Kevin M (kevsammal)

Nothing is lacking in this excellently dark blockbuster - action, script, cinematography, storyline or marketing. What is considered the most-hyped film of '08 is justly the best, in my opinion. I viewed this film in an IMAX theatre, as it was intended to be seen. There were more than enough spectacular moments to retain my full attention, given how brilliant director Nolan's vision always is. The emergence of Joker (Ledger), Two-Face (Eckhart) and a brief cameo from Scarecrow (Murphy) all assemble a comic-fan's dream. Batman is excellently portrayed once again (Bale), while his friends of authority, Commissioner Gordon (Oldman), Asst DA Dawes (Gyllenhal) and DA Dent (Eckhart) are violently stirred into the Joker's plot. The finality of sudden events is exactly what the Batman franchise needs - unlike Tim Burton's comedic flops. The late Ledger's performance is shocking, mostly because you'll never recognize his transformation. If you appreciate dark films, you will love the 'Dark Knight'. This is the 'Empire Strikes Back' (Star Wars) of the Batman series. Nolan still has 1 more Batman film to helm - which I eagerly await.

I'm never disappointed by director David Fincher or his brilliant visions of deeply-involving filmwork. This movie is a massive, subtly suspenseful and dark depiction of the very film genre I constantly crave - the kind where the antagonist regains the winning hand. The storyline is much more than just a brutal awakening for two New York City detectives; it's a harsh series of statements that indicate the impact of extreme dogma and it's vivid torture on real human treatment. Until this film reached large-scale media attention, I hadn't grasped the concept of the 'bad guy winning in the end' - but the excitement and script were more than enough to push my tolerance for this 'hellish' reality. Obviously my appreciation for the veteran cast is something I feel can't be ignored. Freeman, Pitt, Spacey and Paltrow are very believable as we jump between dramatic and suspenseful moments of extreme calm and heavy dissonance. My love for the musical score is what initially gained my attention, as Trent Reznor's [Nine Inch Nails] brand of music scorches the opening credits. If you like this one, watch 'The Game'. My original review of 'Se7en' didn't do justice to it's complicated nature, hence the re-write.