Movie Review: Joker helps Batman soar to new heights in ‘The Dark Knight’

Wow! Wow!…A word better than “wow” needs to be invented in order to describe the ultimate masterpiece that is “The Dark Knight.” How does one begin to label the best “super hero” movie of all time? Abfabmag? Guess “splendiferous” will have to suffice. Attention silver screen-glory-seekers: Remember when you only needed the edge of your seat while taking in movies like “The Matrix” or “Jurassic Park”? The edge might not even be necessary for TDK, for you may have already been ejected from it due to sheer anticipation.

Christopher Nolan’s latest chapter in the Batman saga more than redefines the genre—it raises the bar to an almost unattainable level. Though staying true to the storyline, this is no comic book movie. TDK should go up next to “The Godfather” when it hits Blockbuster’s shelves because it is on par with the classic. A grown-up, crime-centric storyline accompanied by stunning action and acting performances under the direction of the guy who brought us “Momento” equals gripping.

“Batman Begins” is the prologue to this raucous installment—providing the intense Batman back-story it sets everything up for TDK so we can jump right in. Having one of the biggest viral campaigns to date for a film you could see the first five minutes of it online for weeks before it hit theaters. The footage included a grand bank heist orchestrated by a bunch of men clad in clown masks led by the Clown Prince of Crime himself. It’s frightening and definitely sets the sinister tone for the next two hours and 25 minutes (buy or bring snacks!).

Maybe think about leaving your 11-year-old at home for this one, though…

The late Heath Ledger’s performance as the Joker has created deafening buzz and more than warrants all the talk. His mastering of manic is no simple feat and he will surely earn a posthumous Oscar for this performance. Goosebumps are to be had from his very first sniggle (snicker-giggle) and he will scare the hell out of you (or make you laugh) every moment he meets the screen. He doesn’t want money or power—the Joker’s only goal is to create absolute anarchy at all times. If he starts to ask someone if they want to know how he got the scars on his face—get ready. Hannibal Lector would cower then run from this guy.

Alongside all the Joker’s cruel shenanigans we see the creation of another Marvel great in Harvey Dent’s (Aaron Eckhart gets his wings in this role) transformation into Two-Face. Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) sees a newfound hero in Gotham City’s D.A. Dent and is doing everything in his power to make sure the rest of Gotham sees him in the same light. Until the Joker comes along and spoils everything—just because he can—creating a new character and a whole new storyline halfway through the film. As a matter of fact TDK could have ended after 90 minutes and still garnered four stars—that’s how action packed it is—the last hour is a sweet bonus.

Is there room for a supporting cast after all the aforementioned greatness? You bet! And it’s one of the best in recent memory (sans Maggie Gyllenhaal). Gary Oldman would have stolen the show as the down-to-Earth Lt. James Gordon if not for Ledger and Bale’s rock’em sock’em performances.

Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and Eric Roberts showing up are all just icing on a stupendously scrumptious cake. And the score—with it’s constant eerie, rising sirens—courtesy of Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard, acts as another (menacing) character and is the cherry on top.

Whether the Joker’s in jail, without his makeup, or in a nurse uniform—he makes an impact and makes you think. TDK is also a character study on top of all the madness. What drives the Joker? More importantly, what drives “the Batman”?

“You complete me,” is a line stolen from “Jerry Maguire” by the Joker and delivered to his nemesis. A telling line from the tattered mouth of the highest-ranking villain. Beneath everything good lies true evil, which is exposed to the tenth degree in TDK—making it the cinematic ride of a lifetime.

Adrienne Mackey is a former Green Valley News staffer and freelance movie reviewer. Hear her talk a lot more about movies on “The KLPX WakeUp Call with Scott Barnett” weekday mornings from 5 to 10 a.m. at 96.1 KLPX.

The Details

4/4 Stars

Action/Crime/Drama/Mystery/Thriller

Run time: 2 hours, 32 minutes.

Rated PG13 for intense sequences of violence and some menace.

Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gary Oldman.

Written by: Jonathan Nolan, Christopher Nolan.

Directed by: Christopher Nolan.