The Dark Knight

Yes, while waiting for the new X Files movie (with hopes that it will be better than the first), I became part of the record and saw The Dark Knight over the weekend.

I don't give it a thumbs up. I give it two thumbs and two big toes up.

It was well-acted, well-scripted: Not your typical superficial superhero special effects extravaganza. There is a moral complexity to this film as well. Even good characters have to make decisions, and they don't always do what we would expect or what in a pure world would be considered the "right" decision.

Heath Ledger does indeed give an incredible performance at the Joker. Dark, crazy, unpredictable. He is not merely an evil character, he is Evil itself. Worthy of Oscar buzz (I haven't seen enough films this year to say definitely worthy of a nomination).

Gary Oldman is also a stand out in the cast, and Michael Caine and Morgan Freemen provide their usual quality turns. Bale as Batman is better than Keaton, Kilmer or Clooney were.

Caution: This movie is intense and long, and there are some grisly, disturbing moments. DO NOT take younger kids or squeamish friends.