The movie started off with a bang then it seemed to hit a lull. It wasn’t really a lull, there was some time spent on character sketching giving the audience a little introduction to each of the key players. Not to mention the plot thickened, alliances were made, and motives and rationale where identified during this “lull” as well. I’m not sure what could have been done to diminish the noticeable decline in momentum so I can’t comment on it without offering a valid suggestion. Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the joker was maniacal, gripping, hilarious and terrifying. His mannerisms, voice, even the way he lick his disfigured mouth left this unsettling feeling in the pit of my stomach. He was a raw representation of a villain, because there is a distinct difference between a villain and a bad person. A bad person will do anything to get what they want, typically they desire power or money. A villain in its true form has no real wants, doesn’t desire money, they just have an unbridled passion for destruction. I don’t want to give away any parts of the film but I will say the Joker is true villain. There are aspects of the Joker’s character that can actually draw the slightest tinge of sympathy, which is really disturbing considering the heinous crimes he commits. On the other hand you have Bruce/Batman the Dark Knight, brooding alone on the top of skyscrapers like a gargoyle. Batman is not the byproduct of evolution, or a savior from some distant planet, Batman is merely the product of a desire to do good and human ingenuity. Standing true to his visceral convictions throughout the film, he sort of offers you that alternative perspective of the hero archetype. Being a hero isn’t about the glory, it is about doing what is best and making the decisions that others can’t make. Other films about heros attempt to capture that concept, this one articulates that point very well and in a realistic relatable way. I give this one an A. It was great. Check it out.