By Susanne Robbins

I walked into this movie with very high expectations. How could you not, after all the buzz about Heath and let's face it how do you top the original. So I had my popcorn and my Alfred action figure (you remember how I am with the action figure) he comes complete with a serving tray and snappy one liners. So we watched the film on IMAX (which I highly recommend if you get the chance). From the beginning I couldn't take my eyes off the screen.

In Batman Begins they spent a lot of time developing the character of Batman. Showing us how he came to be, how the suit and toys came about. Since they established this already this film is based on the story and the surrounding characters. Commissioner Gordon joins us again, as the moral ground of the movie. He and Batman are working together to clean up Gotham's streets. Harvey Dent is introduced in this film as the D.A. willing to take on the mob and not flinch. Both Harvey and Batman have the same agenda, to make Gotham what it used to be, they just have different ways of going about it but ultimately achieving the same goal. Maggie Gyllenhaal joins the cast in the place of Katie...what was her name again? She was a breath of fresh air she brings a mature and strong quality to Rachel that Joey, I mean Katie Holmes just couldn't find. She is a woman torn between two men in this film, Harvey Dent or Bruce Wayne.

Believe all the hype you hear about Heath Ledger as the Joker. He is amazing, you forget you are watching Heath and you become so involved in the character. He is in a word chaos - he loves and lives for it. After conning all of the bad boys of Gotham to join him and work together, you find he could care less about money or power. He wants to expose Gotham for the corruptible city that all cities are. He challenges Batman to test himself in many ways as well. They are both freaks (of sorts) and outcasts. They are both fighting for the soul of the city, one to destroy it and one to save it. Take away the suit and the funny make up and you have two modern day politicians (of sorts). At times you may even find yourself rooting for the Joker and what he is trying to do, expose a city for what it really is. The final showdown between Batman and the Joker will leave you on the edge of your seat.

The setting of this film takes place in Chicago adding to the realistic feeling of the film. The stunts are amazing the chase scenes are incredible. It is a little long at a running time of 2 1/2 hours. I will tell you though I didn't even notice I was glued to the screen. There is so much that happens in this film that it is hard to review without giving so much away. I did feel as though I was watching two movies for the price of one remember I said Harvey Dent was in the film. Those of you who are big Batman Buff's know what that means.

So to sum it up with my old scale of recommendation here is what I would have to say. This film is worth two tickets (because you will want to see it again), the price of popcorn, a slushy, maybe even pretzel (if you are into them). It is a fantastic movie and it leaves you wanting more. With an ending that leaves you open for more to come. I will be waiting Chris Nolan whenever you are ready to entertain me again I will be here.

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT MY INTERVIEWS WITH SOME OF THE CAST IN THE INTERVIEW FEATURETTE (below)

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ALSO! HURRY AND ENTER OUR SPECIAL DARK KNIGHT SWEEPSTAKES TO WIN SOME AMAZING BAT GEAR! CONTEST ENDS JULY 21ST SO DROP OVER AND GET ENTERED (below)

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