The Dark Knight

If you get to go to only one movie this year, make sure that this is the one that you watch...
The Dark Knight is rated PG13 but this movie is actually much darker than that. The violence is not gory or too extreme but the intent and malice is somewhat senseless at times (because of the Joker's nature). This makes the movie much too mature for young audiences. Nevertheless, the story and action is entertainingly suspenseful and thrilling. A rare movie wherein both critics and fans alike agree in giving the film "two thumbs up".

The previous cast is back except for Katie Holmes (replaced by Maggie Gyllenhall). All the hype regarding Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker is actually substantiated and he delivers a maniacal Joker worth remembering. Christian Bale really captures the Batman's dark side and the rest of the cast also did well.

Story-wise, it is so unlike the comic book Batman, but at the same time distills the essence of the comic series and puts into perspective the reason behind the constant struggles of Batman against the Joker. The movie highlights not mostly Batman's tech-savvy but more of the Joker's devilishly deranged genius.

I rate this movie 4 1/2 stars (out of 5).