Why So Serious?

The Dark Knight

Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, & Morgan Freeman
Genre: Action, Superhero, Crime
Director: Christopher Nolan

Script: It is absolutely brilliant how the Nolan brothers are able to weave a comic superhero adaptation into a serious crime thriller. This is not your usual superhero movie, this is worthy of an Academy Award.
4.5 / 5 stars

Acting: Christian Bale may be the Batman, but the late Heath Ledger is the reason why anyone should watch this movie. While the rest of the star-studded cast is nothing short of being spectacular themselves, this movie is all about how the Joker steals the limelight.
5 / 5 stars

FX: Like all superhero movies, there is no shortage of special effects here. It may be a serious crime drama but the filmmakers are not skimping on the budget. Add the Joker's obsession to explosives here and we have a winner.
4 / 5 stars

Tilt: A superhero action movie, with the thrilling dramatic tone of a dark crime story. An ensemble of well known veteran actors with Heath Ledger in what is undeniably his best performance. There is no losing combination here.
5 / 5 stars

Overall:
5 / 5 stars

The Good: This is possibly the best Batman movie (for now, fingers crossed for a sequel), and the best Joker incarnation ever.
The Bad: The Joker just seems to be able to plant his huge stockpile of bombs everywhere and anywhere. Or perhaps this is just a "super"villain at work.
The Ugly: We probably will not see a better villain than this Joker for a very long, long time.

Postscript: There is a text dedicating the movie to Heath Ledger and technician Conway Wickliffe (killed during a stunt scene) halfway through the end credits.
Censorship*: None noticeable.

*Malaysian viewers only.