Astounding! Absolutely brilliant!"The Dark Knight" is one crazy, unforgettable masterpiece. Director Christopher Nolan has outdone himself. I definitely thought this movie was much darker psychologically in every sense of the word. The story itself was nothing short than amazing, and it was well told. Christian Bale does a great performance yet again, and Heath Ledger is undoubtedly fantastic as the Joker. If anyone in this film deserves an Oscar, it certainly should be him. Interestingly, though "The Dark Knight" begins right where "Batman Begins" left off. From the first opening scene we are taken on a crazy carpet ride, with many twists and turns that we don't know where it will stop, and from thereafter it's still a rat race from here on in. The action sequences are phenomenal, capturing all the suspense and fight in all of them. It's bigger and better than Batman Begins. Also, the visuals are truly amazing. Oh, and the characters. They are the main fuel for the story. Unlike many past directors, Nolan grabbed his characters and tweaked them in such a way to make them seem so realistic. I'd have to say, out of the entire acting cast, Heath Ledger really made a big impression on me, portraying the Joker. He literally stole the show. Playing a self-described "engine of chaos," he treats the iconic comic-book villain as a man who sees life as a dark joke, but takes care to alter his punch lines for maximum impact. It's an unnerving full performance, from the character's serpentine habit of licking his lips to his stride that makes him like the psychopath that he is. It's the stuff of nightmares, both in the randomness of his destructive acts of terror, and the defective systems designed to stand in his way. Aside from that, the Joker has no plan in mind, he just does things on impulse. He looks truly disturbing, and laughs senselessly when he feels pain. He likes to play little games that involve people's survival, that are laced together with lies. He has no problem seeing human suffering. Of course, after viewing Ledger on the big screen I realized there was nobody who could have played this role better. I'm just sorry that his life ended so short. Imagine what he could have gone on to do with such a talented mind and a zest for acting. RIP Heath Ledger. As for the other casting members, Bale, Caine, Freeman, Gyllenhaal, and last but not least, Eckhart, they too all pulled off amazing performances. Overall, I give high praise for this movie. It was everything that I wanted and more. Keep in mind, however that this is not a lighthearted film by any means. When you see the Joker on screen, you feel like you're heart is somewhere up on the ceiling. It's a very intense experience. There are images and thoughts in this movie that will not settle well with little kids, so it would be wise to not bring them. On a final note, it is without a doubt in my mind that "The Dark Knight" will leave an enormous imprint on the memory of it's fans. Bravo!

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