Movie Review: The Dark Knight

Amid a fever of expectation, Batman has returned to the nation’s theatres in the highly acclaimed ‘The Dark Knight’.

Director Christopher Nolan’s follow-up to 2005’s ‘Batman Begins’ is a dark and twisted affair, exploring the underbelly of Gotham City and the dark recesses of the character’s minds.

Although ‘The Dark Knight’ is based on a comic book and rated PG13, it would not be appropriate for young children. Consistent violence and scenes of terror and intimidation, including of a nine-year old boy, mean this movie is better suited to teenagers and adults.

For those that are old enough to understand the plot’s complexities and deal with its darker side, ‘The Dark Knight’ offers an action-packed blockbuster with great acting and slick production.

Christian Bale reprises his role as Batman after receiving critical success in ‘Batman Begins’ and is joined by Maggie Gyllenhaal as Rachel Dawes, replacing Katie Holmes as his love interest.

Heath Ledger takes the role of the Joker to murkier depths, moving away from Jack Nicholson’s largely comical performance. Following his death from an accidental overdose of painkillers earlier this year, Hollywood insiders have tipped him for a posthumous Oscar.

Although this may not be a film for all the family, fathers may want to take their older children to see one of the best Batman films yet.