The Dark Knight (2008) PG13- 4 Stars

Heath Ledger is awesome in his loony role as he Joker. Appropriately named, with great special effects and while I enjoyed the movie a lot, I find it hard to consider it yet another in the Batman series. I guess I've grown up with the Batman image of being the good guy saving the city. But he's made out to be such a dark empty character with his morals hanging by a thread, perhaps this is where the future of our expectations is headed.

Lt. James Gordon (Gary Oldman), and District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) seem to have Gotham City under control until a rising criminal and wisecracking mastermind, known as the Joker (Heath Ledger), make it his mission to cause utter chaos in the streets of Gotham. Bruce Wayne/Batman (Christian Bale), is called into duty, but this time even he will find he's forced to cross the fine line of vigilante and hero. Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhaal), who he's still in love with, now rides the arm of Lt. Gordon and Bruce will learn that even a superhero can't always fix everything trying to restore order.

Awards include:

2008 - The Dark Knight - Austin Film Critics - Best Picture
2008 - The Dark Knight - Dallas/Ft. Worth Film Critics - Best Cinematography
2008 - The Dark Knight - Detroit Film Critics Society - Best Supporting Actor

Warner Bros. Pictures
Director: Christopher Nolan
Writers: Jonathan Nolan, Christopher Nolan
Producers: Emma Thomas, Charles Roven, Christopher Nolan

I viewed 12/08