Read Mixed User Reviews for The Dark Knight

6

MoviecriticbombMay 17, 2019

This is a joker film, not a batman film. But that's perfectly alright. The main flaw I have to say about this film is that it wants to show us too much, too fast. This, in my opinion, ruins the continuity that made the first film so great. InThis is a joker film, not a batman film. But that's perfectly alright. The main flaw I have to say about this film is that it wants to show us too much, too fast. This, in my opinion, ruins the continuity that made the first film so great. In the first film, each character from Bruce Wayne, Henri Ducard, to John Crane, was fleshed out and had depth. But in this one, the film is so excited to show you Heath Ledger's Joker, that it seems to ignore everything else!

And Rachel Dawes? Well she's being played by a new actress (Not Katie Holmes) who does not act well in her role at all. She feels like a completely different person from the first film. And Bruce Wayne? Well he's just there for the show. The sprinkle on Joker's Cake. This entire movie, is only about Heath Ledger's Joker performance....

Now to the main portion of this review, the portion everyone is so overhyped for.... Heath Ledger's Joker performance! It was great! He completely deserved an oscar! But the negative I do have to note is, this film shouldn't have shown Two-Face, nor all the other mob bosses. It should have only focused around the Joker and developed this character out a bit. This entire movie feels like one big explosion from start to finish while Bruce Wayne is in his home chumming down on some popcorn. It really felt like he was not in this movie with how underdeveloped everything else was to the Joker.

Overall, I rate this movie a 6/10. It will be remembered for Heath Ledger's Joker performance, but no one else's flat performance. I somewhat recommend this.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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6

NickTheCritickNov 14, 2021

I have the same thoughts that I have expressed for "Batman Begins". I report here what I wrote about the first movie of the trilogy
"The story of the movie is well known but I don't like Nolan directing action movies. I think action scenesI have the same thoughts that I have expressed for "Batman Begins". I report here what I wrote about the first movie of the trilogy
"The story of the movie is well known but I don't like Nolan directing action movies. I think action scenes are not is strength and screenplays often have some lacks. In my opinion this is not nolan worst movie but it doesn't turn out to be his best one."… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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4

ColinF.Jul 19, 2008

There is an absolute lack of realism, not in relation to the superhero whom is allowed a pass in this aspect, but in the makeup of the plot in relation to the cops and technology of the movie. The scene with the magical cell phone technology There is an absolute lack of realism, not in relation to the superhero whom is allowed a pass in this aspect, but in the makeup of the plot in relation to the cops and technology of the movie. The scene with the magical cell phone technology that can somehow make any cell phone in Gotham create a ridiculous 3-d video image around it is the epitomy of the stupidity. Joker was faboulous but not enough to warrant my nine dollars and the hype.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful

5

MeritCobaMar 6, 2014

The dark knight pivots around this one premise: there is good and there is bad and there is nothing in between. This black and white morality is embodied in the characters of the insane Joker and the angelic Batman. The one kills with theThe dark knight pivots around this one premise: there is good and there is bad and there is nothing in between. This black and white morality is embodied in the characters of the insane Joker and the angelic Batman. The one kills with the least provocation, indiscriminately because even his own henchmen and allies are killed in an offhand, often gruesome, way. The other avoids killing in the most desperate and chaotic of situations and we see him, in his human form as Bruce Wayne, flounder in his dalliance with Rachel. For Bruce is a gentleman and as a gentleman he would not impose himself upon a woman. He is the knight, a dark knight, but a knight non the less.
Joker exists to tempt Batman into falling from his shining white pedestal for no other reason then to proof that he will, if push came to shove. Thou shalt not kill..unless one has to and then one is damned for all eternity.
And it is Joker who will do the pushing and shoving, until he gets Batman to do something that is 'wrong'.
And eventually he will..
Of course he will...
It is all hogwash.
The movie, clamored to be the more realistic of them all, might be what it claims to be, but it is still unrealistic and, to boot, based on an abject morality. There is dark and there is light, and just one wrong deed is enough to turn white into black, because here is nothing in between. Intentions do not matter and it just takes one wrong deed to have people abandon Batman to the wolves, for he is a vigilante that ought to be put in jail, even though the purposefully made inept law enforcement agencies can not deal with the likes of a Joker or, for that matter, any other villain. Unless Batman helps them of course.
Ironically the movie has no reason to be from the start, for Batman is a vigilante and thus acts outside the law. Case closed, the movie has lost it's macGuffin.
The whole movie revolves around unrealism. Joker can command hordes of henchmen, who cater to his every whim. Unexplained is why these henchmen serve a psychotic murderer who has no problem in killing them at the blink of an eye. They just do. Unexplained is where Joker gets the means. He just has them, in abundance. Unexplained is how Joker knows things. He just does. The image is not of a man gone insane, but of supernatural being that has come to earth to do evil. Is Joker Satan?
So in what is it then more realistic?
Is it the style that has been stripped down to the level that there is no style at all? Where the comics are drawn in stark dark colors, gritty details, unusual angles and unsettling stylistic elements, the movie has abandoned all of it. The cinematography is mediocre. Shots are wasted, like the one that sees a conference with a long table and rows of chairs, but the camera fails to use the obvious opportunity to align the shot along the table, using a focused angle that zooms in on Bruce Wayne sleeping, while the people are talking about him. The camera is used in a 'safe' fashion. Lighting is just done away with. While to comics show a fascinating play of shadows, the movie does not use that at all.
Is it then realistic in the way people behave?
Is it in the way that people do not think twice to show no loyalty to Batman at all? Or is it in the way cops fail to spot that their fellow policemen have been replaced by Jokers henchmen? Or is it in the way a mobster engages in a standup open fight and forgets that he has to reload the damn thing? Or is it in the way the crime-bosses let themselves be bullied by Joker?
Is there then any realism in the story line?
You mean in the way the omniscient and omnipresent Joker terrorizes Gotham to the point that the citizens are willing to offer up their hero to the mercy of that madman? For that is the whole story and it takes more then two hours to tell something that did not have anything substantial to explore after the first half.
There are far better movies that examine the themes of good and bad in a more down-to-earth and humane way. Serpico springs to mind, or Taxi Driver or Fort Apache, the Bronx. All of whom score lower then this movie.
The irony is that Dark Knight is praised for what a Batman movie ought not to be. It ought to be unrealistic, stylish, shot with unusual angles, using stark contrasts, snappy dialogues and allow for Catwoman.
Catwoman, you say?
Catwoman?
Yes... because what is she? Is she black? Is she white? No.. she is shaded grey, the color that this movie has no knowledge of.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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4

