The Dark Knight

The Dark Knight
Back in Gotham city, with possibly the best Batman villain ever. The film is the traditional Batman plot - an arch-villain tries to destroy the city (why isn't important). Batman to the rescue, who then has to overcome his own self doubt, his lack of trust in most of those around him, and the Gotham public in particular.

This version however has a nice addition to the challenges to be overcome. There are copycat batmen all over the place. Of course, these vigilantes need the real batman's protection as much as the rest of the citizens, if not more. It's a nice way to start the film, and like so many of the other little twists it caught me out. "What is this, Batman with guns - whatever happened to ZAP - KERPOW?" I should have been playing closer attention.

Was it me or does Batman's voice get deeper throughout the film?

It is a good action packed film, though some of the action scenes are filmed in too-much close up. This is a recent trend in films, and a very bad one, because the audience disengages with the film. Having said that, the relentless pace needs a few breaks.

The jokers "Do you want to know how I got this smile?" is already passing into the culture - such is the impact of the film.

Morgan Freeman is excellent as the Chief Executive, particularly when an employee discovers what Wayne Enterprises are up to. Michael Caine as Alfred is now the benchmark for the role.

My main problems with the film are its length, and its certificate. Just when you think its about to be over, the Joker recovers and causes even more serious mayhem - a standard now as plots go. From then on I was wondering how many more improbable escapes Joker might make.
In the UK the film is certified '12'. With the level of violence, and the darker themes, this is not appropriate. So the film becomes one more nail in the only useful part of the certification system - to help protect children from the excesses of adult life.

A good film, a good Batman, A superb villain. Heath Ledger is sadly gone, and this film stands as his brilliant last work.