The Dark Knight (2008)

I saw this on opening day so I could avoid reviews and opinions before forming my own. By now everybody knows that this is a much darker film than Nolan's first. I don't see this as a positive or negative. It just is. More importantly, the sequel is focused, free from the burden of telling an origin story.

Subsequently, the villainous plot is allowed to unfold evenly, using the entire length of the film to unmask its gritty particulars. Ledger as the Joker is as good as he was rumored to be. An Oscar nomination would be less a tribute to his memory, as it would be a richly deserved accolade for a brilliant performance, regardless of his mortality.

Perhaps the monetary success, in addition to critical, will encourage Hollywood to hand the reins of major franchises over to more indie directors in the future.

Rating: B+