The Dark Knight

Christopher Nolan continues the tone that he set up with the first film reinventing the franchise for an older audience that shuts out all the kids under 10. This film is as serious as any drama released during the fall, cut away all the scenes with Batman and you have a serious crime drama like "The Departed" for example. A well written script with a superb cast is a rare sight for a summer blockbuster and credit is due to Nolan who makes his best film since "Memento". The ace without a doubt is Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker that steals every scene and then some. Ledger's tragic death cut short a brilliant career and his performance of the joker will be the one he will be remembered for in the years to come. The weakest link is Maggie Gyllenhaal replacement of Katie Holmes. While a great actress she feels out of place in a Batman film besides the lacking chemistry with Christian Bale. However the question remains for a summer blockbuster that's supposed to be a lot of fun. Why so serious? YRCinema's coverage of current releases.