DaleMDec 15, 2008

This movie is a mix of utterly serious themes mixed with a bunch of silliness. One minute an 18-wheeler is racing down city streets taking corners at 50 miles an hour in a manner 18-wheelers just don't do, and the next someone is This movie is a mix of utterly serious themes mixed with a bunch of silliness. One minute an 18-wheeler is racing down city streets taking corners at 50 miles an hour in a manner 18-wheelers just don't do, and the next someone is brooding on some deep subject. The seriousness ruins the fun factor of the movie, and the fun stuff makes the serious seem bathetic.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful

4

FantasyJul 20, 2008

This was a very tough movie to grade. The bottom line is this is not the cartoon BATMAN. Instead under the guise of the Batman character we have a very dark psychological socialpath slasher movie. How this movie was given a PG 13 rating is This was a very tough movie to grade. The bottom line is this is not the cartoon BATMAN. Instead under the guise of the Batman character we have a very dark psychological socialpath slasher movie. How this movie was given a PG 13 rating is beyond me? Any parent considering taking their child to see this thinking they are going to see the old POW BAM ZAP Batman is in for a great surprise. Heath Ledger as The JOKER is demented and belongs in a rubber room. Hanibal Lechter should come to mind because that is how disturbed his character is. IF you remember the knife scene from Saving Private Ryan well be prepared to be subjected to two grueling hours of this blood and mayhem. This is a violent sick disturberd movie masquerading under a cartoon character to make all of you go ga ga. P T Barnum once said a sucker is born every minute. Well as I said this is not a cartoon character and 15 minutes into the film you will be sitting on the edge of your seat. The violence is non stop and at one point it becomes overbearing. But when you see children in harms way and the constant disregard for human life with terroristic attacks well that is taking it to the limit. If they had made this movie under a different name with no connection to the cartoon character at least the audience would be prepared for what they are about to see. Heath Ledger is simply brilliant and will definitely win an OSCAR for his portrayal of the manical JOKER. But to say this is BATMAN is totally unfair. DARK is definitely appropriate for the makeup of this film. Not my cup of tea. Do NOT take any children to see this.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful

4

PaulioG.Nov 18, 2008

Over the top story, acting, action, runtime, characters, and critical acclaim. The only aspect of this movie Not OTT was Batman. Who was underplayed, had a silly voice, and didnt seem to be in the movie that much.

2 of 5 users found this helpful

5

PriMJan 12, 2009

Overlong, disjointed, with a convoluted plot and a good helping of silliness and hype. Completely devoid of any charm, unlike Burton's Batman, or even Nolan's previous effort. No likable characters, apart from Oldman's Overlong, disjointed, with a convoluted plot and a good helping of silliness and hype. Completely devoid of any charm, unlike Burton's Batman, or even Nolan's previous effort. No likable characters, apart from Oldman's perhaps. Bale now seems bored of the role. Freeman is still doing his 'Q' bit and I'm still getting used to Michael '..blow the the bloody doors off' Caine playing Alfred. Granted, Heath did very well. Batman and the Joker, due to their own reasons, pose no real threat to each other. Dent's U-turn from good to bad was laughable and the movie ends with a muddled moralistic pompous message that fails to truly uplift. TDK might still be riding on the crest of a wave of popularity and hype ( due mainly to one guys performance and untimely death) but I have a feeling the years will not be kind to this movie.… Expand

