Whoa. This movie kicks so much … butt.
You have got to see this movie in the theater. But be sure to use the restroom before you go. This movie clocks in at 2 hours 30 minutes. Plus 15 minutes or so of trailers. Including trailers for the new Bond movie and Watchmen. Side note – the Watchmen trailer looks awesome!
Heath Ledger’s Joker is very disturbing to watch. Definitely not Jack Nicholson’s or Cesar Romero’s Joker. Not quite as demented as the Joker is currently in DC comics, but in some ways worse. Christian Bale gives an excellent performance as Batman/Bruce Wayne. Maggie Gyllenhaal gives a good performance as Rachel Dawes. Gary Oldman’s Jim Gordon is spot on. While Aaron Eckhart is no Billy Dee Williams, his Harvey Dent was a good addition to Gotham City. Morgan Freeman has redeemed himself in my eyes with his portrayal of Lucius Fox (I am referring to his part in Wanted). Michael Caine gives an adequate performance of Alfred. just not sure why, but I feel another actor would be better for that role. Not sure who, but Michael Caine just doesn’t feel right as Alfred.
This movie is rated PG-13. The level of violence has increased dramatically from Batman Begins. Some is implied off-camera, but I would heed the rating this time out and leave the kiddies at home. At the very least watch it yourself first before taking your kids to make sure you are ok with them watching this level of violence.
I am not going into the plot. Don’t want to spoil it for you. But this is a must-see movie.
I give this movie a 8.5 out of 10.
