Why I Love Comics

The Dark Knight

The Dark Knight is the best comic book movie of all time. You can look at everything from Wanted, Iron Man, Incredible Hulk and Hellboy 2 and nothing honestly holds a candle to this. Christopher Nolan was obviously out to make an epic masterpiece and he did not disappoint at all.

Christopher Nolan and David Goyer come up with an excellently plotted story that leaves you on the tip of your seat during the whole ride. Every twist and turn is enjoyable and every character has moments to shine. The script itself is written to each actor's strong suit and everyone puts in the performances of their careers.

Michael Cane returns as the lovable and very helpful Alfred who, as usual, offers the best advice he can give to Bruce. He interacts with the lovely Rachael Dawson and Harvey Dent also during the film. While a very minor player in this movie, he's definitely no light weight and is able to help Bruce overcome the various injuries developed in the film.

Speaking of injuries Batman develops, this was one of my favorite minor things about the movie... when Bruce takes his shirt off we see all his battle scars as if they were taken directly from Jim Lee's artwork on Hush. This time out, the movie's special effects were seriously strong and most definitely grounded in reality.

Maggie Gyllenhaal playing Rachel Dawes is actually a bit more likable then Katie Holmes in the first movie though certain plot elements force her into awkward positions between Bruce and Harvey.

Harvey Dent himself will appease any and all fans of the character as Aaron Eckhart plays the district attorney perfectly with all his little mental ticks in tow. The character, while flawed, stands up for what he believes and becomes the centerpiece of the second act of the movie.

Christian Bale returns to the role that made many fans very happy as both Bruce Wayne and Batman. Here, once again, he plays both characters brilliantly meshing Bruce's personal life to cover the real identity that is, of course, Batman.

New gadgets are thrown into the fold and a new vehicle is introduced. Each unveil was greeted by an excited audience reaction. Of course the man giving those gadgets to Batman is none other than the returning Morgan Freeman aka Lucius Fox. While his role isn't as big as some of the other characters in the movie, it still provides some of the stronger moments for the film.

Then of course there is Gary Oldman who's Jim Gordon plays such a huge part of this movie that spoiling anything just wouldn't be right. He's really the eyes the audience as he watches the craziness that ensues throughout the story. A family man who is just trying to clean up Gotham, he's dragged through so much and just never breaks down. His is possibly one of the best performances of the movie.

Finally, I am left to speak of the performance that not only steals the movie. Captivating the audience, this is the role everyone will be talking about the rest of the year. Heath Ledger's Joker is chilling, cunning, dark, funny (in a very twisted way) and just overall brilliant. I know how hesitant people were of his casting but the man just hits it out of the ballpark. His performance in every scene draws you in as you understand what kind of complex deranged psychotic man the joker is. His relationship with batman is hit perfectly and The Killing Joke seems to be borrowed from a lot here for Joker's dialogue and behavior. I can't say enough positive things.

Honestly, people will enjoy this movie. There really isn't much to hate. No real flaws to pick at and just an all around amazing edition adding to an already great year of comic book movies. This film will definitely see itself land on any list of the great comic book movies of all time.

Eric Ratcliffe is a young writer/pop culture journalist/interviewer currently working on pitching a project named the Hunter chronicles. When not reading his weekly stack Eric can be found watching dvd's, playing on his 360 (gamertag: Zack Hunter) or just surfing online trying to find a scoop or two. Brand new to the Comic Related family, Eric is a fun new voice.