The Dark Knight

In honour of the DVD release of The Dark Knight on December 9th, 2008, here are two of our reviewers thoughts on the film, from when we saw it in theatres. The Dark Knight opened on July 18th, 2008.

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and some menace.

Running Time: 152 min.

Christopher Nolan (dir.)

Hans Zimmer and James Newton-Howard (music)

Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman

Heath Ledger as The Joker

Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent/Two Face

Michael Caine as Alfred Pennyworth

Maggie Gyllenhaal as Rachel Dawes

Gary Oldman as James Gorden

Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox

Our reviews below:

_____________________________________________

The Dark Knight Review By John C.

**** (out of four)

Even though The Dark Knight is the biggest grossing movie of the year and the second biggest ever (after Titanic), while I was watching it, it felt like I was witnessing a great independent film that I had to tell the world to see. The acting is first rate, including a brilliant performance by the late-great Heath Ledger as the sadistic Joker - which is played so well that sometimes you don’t know if you should laugh or be terrified, but at the same time, you can never stop watching. Christian Bale is topnotch as The Batman, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and Gary Oldman are also great, Maggie Gyllenhaal is a huge step up from Katie Holmes, who played the character of Rachel Dawes in the predecessor to The Dark Knight, Batman Begins. Aaron Eckhart is also brilliant as Harvey Dent, who could be considered the backbone of the whole story.

While it is dark and visually stunning, the morals that are brought up in the last half-hour are thought provoking, and also follow in the brilliant theme of the film, which is “who is really good and who is the true hero?”. The Dark Knight is technically a comic book movie, even though it barely feels like it. It is one of those movies that only come once in a while, and should be celebrated. A masterpiece of modern cinema, both thought provoking and honest, The Dark Knight is easily one of the best films I have ever seen.

_____________________________________________

The Dark Knight Review By Erin V.

**** (out of four)

The Dark Knight. Hands down, this is one of the best movies I have ever seen. With a movie like this, no matter what you expect, when you come out of the movie, you know that you’ve seen something great. After seeing this movie, I read the script, and even on paper, this movie is still exhilarating. And that’s without it being raised to a completely new level with stunning visuals, and acting that is Oscar worthy - in particular by the late Heath Ledger as The Joker.

Film is an art form - that when utilized to it’s full potential, reminds you why we go to the movies. Everything about this movie works. It is a movie that is not just a regular comic book movie, and while watching it, it is so seamlessly put together. The mix of action scenes does not seem jolting or out of place at any time, and the music, wonderfully composed by Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard, fits the mood perfectly.

All in all, for those who want a film that is an astounding work of art, as well as an exciting comic book movie/crime drama, The Dark Knight is a movie that is definitely worth seeing.

_____________________________________________

Consensus: The Dark Knight is not just another comic book movie - it is a brilliant crime drama, that rises to the level of a work of art to be celebrated. **** (out of four)