Iffy for 14+
Excellent sequel much darker, more violent than the first.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that although this sequel to Batman Begins is an excellent movie, it's also much darker and more violent than the first one. Remember: Not all Batmen are created equal. Even though this movie is about a comic-book character, neither it nor its flawed hero and villain are aimed at younger kids or appropriate for them. The film is loaded with intense action, from bombs and bullets to martial-arts fighting and hand-to-hand combat. In addition to the hard-hitting action, expect some drinking and a bit of sexuality. And The Joker's nightmarish appearance has the potential to frighten viewers of all ages. Much of the movie's buzz surrounds actor Heath Ledger's excellent work in that villainous role -- his final completed part before his January 2008 death from an accidental drug overdose.
- Families can talk about the movie's violence. How does the film differentiate between "good" and "bad" uses of violence?
- What distinguishes Batman from The Joker? Both are angry and dark; why is one a hero and one a villain? Is the rule of law more important than the rule of force?
- What does it take to maintain order in the face of those who try to create chaos? Does keeping the public safe from harm justifying curtailing their right to privacy?
- Talk about the media coverage around Ledger's role in the film. How does a tragedy like his death affect a film's marketing and publicity?
The good stuff
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Messages: Extensive discussion of the rule of law versus the rule of force; police and political characters who work within the system are contrasted with the vigilante Batman. Political and police corruption are featured prominently in the plot. The thematic idea of order versus chaos also figures prominently in the film.
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Role models: Batman is ostensibly the champion of justice, but his methods can get pretty iffy, and many characters wonder just how different he is from the "villains" he tracks down. The Joker is pure anarchy -- he embraces chaos for chaos' sake and doesn't flinch at hurting the innocent to accomplish his goals.
What to watch for
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Violence: Extensive, intense violence, including (but not limited to) shootings, stabbings, fistfights, explosions, rocket attacks, grenades, and more. A thug is slammed face-first onto a pencil that's stuck in a table; an underling has an explosive device sewn into his body and then detonated; a hallucinogenic "fear drug" is used as a weapon; dogs are unleashed on victims; a man is set ablaze; cars crash; characters are bound in rooms full of explosives; live grenades are placed in the hands and mouths of hostages; two boats full of passengers are threatened with bombs on-board; suicide bombs are used as threats; knives and guns are brandished. Several characters have extensive facial scarring, either from knives or fire.
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Sex: Some kissing; someone walks in on a couple (standing up and fully dressed), and it's clear they've been fooling around; bikini-clad women are shown.
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Language: Words used include "ass," "hell," "damn," "goddamn," "balls," "son of a bitch," and "oh my God."
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Consumerism: Minimal; the Lamborghini brand is mentioned, and Budweiser products are visible.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Cocktail party scenes show adults drinking champagne, liquor, and beer, mostly in the background. Some scenes take place in bars.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
A Definitive Performance by Heath Ledger by saintandrew
As the knife-wielding psychopath, The Joker, Heath Ledger's performance goes beyond memorable to something unforgettable, a definitive performance by an actor we hardly got to know. This is not a retread of Jack Nicholson?s dark comedic portrayal of the green haired adversary but, rather, a peep show into the brilliantly deranged mind of evil. The mirthless grin, lipstick smeared across his chops like some drunken old bar fly, the Joker constantly licking his scarred cheeks only adds to this deadly serious portrayal of Batman?s arch nemesis. Aaron Eckhart plays Harvey Dent and the hideously deformed Two-Face with excellence. Maggie Gyllenhaal is a pleasing substitution for Katie Holmes as assistant D.A. Rachel Dawes. Christian Bale is, once again, the darkly conflicted hero and his fire in the role erases all memory of anyone who has ever played the part before him. This movie is worth seeing more than once. And I will - as soon as the nightmares stop.
5
Better then Begins! by xbobalove
Action and storyline was superb. Heath should get nominated for an oscar for his brilliant acting ( I thought he was gonna suck being Joker, but he proved me wrong). Hans Zimmer did great with the music as usual. Best movie of the summer hands down.
5
Hit The Road, Jack - Heath IS The Joker! by Dreadneck
I went to the midnight premiere of The Dark Knight and was well rewarded for my willingness to deprive myself of sleep! It was dark, gritty and very entertaining. Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker was brilliant and not for the faint of heart. We see the Joker as he was meant to be - not some giggling nutter who likes to prance and dance, deface priceless works of art and give people a bad hair day; but rather a born killer without regret or remorse, completely unafraid of authority and without pity or compromise. Truly, Batman has met his arch nemesis in Ledger's Joker. When the Joker goes after Wayne's love, Rachel, we see the depth of the price he must pay to fight injustice. The only critical comment I have is that Harvey Dent's metamorphosis into Two Face should have been left for a subsequent film as it distracted from the conflict between Batman and the Joker. All in all, this is the Batman movie that fans have long awaited and I highly recommend it!