3 of 8 users found this helpful

5

PaulTOct 1, 2008

I have to agree with Karen. For me the best scenes were those that involved dialog. Movie strated very well, but just seemed to get more and more silly. Silly to the point where the story was not relevent anymore. A major disapointment as I have to agree with Karen. For me the best scenes were those that involved dialog. Movie strated very well, but just seemed to get more and more silly. Silly to the point where the story was not relevent anymore. A major disapointment as far as I was concerned… Expand

3 of 9 users found this helpful

5

LinLJan 4, 2009

Some swell special effects . . . but I wonder, do you have to be a comic book aficionado to buy into the whole "superhero as tortured neurotic incompetent" bit? I thought "Iron Man" was a lot more satisfying.

2 of 6 users found this helpful

4

DarrylJul 20, 2008

Mediocre at best, if you want a great movie.... see Iron Man, or Wanted.... There has been way too much hype over this movie, and I think a lot has to do with the untimely death of Heath Ledger ..who steals the movie and is a sure Oscar Mediocre at best, if you want a great movie.... see Iron Man, or Wanted.... There has been way too much hype over this movie, and I think a lot has to do with the untimely death of Heath Ledger ..who steals the movie and is a sure Oscar winner with his performance.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful

5

JoshC.Nov 9, 2008

A sadly average movie that is grossly overrated. While many performances are great (despite the much talked about performance of Heath Ledger, Freeman, Caine, and Oldman give equally good performances) and some truly breathtaking moments (a A sadly average movie that is grossly overrated. While many performances are great (despite the much talked about performance of Heath Ledger, Freeman, Caine, and Oldman give equally good performances) and some truly breathtaking moments (a bound to be much repeated opening shot that slowly zooms in over the skyline), the movie is killed by it's length, overly-convoluted plot and lack of any real character development. More depressing still are the flat performances of Christian Bale, Aaron Eckhart and Maggie Gyllenhaal, all of whom are too stiff and bland to really care about. A number of smaller problems (a stupidly overdone batsuit, a two-face subplot that doesn't go anywhere, and Bruce Wayne coming off as far too whiny) all bring down the film. Which is a true shame as the movie shows real potential in a lot of areas. However, the film starts strong and ends up going nowhere for far too long.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful

4

BillR.Jul 20, 2008

i presume those who keep scoring "10" are teens? such an opportunity gone begging to flesh out the Joker. They could have focused on his childhood, the factors which drove him to the edge and gave Heath a meatier role that could have gone i presume those who keep scoring "10" are teens? such an opportunity gone begging to flesh out the Joker. They could have focused on his childhood, the factors which drove him to the edge and gave Heath a meatier role that could have gone down in history. Instead we had a 150 min movie, brlliantly produced , but lacked characters with emotional depth. Mr Ledger is capable of so much better. Scintillating stuff for the xbox 360 crowd.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful

4

PaulB.Jul 20, 2008

Wow.... people were walking out of the cinema i saw this in and it's understandable. The joker is great...but the film is so badly plotted it's amazing. The entire Harvey Dent character should have been edited out as it was not wellWow.... people were walking out of the cinema i saw this in and it's understandable. The joker is great...but the film is so badly plotted it's amazing. The entire Harvey Dent character should have been edited out as it was not well executed and the story arc round Dent was weakly scripted. we don't believe him... The joker has been used as a cenematic 'device' by Nolan. He is a cypher. He turns up as required, in any situation... we never understand how he gets there, how he commandeers a skyscraper, or enters the impenetrable apartment of Batman... The film degenerates in the last 40 mins completely. Once the only character you care for is dead the film just keeps going. I thjought it finished at least three times, only to groan when it started again. Indulgent, flat.. and uninteresting... I think the crtic's reviews are shrouded with the death of ledger and no one wants to admit the films a barker....wooof....the dog of summer.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful

5

PacoS.Dec 10, 2008

The first movie was so good I found this story to be lame contrived, I feel too much credit is given to Heath for his portrayal of the Joker, couple of great moments, and a few cool weapons or gizmos other then that lame. I feel they should The first movie was so good I found this story to be lame contrived, I feel too much credit is given to Heath for his portrayal of the Joker, couple of great moments, and a few cool weapons or gizmos other then that lame. I feel they should have created a new story around a villain that hadn't been used before, hard to beat Jack's version of Joker.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful

5

LittleJoeDec 31, 2008

I wanted to like this movie because of its high scores both by critics and users, but I found it to be very confusing and extremely hard to follow. The effects were spectacular, the acting nicely done, but the plot was a complete mishmash.

