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Fear not, readers, DH is back in the Palmetto state and determined to get back on the review grind. Now I know, since we witnessed the biggest opening weekend in film history a few days ago, that the majority of you have probably already seen this, but it was the only movie I watched on my vacation. We’ll get back to some recommendations you can actually use in the next week.

MetaCritic Score: 82

I realized on my way to the theater, four hours before showtime to ensure that we’d be able to get tickets, that I literally can’t remember the last time I saw a movie in theaters. It’s pretty ridiculous to think about, but there hasn’t been anything released in the past several months that made me say, “I have to go see that!” In fact, every movie I’ve reviewed for this blog has been a recently released DVD. So, when I started seeing previews for the one superhero movie franchise that I’m actually interested in, I was inevitably excited to get out to my first summer blockbuster of the year.

The main reason I like the new incarnation Batman series is twofold: 1) They decided to take the franchise in a new, edgier, and darker direction, a welcome relief from the nearly unwatchable Spiderman series, and 2) They chose the perfect actor to give Batman an edge (no one pulls off the wealthy, polished, but inherently troubled businessman like Patrick freaking Bateman).

In true blockbuster fashion, The Dark Knight, is a veritable smorgasbord of high octane action scenes. From beginning to end, the film moves along at a clip that pins you to the back of your seat. There are shootouts, explosions, car chases, you name it and The Dark Knight offers it.

Apart from Bale and the films unrelenting intensity, The Dark Knight‘s biggest draw and biggest success is obviously Heath Ledger‘s final performance. When I first heard that Ledger was playing the role of Joker, I was a little surprised; I mean, this is the same guy who starred in such “classics” as A Knight’s Tale and The Brothers Grimm. It turns out though, as Ledger advanced past his heartthrob days, he really learned how to act. Even if his face wasn’t obscured by makeup for the duration of the film, I still think that Ledger would have been nearly indistinguishable, this role was an enormous departure from anything else he’s done. The Joker was such a sadistic, cold blooded character that I believe whatever actor who was chosen to play him would have to have the truly rare ability to completely separate himself from his day-to-day self. I wouldn’t have guessed that Ledger possessed this skill, but I can’t argue with the end result. I’d also like to note, though it probably should just be assumed, but both Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman nail their roles. Having legends like those two fill two relatively small roles is an incredible luxury that only a film with a monstrous budget could dream of pulling off.

As far as flaws are concerned, I only really had two complaints. *Skip the next three sentences if you haven’t seen the movie* First, Aaron Eckhart, who I usually like, was pretty bad in the last third of the movie as Two-Face. Where the Joker seemed like a unique and intriguing character, Two-Face seemed like any other stereotypical comic book villain. I will give him credit for being a solid choice for the Harvey Dent part of the role though, though. *OK, resume reading* Secondly, Maggie Gyllenhaal is, much like Kirsten Dunst, a terrible choice for a role that requires a strong, sexy female presence. She’s an adequate actress, though nothing special, and she’s not someone who I would give a second look to if I saw her on the street, let alone someone who I should believe has captured the affection of Bruce Wayne.

Overall, I really had a blast watching The Dark Knight. You probably were already planning on seeing it, but on the off chance you weren’t then you should definitely reconsider. It’s not often that a huge summer smash hit delivers these kind of performances. Ledger will inevitably at least be nominated for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar and Bale does as much as is possible with a character that is as inevitably rife with hyperbole as any superhero is. So, assuming you have any friends who haven’t yet seen it, tell them to stop being lame and to get out to the theater with you.

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