Jacob Destree’s Movie Blog

“The Dark Knight” has been smashing box office records and cashing in on universal acclaim since it was released July 18, 2008. Is it REALLY as good as everyone says it is?

Yes! And here’s “Ten Reasons You Must See the New Batman Movie:”

1. It’s Better Than “Batman Begins”

Every superhero franchise is obliged to cover the “origin story” in the fist film. Having explained who Batman is and why he does what he does (in “Batman Begins”), “The Dark Knight” expands the lore by analyzing the complicated ethics of vigilantism. It’s deeper, darker, and more entertaining than its predecessor.

The villains are better, too. The teaming of the Scarecrow and Henri Ducard in “Batman Begins” pales in comparison to the epic evil unleashed on Gotham City in the sequel. The Joker is truly terrifying, and Harvey Two-Face is truly tragic.

2. Heath Ledger’s Performance As The Joker

If he were still alive, Heath Ledger might have received an Oscar nomination for “The Dark Knight.” Now that he’s passed on, he will surely win it.

3. Introducing Harvey Two-Face

One of the great things about “The Dark Knight” is how it re-introduces familiar elements of the beloved Batman cannon. Arkham Insane Asylum is name-dropped several times. The Scarecrow is STILL alive, and survives the film to boot.

And then there’s Harvey Two-Face: Gone are the zebra-print suits and neon pink makeup of Tommy Lee Jones’ (“Batman Returns”) interpretation. Aaron Eckhart’s take on the role is at once more tragic and menacing than any previous incarnation of the famed villain.

4. The Ensemble Cast

Christian Bale is back as Batman. Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman make the most of their smaller roles. Gary Oldman expands on the importance of his character within the series. And Maggie Gyllenhaal replaces Katie Holmes (as love interest Rachel Dawes) so ably, you won’t even notice the continuity gap.

5. A Lesson In Superhero Ethics

“The Dark Knight” screenplay is by brothers Christopher Nolan and Jonathan Nolan. Together they have crafted a probing look at the ethical implications of vigilantism. Batman tries to do good, but he works outside the rule of law. The Joker does evil, poking carefully crafted holes into Batman’s moral absolutism. Harvey Dent is caught in the crossfire, a victim of chance.

Each of these three form an ethical triangle. They exist as opposing extremes, but require the others in order to exist in the first place. Not many superhero flicks dig this deep.

6. Death Of A Major Character

That’s right! Christian Bale’s Batman can’t save EVERYONE. His choices have consequences, and a major character is killed off as a result.

7. Director Christopher Nolan Brings His “A” Game

Nolan always delivers the goods. Whether it’s “Memento,” “Insomnia,” or “The Prestige,” he knows how to walk the line between easily consumed Hollywood productions and enduring art.

In “The Dark Knight,” Nolan delivers his best film, save “Memento.” It’s the best superhero film of the year.

8. The “Realistic” Special Effects

Let’s face it: Computer effects may be cheaper and more versatile than traditional effects, but they can still make a live action movie look like a cartoon.

Christopher Nolan knows this. His “Batman” films avoid CGI and feel more realistic as a result. When Batman fights a bad guy, it’s Christian Bale in a rubber suit– not a computer generated model (like “Iron Man” or “Spiderman”).

Especially memorable is the semi truck flipped 180 degrees onto it’s topside. Hopefully the DVD special features will cover exactly how this amazing action scene was realized.

9. The Joker’s Magic Trick

Look for this scene early in the movie. It’s quickly over, but it is also the most memorable magic trick you are likely to see this year.

10. It Really Is As Good As They Say

At the time of this writing, “The Dark Knight” rates 82% favorable at MetaCritic.com and 92% “fresh” at RottenTomatoes.com. User Reviews are even higher, scoring 9.2 at MetaCritic and 9.4 at the Internet Movie Database.

Conclusion

I DO have a few complaints, but they are minor: Batman’s cell phone surveillance system is too make-believe to buy into. The Joker’s pre-planning is never really touched on; every scheme falls into place no matter how ridiculously complicated it is. And even at 2 1/2 hours long, the story is rushed at times, glossing over the “connecting logic” from set piece to set piece.

However, upon final analysis, “The Dark Knight” is a smash success. It sets a new standard for a franchise that peaked (seemingly) in 1989. It is fun and scary, and accessible and engaging. Don’t miss the best movie of the summer!

Grade: A-

Is this the best Batman movie yet? The best Joker yet? I think it’s tied with 1989’s “Batman” and Jack Nicholson’s Joker.
Post your thoughts.