This movie lives up to its hype - Its very dark times for Gotham as the whole city suffers at the hands of evil mastermind the Joker, but is the scrutinized 'vigilante' Batman up to the job of hero? Finding out is well woth the 2.5 hour running time. The script is well written, keeping a constant tension that rarely lets you get far from the edge of your seat. The film's trump card is without a doubt Ledger's turn as the demented Joker, who is never anything short of fantastic. Oscar talk is completely justified, and has nothing to do with pity over his untimely death- such a shame to lose him when he was clearly in his acting prime.

9.5/10