1 of 3 users found this helpful

4

JamesLulzOct 9, 2008

this movie was too long. mightv been better if it was about 1/2 the time. also it takes itself too seriously for a movie based off a comic book and after the first half you begin to wonder why you bother with the movie and its constantthis movie was too long. mightv been better if it was about 1/2 the time. also it takes itself too seriously for a movie based off a comic book and after the first half you begin to wonder why you bother with the movie and its constant undramatic "twists"… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful

4

AronJ.Dec 1, 2008

Cut batman out and youve still got a mediocre story, and movie. Although full of a-listers like ledger, bale, and eckhart, its still unappealing. The acting was great, but, limited, the strongest performences came from eckhart and leger, Cut batman out and youve still got a mediocre story, and movie. Although full of a-listers like ledger, bale, and eckhart, its still unappealing. The acting was great, but, limited, the strongest performences came from eckhart and leger, bale is overrated as an actor.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful

4

HarsH.Dec 15, 2008

Quite possibly the most overrated Hollywood film since Titanic. Convoluted and overwrought with dry performances, unnecessary subplots, and derivative action sequences. Ledger gives a compelling performance in what is otherwise a vacuous Quite possibly the most overrated Hollywood film since Titanic. Convoluted and overwrought with dry performances, unnecessary subplots, and derivative action sequences. Ledger gives a compelling performance in what is otherwise a vacuous film. I respect Christopher Nolan, but he needs to ask Jon Favreau how to make a superhero film.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful

5

ArmondA.Dec 18, 2008

The makers of this film bought themselves a terrific toolbox but they didn't build much of anything. Well actually they made a very big, noisy, philosophically pompous, bore. It runs awfully long, too, as if trying to make up for its The makers of this film bought themselves a terrific toolbox but they didn't build much of anything. Well actually they made a very big, noisy, philosophically pompous, bore. It runs awfully long, too, as if trying to make up for its lack of satisfying content by giving a second and third helping, as the crash-em-up episodes just keep on coming. Please, no more of this batty-man. The myth has been over-explored and wrung out. Maybe it's time for an updated version of the campy interpretation many of us howled at 40 years ago.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful

6

TanabeA.Jul 17, 2008

Bored me to death. Pretentious and humorless. Batman's irritatingly raspy voice and his stiff costume efficiently erased the whatever nuances Christian Bale wanted to convey. Heath Ledger was good but I wouldn't go so far as to Bored me to death. Pretentious and humorless. Batman's irritatingly raspy voice and his stiff costume efficiently erased the whatever nuances Christian Bale wanted to convey. Heath Ledger was good but I wouldn't go so far as to give him an Oscar nomination in this. Better that people should give much more notice to Gary Oldman who imbued his character with a quiet strength I found totally captivating and believable. The plot was predictable in many parts and hardly original. This movie takes itself way too seriously. What we have here is a tempest in a teacup. Greatest comicbook movie ever made? Hahahahaha!… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful

4

WillyM.Sep 21, 2008

Heath Ledger is amazing, but the movie is a dark, nasty mess with a gaping hole in the middle where a hero should be. Feels like it's 4 hours long.

1 of 3 users found this helpful

4

TonyO.Dec 14, 2008

I like Batman. I like Christopher Nolan. I like Christian Bale. I like comic book film adaptations, by and large. So why didn't I like this movie? 1. Way too long. 2. Some really pointless sub-plots and over-egged supporting characters. I like Batman. I like Christopher Nolan. I like Christian Bale. I like comic book film adaptations, by and large. So why didn't I like this movie? 1. Way too long. 2. Some really pointless sub-plots and over-egged supporting characters. 3. too many tedious and unexciting action sequences. 4. In short, it suffered from the same syndrome as Spider-Man 3 and X-men 3 - yet another puffed up sequel based on a promising beginning. Of course there are some good bits… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful

4

ChadSchneiderFeb 20, 2009

I thought this movie was over-hyped, over-(and under)acted and just plain long. While the Joker character was well acted by Ledger (Oscar worthy for sure), Christian Bale fell short of making me believe that Batman was more than a mumbling,I thought this movie was over-hyped, over-(and under)acted and just plain long. While the Joker character was well acted by Ledger (Oscar worthy for sure), Christian Bale fell short of making me believe that Batman was more than a mumbling, monotone, disconnected Houdini wanna-be.

Was not impressed by the Bat-mobile. Was not impressed by the Transformer-like Bat-mobile turned Bat-cycle. Was not impressed at all. A mostly wasted 3 hours of my life that could have been better spent picking my nose.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful

4

VS.D.Aug 1, 2008

What a snoozefest. Though not as bad as its prequel, this film really had nothing interesting enough to require this run time. A poor script was helped along by some decent acting but really the film is nothing special.

