Absolutely mindblowing.

That's what the latest Batman movie, 'The Dark Knight' ('TDK'), is. After the slew of summer comic superhero movies we've been treated to, I'd say, forget about Iron Man, the Hulk, Hellboy, Spiderman(gasp!), or even...Superman (at least for the moment).

TDK is officially the best comic book movie for me, and I guess may well probably be the best movie for 2008.

I've never had high regards for the Batman movie franchise, no thanks to its previous movies which were all a joke to me. However, it all changed with the series rebooting effort, 'Batman Returns'. It brought the Batman universe to an all new dark, gritty and realistic level. And now, 'TDK' has upped the overall experience to greater heights with an all-round great cast, and a gripping storyline.




Those of you who have been following the updates for this movie, allow me to say it again, Heath Ledger basically steals and runs the whole show as Joker. Jack Nicholson may have brought the villian to life in the very 1st Batman movie, but Heath Ledger practically immortalises the character, right down to the smallest detail of his freaky voice, or smacking of lips after every line. So fully immersed in the role, non comic-fans of Batman will see why the Joker is considered as the greatest villian unto Batman. Afterall, this was the role rumoured to have caused the late actor to slip into depression, before his death.

This villianous clown really instills fear, even to me watching it. Every he appears on the scene, I could feel my pulse racing, thinking and fearing what he's gonna do next. Never before was I so intensely captured by a comic book movie villian. There's no clich'ed villianous monologing, but rather an unpredictable character who feels no fear for pain, nor is he looking to gain anything. Perhaps best said by the demented villian himself...

Joker: "I use a knife because guns are too quick. Otherwise, you can't savor all the emotions. You know who people are in their last moments."

But you'll be amazed at how brilliantly devious his schemes are, as you witness the city, the cops, the gangs, and batman himself running all around, tormented by hard choices at every turn, just when you think the good guys has won. And that is 1 of the main drawing points of the movie for me. The overall bleak feel of the movie as you sense the never ending turmoil batman has to face. Some people feel the movie to be overtly draggy, but I felt the time taken to pace and expand the struggles of the characters were well done, carving out a work that's not the usual superhero movie.

You see that deep longing within him to be able to let go, and lead a normal life. The ultimate sacrifice to deny himself, and live as a freak that others might have a hope to hold on to. Not a celebrated hero, but an unseen guardian.

Try not to watch this show with an empty mind looking for a popcorn show, you're gonna be lost in the complex double crosses and choices-reaction events throughout, as well as the many deep issues worth pondering upon.

The Joker shows a side of us, giving us a glimpse of what it would be like, when men are left to their own free will, acting without consequences, nor bounded by rules or conscience. Watching this movie kinda makes you long for hope in this world. And I'm glad there is.

I'm seriously considering to catch it again before the movie ends its run. And maybe even wear the batman tshirt xianhan got for me to watch it! (ok maybe not..) Definitely a worthwhile 2hr 45mins trip into Gotham, though some may find it a tad too long. But with school work coming on, I'm really stuck in between man.

But hey, it's just a movie right? Why so serious? =\