[KillerGremlin]

I finally got to see the Dark Knight...on IMAX nonetheless. I'm glad I waited a week. By the time Friday rolled around I was so beat from I had forgot about most of the stupid Batman hype. I went into the movie with high expectations, but nothing unobtainable. And, I was not disappointed.

It was much much better than Batman Begins. Much. The pacing was wonderful, and the themes were well done.

Still...my only real complaint is that I'm still not sure if I liked casting Aaron Eckhart. Time will tell, and I do plan on seeing the movie a few more times while it is in theaters.

The special effects were "off da hook." And, watching a film shot mostly in Chicago made it all the more enjoyable since I have been living in the city for the past 2 years.

I read two or three critic reviews saying that the action in the Dark Knight was too up-close and claustrophobic, but I'm not sure what they were talking about. Batman laid the smackdown on tons of badies in the film, and he kept a human element the whole time.

And then there was Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker. It was maniacal, energetic, over the top, and BRILLIANT. This is how I picture a real villain to act...Nolan hit a home run with the Joker. A villain so insane and only interested in the destruction of society. Brilliant.

Some of the other stuff, like Batman having doubts about being a superhero was touched on in Spiderman 2. But the ending theme of the movie was brilliant, as was the Joker's conversations with Batman about society, society's need for a hero like Batman, and the essence of being a hero.

Needless to say....I could probably continue to deconstruct the movie, but I won't. I want to enjoy it a few more times, because it was that good.

So...hopefully back to the theater I go tonight or tomorrow.