1 of 4 users found this helpful

5

MatthewM.Oct 18, 2008

This movie was lame. Too long, too many anti-climactic action scense, fight choreography sucked, Maggie G was insufferable, Robert Downy Jr would have made a better bruce wayne than Bale, way too many stupid plot twists. Nolan tried way too This movie was lame. Too long, too many anti-climactic action scense, fight choreography sucked, Maggie G was insufferable, Robert Downy Jr would have made a better bruce wayne than Bale, way too many stupid plot twists. Nolan tried way too hard, and apart from Ledger, the rest of the actors weren't believable. Heath's performance was the only shining aspect of this film. I don't think he was better than jack nicholson, but a great interpretation of the joker nonetheless. Lastly, ledger's death without a doubt inflated the success of the film, and if he hadn't died i don't believe it would be the 2nd highest grossing movie of all time, or anywhere near it. Overall it was dissapointing, way below my expectations.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful

5

KarenW.Sep 14, 2008

Gotta go against the grain here. Great performances, including one that should get Heath Ledger nominated for a posthumous Oscar, but in the end, you have to ask what was the point? I initially thought they had to reconstruct and reedit Gotta go against the grain here. Great performances, including one that should get Heath Ledger nominated for a posthumous Oscar, but in the end, you have to ask what was the point? I initially thought they had to reconstruct and reedit after Ledger's death because that's the way the plot came out: jumbled and disjointed. It seemed to come close to making a point a few times, then just skittered away from it. OK, yes, it was striving to be something more than a superhero story, but it fell so far short of Batman Begins that it devolved into a paean to violence; in that flick, violence served to advance the plot while here it seemed to be inserted (liberally) for its own sake. While it was bloodless, you understood that the Joker was doing a fair amount of slashing off-screen, and there seemed no point in showing a fabricated genesis of Two-face when he lasts about 20 on-screen minutes before going the way of all flesh. My stomach is still in knots the way it was after, say, Aliens, but this was less of a roller-coaster ride and more of a cheap carnival funhouse trip. My one thought is that perhaps, like Peter Jackson's version of The Two Towers, it will all make a lot more sense once the DVD comes out if it has 40 minutes of deleted footage, but the film left me with such a bad taste in my mouth from the abysmal plotting and excessive violence that it's not something I plan to go out of my way to find out.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful

4

CyberPunkFeb 13, 2012

A film with too many plot holes. The plot is all over the place. This film really should of been split in two to make it flow better. As is, it's one giant cluster ****

2 of 9 users found this helpful27

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5

ArkonBladeAug 21, 2010

i didnt get the hype behind this film . i know alot of people who liked it but i guess im not one of them . im almost wondering if it was because it was heath ledgers last preformance befor he died . well i guess for one im not a huge batmani didnt get the hype behind this film . i know alot of people who liked it but i guess im not one of them . im almost wondering if it was because it was heath ledgers last preformance befor he died . well i guess for one im not a huge batman fan to begin with . well lets move on the critics where right though on heath ledger giving a great preformance as the joker i thought it would be really tough to top jack nicholsons version of the joker but he did a great job . im not saying that eather cause he kicked off he did actaully do it well. thats about really the only plus of the film that and the over all plot of how evil people can just light the world on fire and wach it burn and not care about any thing els wasnt bad eather . the main problems i have with this film are baal himself as batman . should i be laughing every time he talks as batman? well i am his low sounding raspy voice for batman just seems over the top and rediculas . i just kept laughing every time he opend his mouth . the film is also way to long like 2 hrs 45 min or some thing like that . it could have been easily cut to just under 2 hours. bringing in 2 face at the end i thought was just pointless for such a small roll and then end it the way they did . this film really wasnt bad but not nearly enjoyable enough for me to ever want to see it ever again or its sequels.… Expand

3 of 15 users found this helpful312

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4

Paul_YoonSep 19, 2010

Director Nolan illustrates his movie too darkly and too gloomy. Why this super-hero movie should deserve to philosophically intricated one. Watching Super-hero movie is merely for fun.

2 of 10 users found this helpful28

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5

PepticNightmareOct 14, 2012

This is a very over-rated film, slightly boring, It took me two days to actually get through this snooze-fest, It's a decent film overall but even Heath Ledger's fantastic performance can't save this from just being another film featuring aThis is a very over-rated film, slightly boring, It took me two days to actually get through this snooze-fest, It's a decent film overall but even Heath Ledger's fantastic performance can't save this from just being another film featuring a comic book hero, I enjoy Batman normally the comics are fantastic but this isn't fantastic and you could even miss this film if you were watching The Dark Knight Trilogy.… Expand

1 of 6 users found this helpful15

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4

EstaD.Aug 6, 2008

Although I would give the filmmakers credit for a reasonable story and character development, I think the movie is inappropriate for many people to watch. It depicts a anti-social society and I might say also a mirror of the current American Although I would give the filmmakers credit for a reasonable story and character development, I think the movie is inappropriate for many people to watch. It depicts a anti-social society and I might say also a mirror of the current American society. We don't need to see all the sweetness from the 50s but in my opinion this movie should be xxx-rated. Harry Potter was banned in many conservative bulwarks, but Batman was not. It is time to start a public discussion about the difference between the character of the two stories. Do you really think the Dark Knight/Batman is a children's story? A bank robbery where you kill all your mates?????? No wonder the American society cannot get rid of its violent nature. It will go under just like the Roman Empire due to decadence and (too much expenditure) wars. I am looking forward for that time to happen any time soon.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

