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Finally saw this film, after 3 years of waiting to see what tricks the Nolans had in their bags I saw in a crowded theatre and watched a film that really did something special
PLOT
After one year of being Batman, Bruce Wayne has caused the Mob to loose their grip on Gotham city, with the new district attorney Harvey Dent cleaning up Gotham as well, Gotham City begins to get back on its feet.
Until a certain purple suited anarchist shows up and directs a challenge to the city, and its populous with lethal force.
We have a crime drama, we have a superhero film, we have a dark gritty tale about loss, and about acceptance. it puts a smile on my face thinking about it.
8/10
SCRIPT
Almost a masterpiece, there is some real poetry as well as genius from the Joker in this movie, he has no character arc, but is very much a force of chaos moving through the city and tearing everything down because it amuses him. I loved how unlike Nicholson's giggly schemer, Ledgers Joker is not only a true psychopath, but damn near a genius in how he does things. Master manipulator, charismatic psychopath, as well as a serial killer all in one purple monster of a man. this is the comic book character brought to life the way we all wanted to see.
Bruce Wayne really gets challenged from his famous arch nemesis, the Joker throws all kinds of Psychological war far at batman, as well as Gotham city itself.
Rachel Dawes once again is a limited and somewhat bland character, but gets a little more to do here.
Lucius Fox and Alfred are Bruce's trusty back up and this time Lucius Fox is more hands on than in the first film, while Alfred is more emotional support.
We're also introduced to Harvey Dent in this film, who really is The hope of Gotham and his character arc in the film adds the final layer in an intricate movie about order and chaos.
The only real downside is that the film gives the scarecrow a cameo, he really doesn't get to do anything. would have liked him to have had a part in the plot.
this film has all kinds of twists, turns and other fucked up things whose of us who like the darker side of cinema's dig.
8/10
ACTING
Ledger was Amazing as the Joker, as you'll all see. But the real shocker was how well Aaron Eckhart played Harvey Dent. His charisma as Dent was very pleasant, but when he turns, damn its all kinds of impressiveness.
Bale as Wayne and Batman, Batman is more animated and less still in this movie and Bruce Wayne is more cocky and human here.
Maggei Gyllenhaal as Rachel Dawes, Dawes herself is a flat character, but Gyllenhall is a good enough actress to make Dawes tolerable, cept when she get's bitchy at Alfred in one scene. that just annoyed the fuck out of me.
Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman are as top notch as usual, Though Freeman gets to do a little more than Caine in this film.
Gary Oldman really gets to step up as James Gordon in the film, Gordon's role itself becomes much bigger and its really great to see Gary Oldman doing some of his best work in the film. James Gordon becomes a much more vulnerable man in this film and Oldman really shows his talents as an actor here.
Cillian Murphey makes his Scarecrow cameo, and doesnt get to do anything unfortunately. I really didnt like that when hes in the scarecrow garb they didnt give him that badass 'monster' voice from the first film.
Tom 'tiny' lister, gets a tiny part in the film and actually manages to pull off a really shocking and actually tender moment.
There are no iffy performances here in this film, everyone is in top form.
10/10
MUSIC
John Williams? who? James Howard and Hans Zimmer give us some dark melodies that deserve to be remembered and really stick with you. I loved the music in this film.
10/10
SPECIAL EFFECTS
Really amazing stuff, there is some CGI that you cant tell is CGI, and there is some CGI that might make you cover your face just a little, but it grows on you and you might find you really half prefer it after all.
9/10
EDITING/PACING
The films pacing for the first forty five minutes is a little choppy and kind of slow, but after 45 minutes pass, things get bigger, and bigger, and bigger until you expect them to blow. In all honesty, a good 10 min could have been trimmed out of the 45 minute opening. but thats it, after that things get astounding.
8/10
LOOK/STYLE/CINEMATOGRAPHY
the dark blue look of this film adds to the grittyness and suspense that follow. the film itself has an almost eternal night look to it, this films look counters the brownish orange look of decay in the Batman begins and shows that gotham has some life in it now.
Though I would have prefered some more stationary shots as opposed to handi cam, thats just me.
8/10
DIRECTION
Christopher Nolan gives us his prime for this film, and it was worth the 3 years of wait. this guy deserves the recognition he gets, I cant wait to see more of his stuff in the non too distant future.
10/10
FUNFACTOR
ten out of ten, sure its got the first 45 minutes of being a little slow, but yeah ten out of ten, Nuff said.
10/10
OVERALL:
83/90= A +
Other than the few rough spots, this movie is the closest thing to a masterpiece I've seen in years. that is an amazing achievement for a comic book film that transcends the comic book movie stigma, and gives us something to remember fondly.
RIP Heath Ledger, this performance showed us all how much unused talent you stored away. I'll never look at the joker the same way again.