I've Seen DARK KNIGHT: A Taste of Things To Come!

So the other night I was blessed with the chance to see THE DARK KNIGHT three weeks before its July 18th opening. I will not go into any lengthy review here, but I sill say the following...there is no question about it; THE DARK KNIGHT is one of the best summer blockbuster of 2008, and maybe one of the greatest films of the year! It's a step above its predecessor BATMAN BEGINS in nearly every way and may even be the greatest comic book movie to date, and one of the best sequels ever made, its just that good. It takes its viewers to a deep dark place that is uncomfortable, grim, and completely unexpected, yet offers glimmers of light that would otherwise leave the audience mentally and emotionally exhausted. This is not the fanciful theme park ride that so many other comic book movies (ala HULK, FANTASTIC FOUR, GHOST RIDER) have become, lacking in substance, excellence, or weight in favor of lucid storytelling, paper-thin characters, non stop action and overblown CGI. Thankfully, THE DARK KNIGHT does not make any of those same pitfalls. THE DARK KNIGHT is a relentless morality play, a commentary on the current state of our world and the times we live in, a meditation on the consequences of fear and the dark nature of mankind. Does it have flaws, yes, but they are minuscule in comparison to its strengths which include a sobering story, breathless cinematography, a haunting score, a complex script, and solid acting from nearly every character. But the crown jewel of this film has got to be Heath Ledgers mystifying performance as The Joker. Forget Jack Nicholson's goofy and babbling Joker in Tim Berton's BATMAN, and in place you get Heath Ledger inhabiting a man that is sadistic, chilling, and terrifying. Ledger is truly masterful here, and owns every moment in which he creates the perfect blend of cold-hearted killer, and psychopathic jokester. Look for him to get an acting nomination come Oscar time, he may even just win. A more detailed review will arrive upon the films opening, and my chance to see it for a second time.