5
What makes a Hero? by moviesarebestsolo
Since the opening scenes of Batman Begins I have begun to believe that the real Batman movie was coming. The Dark Knight is that movie. Batman was never supposed to be happy, he was never supposed to be Val Kilmer fighting Uma Thurman while they swung on a vine...Batman is the true reluctant hero. He started wearing a plastic suit and chasing bad guys because no one else would. Not from a misgiuded sense of superiority. He uses his playboy status to cover his nighttime crime fighting. There has never been a reason to believe Batman isn't weary and Christian Bale reminds us of that.
Go see this movie. For all the wonderful reasons listed in earlier reviews and for one heartbreaking and sad truth, a true hero is someone who takes on the good and the bad. Even if in the end the only people who are left believing in you is your butler, Gordon and Jimmy.
5
It was the Joker's show by Scubagirl18
While this was a Batman movie, it was totally the Joker's show. Heath Ledger was awesome as the Joker: scary, funny, matter-of-fact, brutal. The action sequences were fantastic and the story held up. If I have a complaint it's that a little more exploration of Harvey Dent's dark side early on would make his transformation to Two-Face much more plausible. Can't wait to see it again on IMAX.
5
Amazing movie but missing some elements by jon maldia
The Dark Knight is one of the best Batman movies I have ever seen. In fact, it is one of the best movies I have seen in my life. It has all the elements of a blockbuster movie, Great actors, Great sets, Amazing costumes, and explosions galore. Christian Bale did an amazing job as Batman. He didn't disappoint me at all with his performance in DK. He continued his amazing performance in Batman Begins in this movie. Heathe Ledger, as joker, also portrayed his character well. The acting was definitely one of the strong points of this movie.What I think is missing is the humor that is embedded in Joker's character. Granted that this retelling of Batman was a return to the original Darker superhero, it would still have been better if the Joker was a "jokester." In DK, the Joker was merely a psychopath with no clear motivation. He did what he did just because. I wish that his crimes were more of pranks: really dark pranks. I also wish that the villains in DK were explained better.
5
Oscar for Joker by JVPagan08
The movie was an amazing sequel to Batman Begins. It'll have you at the edge of your seat like if you were on a roller coaster. With all it's intriguing plots, twists, and turns. You're bound to love this movie. The role of Batman has been best filled by Christian Bale once again, this time better than ever. Even so, it doesn't stop their. The sociopath Joker is played with oscar screaming all over it. NO ONE! I repeat NO ONE! HAS EVER BROUGHT THE JOKER ALIVE NEAR AS GOOD AS HEATH LEDGER. "Why so serious?" will always be a phrase to remember. The movie will have you mesmerized to the point you won't realize how long you've been there, honestly I think that would be the last thing on your mind. Many could complain that it was too short. As for the outcome of what takes place towards the end, lets just say say there's a lot more than meets the eye. The preview aren't even a fragment of everything you'll see. I give it a 5 out of 5. Without a doubt, best movie of the year 2008.
5
As Good As The First by hamigirl1405
Loved it ! If you enjoyed the original Batman movie with Michael Keaton, you will enjoy The Dark Night. It's wonderfully entertaining...Heath Ledger as the Joker brings new meaning to the word twisted. It was sad to watch such a talented actor and know that he is no longer with us. He was amazing. This movie is one you have to see in the theater on the big screen for the full effects. The only negative was that it was a little too long for me.
5
The Dark Knight by msweet18
Awesome! Didn't even notice it was 2 1/2 hours long. My husband and I never pay to go see these big blockbuster movies because they always seem to let us down. I was drawn to this movie for some reason, bought our tickets early last week to go see it. Was not let down this time.
5
Best Superhero film ever! by echosix
Prior to seeing The Dark Knight, I have to admit that NONE of the previous Batman movies would be on the list of my favorite Superhero films. Not a single one. I always saw each and every one of them as an extension of the ego of the director, as well as a marketing technique for the production company.
Not even the '89 Batman with Keaton. I just never connected with it very much, except for the suit. And I'll leave it at that.
Now... Not only has "The Dark Knight" absolutley SLAMMED itself to the top of my list for favorite Superhero films... It's also pretty far up there on my list for favorite all around films of all time.