5

JMJul 20, 2008

Way overrated. The movie is too long, the fight/actions scenes edited too much like an MTV video, and the movie is way too in love with violence. This movie should NOT be PG-13. It warrants a "R" rating. In addition, while Maggie Gyllenhaal Way overrated. The movie is too long, the fight/actions scenes edited too much like an MTV video, and the movie is way too in love with violence. This movie should NOT be PG-13. It warrants a "R" rating. In addition, while Maggie Gyllenhaal , provided a fine performance she is no leading lady. As much as I love Batman and as much as I appreciated Heath Ledger's great performance, I cannot recommend this movie.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

5

DanielJul 20, 2008

The special effects and action sequences are great, but the plot is confused and ultimately the movie goes at least 30 minutes too long than it should. Not a patch on "Batman Begins."

0 of 1 users found this helpful

4

AnS.Aug 16, 2008

So what's all the fuss about? An action film so deluded that it thinks it has something deep or relevant to say about the post September 11 climate? No thanks. If only George Bush monitored the mobile phone communications of the So what's all the fuss about? An action film so deluded that it thinks it has something deep or relevant to say about the post September 11 climate? No thanks. If only George Bush monitored the mobile phone communications of the film's producers, this awful, self-indulgent mess would have been extraordinarily rendered to some secret prison in Eastern Europe. Showing it to its fellow unlawful combatants would be a torture much worse than waterboarding. Ledger's performance is good but not remarkable. Pacing and action feel disjointed. Given very little exciting happens and all of the dialogue is hot air, it should have been a lot shorter.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

5

MeganB.Jul 19, 2008

I wanted to love this movie. It had some very good performances, and I loved the cinematography. That said, this movie has way too many inexplicable jumps in it; there are multiple scenes that end with a cut to another scene without any I wanted to love this movie. It had some very good performances, and I loved the cinematography. That said, this movie has way too many inexplicable jumps in it; there are multiple scenes that end with a cut to another scene without any segue or explanation, and often what could have been the best part of a scene was left out altogether. Also, the whole movie just builds and builds and builds and it has 3 separate endings. And finally: PG-13?!?!? On what planet should a 13 year old see something that is that violent and graphic?… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

5

S.X.Jul 23, 2008

I found the endless obsession with dark-this and dark-that, to be a depressing one-note that hung around from beginning to end. The moral complications were contrived and pretentious. A number of liberties were taken with the logic of the I found the endless obsession with dark-this and dark-that, to be a depressing one-note that hung around from beginning to end. The moral complications were contrived and pretentious. A number of liberties were taken with the logic of the action. What I found most odd is that 'the batman' seemed out of place in his own movie, as if some dude in a cape kept popping in and out of a more serious, real-world crime drama.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

5

BillyC.Jul 29, 2008

It started well but after 2 hours Nolan should have wrapped it up! Two Face became a really childish bore and ridiculous with his coin tossing (Anton Chigurrh anyone?) nonsense. The dialogue was a bit cheesy. Far fetched.

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5

MarkL.Aug 1, 2008

No thanks, this movie was way to long and could have been shortened an hour easy and Heath L. put on a good performance but after two hours of watching him lick his lips I was rather annoyed by his performance and what is up with the child No thanks, this movie was way to long and could have been shortened an hour easy and Heath L. put on a good performance but after two hours of watching him lick his lips I was rather annoyed by his performance and what is up with the child molester voice of the Batman "come here little girl I have some candy for you",lol. I don't think this movie would have made that big of a splash if Heath wouldn't have passed away because it's all been done a hundred times. Nothing new here............… Expand

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4

dlloydAug 9, 2008

Simply weak. Poor script. Good acting but the lack of depth in any single character left their work empty. The joker was crap because he was just a nihilist with nothing else to him and so boring and predictable. The whole film was boring Simply weak. Poor script. Good acting but the lack of depth in any single character left their work empty. The joker was crap because he was just a nihilist with nothing else to him and so boring and predictable. The whole film was boring and they couldn't even keep the plot coherent.… Expand

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5

JakeA.Mar 6, 2009

The only truly amazing thing about this movie was Heath Ledger's performance. Otherwise, it was awful. Christian Bale was absolutely horrible, just, bad. The story simply drags on and on without really going anywhere. It's really The only truly amazing thing about this movie was Heath Ledger's performance. Otherwise, it was awful. Christian Bale was absolutely horrible, just, bad. The story simply drags on and on without really going anywhere. It's really too bad that Ledger's best performance had to be in an otherwise bad film.… Expand

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5

NathanJul 19, 2008

This movie is a jumbled mess. Nolan tries to do too much without making clear sense of things. There is little to no character development while the plot hurdles onward, multiplying into several different (incoherent) story lines. The result This movie is a jumbled mess. Nolan tries to do too much without making clear sense of things. There is little to no character development while the plot hurdles onward, multiplying into several different (incoherent) story lines. The result is a confusing series of events flashed on screen with no meaning behind it. I could identify the events and the characters performing them, but I did not know why. . .nor did I care. The ONLY saving grace is the Joker.… Expand

