To say I had high expectations for this film is a bit of an understatement, however I doubt I was alone. The massive marketing campaign which included not only trailers and teasers, but viral websites, games, news papers and souvenirs that made this film one of the most anticipated of the year if not the most. Walking into the theater I was expecting a much different film, however when I left I was more then satisfied I was exhilarated. (minor spoilers)
The Dark Knight is less about Batman then Batman Begins was; no The Dark Knight is about crime in Gotham, and escalation. Escalation: referenced by Lieutenant Gordon at the conclusion of Batman Begins the idea that if the cops get semi-automatics, the criminals will get automatics it’s a cycle that was really explored in The Dark Knight. Batman Begins was about creating a new Batman, a darker Batman, more anger, more darkness and a complete overhaul of the franchise, it introduced and explored the character of Batman and Bruce Wayne. The Dark Knight is the next logical step; we know Batman so lets push him to the limit with some great trials/villains. That’s what The Dark Knight was about, the next step. Batman now shares the stage with a politician, a psychopathic killer and a hardworking police lieutenant. I loved how the film was able to really focus on The Joker, Dent, and Gordon but at the same time it had a very nice character ark for Bruce wayne.
Batman: Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale), starts the film in the same place he was at the end of Batman Begins; ready and determined to clean up Gotham. However as the film progresses he begins to realize that he may be part of the problem, the harder he tries to fight crime the harder the criminals work to stay in business. This is a moral issue that Bruce/Batman struggles with until the conclusion of the film.
The Joker: I would not be surprised if Heath Ledger gets a best supporting actor nomination, his performance is superb almost flawless. Very dark and very creepy, psychopathic and deranged the Joker is one of the best villains I have ever seen, not because he’s flashy or theatrical it’s much deeper: this guy is messed up in a very creepy way.
Harvey Dent: Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) is a complicated character, on one side (literally) he represents justice, and bravery on the other side he represents hatred and vengeance. After a terrible tragedy Harvey goes from being the incorruptible face of Gotham to a man twisted on revenge. The change is quick but at the same time you can almost see it coming, which is an amazing tribute Eckhart’s acting.
Lieutenant James Gordon: In the first film Lt Gordon (Gary Oldman) was trying to do his job and lay down the law without being killed by a corrupt cop, however now he has a bit more freedom to stand up for justice. With Batman, Harvey Dent and the good citizens of Gotham on his side he can stand up to injustice and try to restore order to Gotham, he takes on this role fully committed.
The Dark knight is more complex and much darker then the Batman Begins. It’s a complex crime story with a large ensemble of heroes, villains and those who walk in the grey area.
Rating: 
-Travis Fantina
On a side note: as I walked out of the theater I found myself wondering how this film ever got a PG-13 rating.
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