I don’t really want to write this review. This unwillingness is to be solely attributed to my dislike for unoriginality, and anything I can say about the Dark Knight will already have been said by film critics far more qualified than I. That being said, I still feel the urge to relate my criticism of this film.

I have related before how superhero films almost always follow a trend. The Dark Knight does not only establish an entirely new direction, tone and depth for a superhero film, it virtually redefines the genre. The Dark Knight is the greatest superhero film ever made; albeit it is about the only superhero who is not a true superhero. And this paradox is the heart, strength and greatness of the Dark Knight.

I assume that most of the people who visit this site have seen the film or know its basic premise, so I will merely relate the premise in a few words. Batman is wreaking havoc upon Gotham’s criminals, aided by Harvey Dent, a new DA who is Gotham’s white knight, so to speak, the hero who does not have to hide behind a mask. There are a few troubles in this momentary paradise, namely, Rachel Dawes has become Harvey Dent’s girlfriend, while Batman/Bruce Wayne still has hopes of someday casting off the mask and being able to return to a normal life. This in mind, Batman and Harvey Dent collaborate in an operation to finally destroy Gotham’s top criminal organizations.

Enter the Joker, a freakish criminal with a plan to reverse the state of affairs. From then on, the film becomes too much fun (if the dark, sardonic, violent action, and truly twisted plot turns can be called fun) to say any more of what occurs: needless to add, all you have to do is merely watch and you will enjoy. As regards the usual categories of writing, acting, direction and sheer spectacle…The acting is incredible. Christian Bale proves once again that he can master the persona of a playboy Bruce Wayne while showing Batman’s tortured depths. Maggie Gyllenhaal proves to be a much smarter, realistic Rachel Dawes, while Aaron Eckhart is fine as the crusading Harvey Dent. Does anyone really need to hear that Michael Caine, Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman can still act amazingly well? I don’t think so.

But the truly definitive performance of the film was Heath Ledger’s as the Joker. I admit that when he tragically died in January, I feared that early raves about his performance were more kindly than honest. I was incredibly wrong.

Heath Ledger gives possibly the creepiest, twisted, most captivating portrayal of a truly anarchic mind I have ever seen. During the entire film, you can’t take your eyes off him while he is onscreen in all his demented glory, despite the fine performances of all the other actors. In fact, the only things that might drag your eyes away from his chillingly good acting are the equally spectacular action scenes and special effects, which so far, of all the films in 2008, make it the most completely awesome. The direction is amazing, with seamless intersection between action and drama, several camera shots that can only be described as beautiful, and a dark, mysterious cinematography that captures the black world of Gotham and Batman.

The real star of the show, however, is the story. How it differs from the normal superhero film is something I am afraid to describe because giving a plot point or twist away is a heinous crime regarding this film. Let me say this: the Dark Knight is ultimately a redemptive story…and by redemptive I mean not specifically moralistic, but a story that shows it is fallible humankind’s choices that determine our fate, and not the kismet of darkness or evil.

In summary, if you haven’t seen the Dark Knight, you are missing possibly the greatest film of 2008. If you have, don’t even feel bad about seeing it again. I know I will see it again.

Five out of five stars