THE DARK KNIGHT

rated PG13

Art--->****
Heart->*1/2
Mind-->***
Fun--->**

Gotham City has always been a den of thieves, murderers, and psychopaths. But in the end, all of them have a motive, a reason for their actions. The whole basis of dealing with criminals is to understand the most fundamental question: Why.

Enter The Joker.

A self-described “agent of chaos,” he is bent on not just destroying Gotham, but obliterating the very framework of rationality. Working with, then against the mob, he weaves a path of manic crime that puts everyone on the run. Unable to form a plan, Batman is forced to react, to become the one sacrificial savior of Gotham no matter the cost.

Heath Ledger, in his final role, is incredible as The Joker. Random, funny, vicious, and raging, he commands every scene with a primal energy. Aaron Eckert brings a welcome warmth and handsomeness as the crusading Harvey Dent. Maggie Gyllenhall nicely fills the role of Rachel Dawes. And Christian Bale gives us more of Batman, having done the heavy lifting as Bruce Wayne the last time around.

Themes of terrorism, integrity, fate, and morality all come into play, and you’re guaranteed to be talking about them after the credits roll.

My only minor quibble is a small screenplay detour dealing with the issue of privacy, obviously meant as a jab against the government overstepping its bounds through surveillance. You can’t escape Hollywood politics, even here.

This is a sleek, tension-filled machine. Direction, acting, pace, sight and sound, all hit the nines. Excellence in filmmaking all around. THE DARK KNIGHT is The Godfather of superhero movies.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED (not for kids)