One doesn't even have to see this movie to know that the acting in it is nothing to scoff at. A simple glance at the cast list and you can be assured that this is about as good as it gets: Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Christian Bale, Aaron Eckhard and of course, Heath Ledger. Although in my personal opinion Christian Bale is a fine Batman, it is clear that Ledger is the true star of this film. His portrayal of the Joker, Batman's arch nemesis, is virtually flawless, from his subtle idiosyncrasies to the cackling laugh. You'll surely be left with a chill at some point during the film. Ledger was truly able to create a realistic villain that fit in perfectly with the new Batman universe. On another note, Maggie Gyllenhaal's portrayal of Rachel Dawes (who was played by Katie Holmes in Batman Begins) was also fairly decent. Nothing outstanding mind you, but she did a good job of making the character her own, having to take the place of a previous actress.

Of course, good acting doesn't necessarily make a good superhero film (see: Hancock). What you really need is a great plot, something that can get people on the edge of their seats. And of course, The Dark Knight doesn't fail to deliver in this category either. From the very start we're thrust into a crime ridden world, filled with mob bosses, petty criminals, a corrupt police department, politicians, vigilantes and of course the "caped crusader," just trying to make sense of it all. But as we all know, Batman isn't the hero Gotham needs. They need someone who can work with the law, not above the law, to put an end to crime and bring order to the city. Enter Harvey Dent, the ambitious new District Attorney with high hopes for a bright future. Everything seems difficult enough the way it is, Batman keeping the criminals away and Harvey putting them on trial. Of course, it can't be that simple. The stage is set and in comes the Jokers, whose only goal is to inspire a bit of chaos. One only has to imagine the kind of events that would play out with so many powers acting at once, each with their own goals and motivations. Or better yet, one only has to watch the movie and see this masterpiece play out with their own eyes.

In addition to having a good plot, a superhero movie has definitely got to be entertaining. And yet again, The Dark Knight delivers. It definitely shows that a movie doesn't have to be nonstop action and fight sequences to fill the "action" genre. There is never a dull moment, which is quite an accomplishment for a 2 and a half hour movie. Of course, the real meaty action sequences are a feat on their own, with some very impressive visuals and stunts (my personal favorite being the 18-wheeler flip) which will have you on the edge of your seat.

With an original soundtrack composed by Hans Zimmer (of Disney fame, as well as Gladiator, The Ring, and of course Batman Begins) and James Newton Howard (King Kong, I Am Legend and of course Batman Begins) there's really nothing to complain about. Although it's nothing revolutionary or largely memorable, it gets the job done.

In all honesty, I can't think of one genuine complaint about this movie. Any small defects are greatly overshadowed by...well, everything else. If you haven't seen this movie yet, make it the one that you don't miss this summer. And if you do happen to miss out on it, you best make sure you pre-order the DVD. No, it isn't the best movie of all time. Of course, you're always going to have some people who will wildy rave about it as the best movie ever, or others who try to downplay that by calling it a horrible piece of crap. What I have to say to them is simply, "Why so serious?"

Acting: 9/10 Plotline: 10/10 Soundtrack: 8/10 Entertainment: 10/10 Overall: 9/10