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5

AnonymousMCJul 24, 2008

Heath Ledger and the shots of the city are great. Everything else was pointless and incoherent. To many bombs and explosions. The movie can be compared to "the Wanted" in this way, I guess with its exaggeration of action and the only goodHeath Ledger and the shots of the city are great. Everything else was pointless and incoherent. To many bombs and explosions. The movie can be compared to "the Wanted" in this way, I guess with its exaggeration of action and the only good thing being the supporting actor (Ledger in "Dark Knight"; Jolie in "the Wanted"). The martial arts would've been cool if you could see it (its shortened, zoomed in and the dark). Every scene is meaningless, and some could've had meaning if they weren't truncated. I guess Nolan wasn't trying to do that he just wants to make sure you walk away overwhelmed with nothing but wow there were so many explosions and Heath Ledger's Joker is scary. But, so what.… Expand

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5

RangeboyJul 25, 2008

Saw preview in UK last night after reading all the hype surrounding it. Preferred Batman Begins, it seemed like a TV cop show in placess, not enought of the Scarecrow, did he like die or just disappear? Ledger's Joker is no way as good Saw preview in UK last night after reading all the hype surrounding it. Preferred Batman Begins, it seemed like a TV cop show in placess, not enought of the Scarecrow, did he like die or just disappear? Ledger's Joker is no way as good as Jack's in the Tim Burton film and is it just me or does he act and sound exactlly like Herman Munster? A big underachievement, far fetched, confusing, boring, Bale's embaressing Batman 'voice' , I could go on...… Expand

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5

MartinW.Sep 1, 2008

Not anywhere near as great as it's reputatin suggests. I can't buy into the downward spiral of the supposed white knight Harvery Dent, to the point where he's willing to execute innocent children just days after being the Not anywhere near as great as it's reputatin suggests. I can't buy into the downward spiral of the supposed white knight Harvery Dent, to the point where he's willing to execute innocent children just days after being the moralistic leader of Gotham, and for no reason. He could have killed the Joker for retribution for his disfigurement and supposed killing of Rachel Dawes, but no, he'd rather flip coins and potentially kill Gordon's kids? Whatever! Christian Bale is very good as Batman as usual, but his BM voice is way over the top. Maggie G. is very matronly looking as Rachel Dawes. Come on! Ledger is iconic as the Joker, but he's the best thing in this overlong, overrated flick.… Expand

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5

RobynJul 19, 2008

All these 10s crack me up. a movie has to be MORE THAN VISUAL and HYPE. i still don't understand the plot of the movie. too many holes, it made no sense, at times simply preposterous. Hellboy is a fantasy movie, so certain grace is All these 10s crack me up. a movie has to be MORE THAN VISUAL and HYPE. i still don't understand the plot of the movie. too many holes, it made no sense, at times simply preposterous. Hellboy is a fantasy movie, so certain grace is given. Batman is supposed to be a "real" movie, and yet you still have the cliches and dumb moments that ruin such movies. every single thing goes wrong for the bumbling cops, and every single thing goes right for the Joker and his crew. so many tidy coincidences, one after the other, such perfect, absurd, timing. the movie was LOOOOONG, way too long, and aggravating to watch. it takes itself way to seriously. it was ok, far from great, no need to ever see it again.… Expand

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5

RonG.Jul 19, 2008

The critics must have been paid for these over-the-top glowing reviews. The movie is mediocre, at best. There are many problems with the film, beginning with a disjointed storyline, and weak editing. It all makes for a bit of a jumbled mess, The critics must have been paid for these over-the-top glowing reviews. The movie is mediocre, at best. There are many problems with the film, beginning with a disjointed storyline, and weak editing. It all makes for a bit of a jumbled mess, where we have difficulty recognizing the good characters from the bad ones. Even the good characters gone bad occur rather suddenly, with no rhyme or reason as to their motivations. The sound is a bit muffled throughout, and the decision to give Christian Bale a computerized voice when he's in the Batman suit, makes the dialogue even more incomprehensible. Even at 2-1/2 hours this movie seems like a work in progress. I felt that every other reel in the film was missing, to ensure the film had some level of continuity--but then, this was directed by the guy who gave us Memento--a movie that was all over the place on purpose. I witnessed a movie with good performances, some great acting (especially on Heath Ledger's part), and a great cast. But I feel like it was a bunch of terrific individual scenes that were thrown in the air, and unfortunately, didn't add up to a cohesive movie when they were assembled. This is a movie that is going to do terrific box office it's first week, due to all the hype, but then is going to tank in the second week. The "repeat" factor just isn't there for this film. And I hate to quibble, because I love Maggie Gylenhaal, but she was miscast in this film as a "sexy" love interest. I'm not a Katie Holmes fan, but Katie is much more "sexy" than Maggie. Her role in the triangle love-affair just didn't work for me--and, as you'll see, didn't actually work for Batman either.… Expand

