The Dark Knight

I was not a huge fan of Batman Begins. It wasn't a terrible movie but it wasn't my favorite Batman movie either. I did not like Christian Bale's gravelly, growly voice as Batman, I hated the Urban Assault Vehicle (UAV) that was the Batmobile, I didn't like Michael Caine's smartass Alfred, and I thought Ra's al-Ghul was overly simplified and watered down compared to his comic book version. It wasn't all bad though. I thought Gary Oldman was great as Jim Gordon and the Batman origin story was well done. Having said all of that, I was not sure what I would think of The Dark Knight. I guess I would say I am a Heath Ledger fan, I think he was a talented actor and had no problem with him being cast as the Joker. But I wasn't sure what direction they would take that character. So I kept my fingers crossed as I went to see it yesterday. Turns out this one is much better than Batman Begins and pretty darn good overall. It's not perfect but it's getting closer. The voice still bugs me, especially in some of the scenes where he is talking to his allies. The UAV makes a brief appearance and the new vehicle that comes out of it is really cool. Caine's role is more limited and a little more subdued this time around. They do a good job with Harvey Dent and the special effects around this character are amazing. Oldman is still a solid Jim Gordon. But the thing that brings it all together, the most important thing about this movie, the thing they had to get right, is Ledger's Joker. The characterization is near perfect. The right balance of dark humor and absolute madness. It's easily the best live action portrayal of the Joker we have seen to date. Everything is right, from the characterization to the voice to the mannerisms to the wardrobe. It's wonderful. I do have a couple of things I didn't like about the movie though. First, I am not impressed with the Rachel Dawes character. I just find nothing likable about her. I thought it might have been Katie Holmes portrayal of the character in Begins, but it's not. Maggie Gyllenhaal is, believe it or not, worse than Holmes was. And I don't think that's her fault. I just don't think the character was written well. My other complaint was with the way the movie ended. I won't give anything away here but it seems to me they had a couple of other directions they could have gone in that would have been better. All in all a good movie though, and I would recommend going to see it for Ledger's performance alone.

One last note, thanks to everyone who called, e-mailed or otherwise messaged me yesterday to say Happy Birthday. It was very much appreciated. Thanks for thinking of me!