a great performance and the story was something ripped straight from the comics. Loose ends from the first movie were wrapped up beautifully and the door is wide open for the third movie. Only another three years before Batman 3. The Dark Knight gets 5 out of 5.

-Ray Carsillo