The Dark Knight: One of the Greatest Movies of All Time

I am not a huge Batman fan by any means. In fact, character-wise, Batman has always been one of my least favorite superheroes. That said, The Dark Knight absolutely blew me away, just to put it lightly. I had been dreading going to see the film, for two main reasons:

1. The movie's length - even in movies I find to be amazing, anything over 2 hours and I start to feel really antsy sitting in the same spot.

2. I was wary of watching one of Heath Ledger's last roles as a frighteningly evil villain. I'd heard of his performance ahead of time and how he was supposed to be amazing in this, but I didn't want to remember him only as such a sinister character.

I am so glad I ended up going after all. Any pre-conceived notions I had about the film that kept me from wanting to see it only make me feel so silly now. There are so many aspects of this movie that I thoroughly enjoyed. In fact, it felt almost perfect to me.

The breathtaking special effects, thrilling action, and the "What's gonna happen next??!?!" anticipation that kept me on the edge of my seat and unable to think or focus on anything else, including how long the movie actually is (the time seemed to fly by) was actually the least of it.

Never before had I seen such a dark comic-based movie, which provides realism and very disturbing undertones. Not many movies, especially comic-based ones, hit me so hard on an emotional level. There are many humerous parts that made me burst out laughing, but the sadness and lonesome feelings really, really hit me at times. Then there was the wonderful inside and hidden messages, running deeper than I find in most general movies these days - the whole thing was almost parallel with a real sociological experiment on how people react in certain situations, what truly defines a "hero," and how, there is good - and darkness - in everyone.

Then there is Heath Ledger. No words can ever state exactly what I feel about his performance as the Joker. But I will say this - before I was afraid of witnessing this as his last role. Throughout the movie and after, that completely changed. I can only feel so very proud of him, at how he was able to take on this character and play him so creepily convincing. I don't remember when the last time was that an actor's performance was so good that it hit me this hard, but Heath had definitely embraced this and totally owned the role in all aspects. I hope he is given that Oscar, because even though he isn't here to receive it, he definitely deserves it. I feel so sad that we lost such a talent, but thankful that we are able to see this absolutely amazing performance.

Again, I've never been a huge fan of Batman. Batman Begins made me regain some hope in the story, but with this movie, my least favorite superhero has become what is now my most favorite superhero movie. Ever.