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5

GregBAug 14, 2008

As good as the first movie was, this as bad. Did not know what it wanted to be - Comic book movie, bleak dark fiction, or epic. It had a hodge podge of scences strung together to make a marginal sequel. Hollywood has fallen in love with not As good as the first movie was, this as bad. Did not know what it wanted to be - Comic book movie, bleak dark fiction, or epic. It had a hodge podge of scences strung together to make a marginal sequel. Hollywood has fallen in love with not just dark but bleak and life sucking. If you like Scarface you will like Dark Knight.… Expand

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5

MarkWAug 14, 2008

40 minutes of dry content could have easily been cut from this movie to make it at least bearable. The director must be an idiot....Batman can do so many things, but cant stop someone 2 feet away from getting their face burned half off? The 40 minutes of dry content could have easily been cut from this movie to make it at least bearable. The director must be an idiot....Batman can do so many things, but cant stop someone 2 feet away from getting their face burned half off? The special effects sucked ass...nothing we haven't seen in the last 10 years.… Expand

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5

JamesS.Aug 14, 2008

Way too much stuff going on. Too long, too much dialogue, and too many things blowing up only make this movie one mind-numbing experience. I thought Batman Begins was miles ahead of this movie and the best Batman movie ever made. I was Way too much stuff going on. Too long, too much dialogue, and too many things blowing up only make this movie one mind-numbing experience. I thought Batman Begins was miles ahead of this movie and the best Batman movie ever made. I was pretty disappointed to say the least. Obviously, Heath Ledger was great as the Joker. Christian Bale's Batman voice was a bit over-the-top and a bit annoying with his lisp. I just didn't like the fact that the Joker was everywhere at once and had everything planned out so perfectly every time--with seemingly everyone being corrupt and working for the Joker, unwittingly or not.… Expand

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6

SpartanEdgeMay 9, 2011

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is not a bad movie per-say.Its a gritty,realistic super hero movie,that happens to be a batman movie.On paper,it sounds like it was all going to be excellent,especially after the outstanding Batman Begins.The trouble is,there is ALOT wrong with this movie! Too many things to cover in a short review,so i'll get started.Firstly,where was the rousing music score that got our hairs standing up in Batman begins? There was no music at all in the car chase/batmobile sequence,& what music there was,was no where near as memorable as the previous film.. Racheal.What a completely poor choice of acresss they opted for to play her in this movie! She's not attractive at all,had the personality of a cardboard box,& where was the chemistry that her & Bruce had in the previous film?! I dont think anyone was bothered when she died.Instead of a re-built batcave & bruce mansion,we had some generic 'Big Room',What? Morgan Freeman & Michael Caine were not given any opportunity to shine in this movie,unlike Begins.Batmans suit looked too much like conventional armour,instead of something natural,with the neck looking particulally ridiculous,& the voice as Batman was so over the top,it was totally distracting.. The Joker just looked too greasy & dirty,& sounded like some science nerd,& whats with all the different versions of his origin & the licking of the lips like a lizard? Both seemed unnes
sassary.& the plot just seemed like a mess,that was hard work to take in,with too much going on,& was jumping all over the place.. I have to say though,that Harvey Dent/Two Face was played very well.He's a great actor. Despite everything i've said,when i watched the movie again at home,for some reason,the film seemed more watchable.Maybe because the plot is easier to take in the second time around,but i enjoyed it more than at the cinema,though the critisisms still stand,especially the ones about Rachael.I hope the mood,drama,storytelling & music score are improved in Batman Rises,& Bale tones it down a bit with that voice,& it should be ok.… Expand

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All this user's reviews

6

krogarFeb 1, 2012

Usually I'm one to be pretty positive about most movies, and it is rare for me to be a dissenting negative critic. Also, there are many extremely violent or disturbing movies which I have found excellent (from thrillers to horror movies toUsually I'm one to be pretty positive about most movies, and it is rare for me to be a dissenting negative critic. Also, there are many extremely violent or disturbing movies which I have found excellent (from thrillers to horror movies to crime fiction, etc.) But here is that rare example where I disagree with predominantly positive reviews: I found this movie just dragged on, with more and more dark, disturbing, violent imagery which really spoiled my evening instead of leaving me inspired, energized, entertained, or moved. I could barely make it through. Certainly there were fine performances, but why not watch something that makes your day better, instead of this?… Expand

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All this user's reviews

6

RikiegeDec 7, 2012

Good movie but it is too slow.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

6

SteveE.Oct 30, 2008

This movie had about one hour too much plot. They should have cut down on the plot and explored more of a simpler version. It looks like they really tried to make this a quality movie, but, as they say, "less is more". The settings were This movie had about one hour too much plot. They should have cut down on the plot and explored more of a simpler version. It looks like they really tried to make this a quality movie, but, as they say, "less is more". The settings were outstanding, as was Heath Ledger.… Expand