I’ll add my mini-review on the Movies page as usual, but I think this deserves a more detailed exploration.

As many of my friends and family already know, I have a history with Batman. It started in the summer of 1989, as hype for the new “Batman” movie starring Jack Nicholson and Michael Keaton was causing quite a stir. It was Batmania II (the first being for the Batman TV show of the late 60s.) Before the movie even came out, people were clamoring for Batman t-shirts, Batman toys, Batman lunchboxes and anything else that related to the movie or the character. I wasn’t able to see it on opening day or anything – I was nine years old at the time, and movies weren’t a priority in my life, they were a luxury afforded only here and there as special treats. But almost everyday i saw the commercials on tv, I saw the ads in the newspaper. My brother and I started to drool over the new movie-related toys.

Finally I was able to see it, but I don’t really remember my reaction or the experience itself. All I remember was that i saw it, and that I was a Batman fan for life. I’m not sure if it was because of the movie itself, but rather the hype that sparked my interest the most. I remember the first Batman comic book I saw on the shelf at the store (Detective Comics #602, it’s a treasure in my collection now.) And I remember the first Batman comic I ever purchased, Detective Comics #604. I purchased this because on the cover there was a hand holding a knife about to stab a clay statue of Batman. The hand looked like that of the Joker’s (presumably on purpose for sales reasons,) but was rather that of another Bat-villain: Clayface I (of 4 people who would call themselves Clayface throughout Batman’s history.) I was a little disappointed to find out that this wouldn’t be a story about the recently popular Joker, but I was hooked. The scary visual and the psychology of Batman and his methods struck me as cool and interesting even at nine years old. I still collect and read Batman comics to this day, most recently Batman #678 and Detective Comics #846.

The purpose of all that back-story is to let you know that I am somewhat of a Batman-aficionado, if that term is appropriate. I know where the character has been, what stories have been told, what the history and origins are, and why each character does what they do. Batman (and comics in general) are more than some silly kids stories with more pictures than words. They are a legitimate art form and an important part of literature. It’s not coincidence that many of the movies coming out now are based on comic books. They tell amazing stories, explore parts of the human psyche in ways that a book cannot, and yeah, keep us grounded by relating to the kid in us. I enjoy reading comics and Batman is one of my favorites. I’m not a Batman expert, more like an educated fan.

With that said, I saw “The Dark Knight” last night.

It is definitely the best Batman movie ever made. With that said, it’s probably a crime movie more than a full-on superhero or comic book movie. There are a lot of twists and turns that take a little bit of thinking to follow correctly. While I thought the plot was a little longer than it needed to be (it seemed they added more and more as they went along, but maybe not,) it was very intriguing and suspenseful. I’ve never seen a Batman, or a comic book movie in general, with as much suspense as this had.

One of the most important parts of the movie for me was that is was very faithful to the comic book source material. “Batman Begins” did a wonderful job of retelling the origin of Bruce Wayne and Batman in a faithful and realistic way. His motivation for becoming Batman, the ways in which he acquires his gadgets and equipment, and introduction of his enemies was all done very well. “The Dark Knight” does well to continue this success, building strong supporting characters in Commissioner Jim Gordon, Lucious Fox and Alfred “The Butler” Pennyworth. The internal battle within Bruce Wayne/Batman is also called to the forefront, and the ultimate Batman question is explored further: which is the real mask, Batman or Bruce Wayne? Another question brought to the forefront in this movie asks whether Batman is responsible for the escalating threat of the villains who seem to appear to confront him?

Mild spoilers below for anyone who has not seen the movie.

The Joker and Harvey Dent (aka Two-Face) have both been represented in Batman movies previous, but not to this extent. Both are portrayed ingeniously, with Heath Ledger’s Joker stealing the show but closely trailed by Aaron Eckhardt’s Harvey Dent. Ledger plays one of the most incredible villains I’ve ever seen. Almost pitiful, out of control but maybe in control in a way? It was that constant juxtaposing that was the genius of the writing of the character, and the acting by Ledger. The multiple choice origin story that is told repeatedly by the Joker was also very faithful to the comic book lore, and added yet another level of intrigue. Was he insane, calculating, a product of a bad household, or all of the above?

Harvey Dent began the movie as a hero, became a villain, and ended as a hero again. He played a dashing, powerful district attorney, again faithful to the comic books, and was disfigured in a tragic way. The makeup and visual effects of Two-Face were absolutely astounding.

End movie spoilers.

Christian Bale is a much better Bruce Wayne than a Batman to me. He plays the brooding, self-important billionaire playboy very well. But his Batman seems almost silly. His growling voice is a gimmick they should have changed before doing it in the even the first film. The fight scenes were a little more believable this time around, but are still directed so closely and so fast they are blurry and hard to make out You’re almost waiting for it to be over, which is not what a Batman movie should be like. He spent so many years training to be one of the best fighters in the world, his technique and calculated moves should be showcased. I want to see some inner dialogue or vision so that we know how he approaches these fights, and how he knows what to do very quickly and efficiently. He’s more than just a rich guy with toys, he’s the peak of humanity. He’s a superhero because he has taken human ability to the max more than anyone ever has. And I think that is something that the movies lack.

The good thing though is that they are constantly improving. The Dark Knight is maybe the best comic book movie I’ve ever seen (“Iron Man” was pretty awesome.) I certainly hope Warner Bros. and DC Comics (Warner owns DC) get their acts together and start putting together more great stories like these.

In the end, I’d highly recommend this movie to anyone who likes good drama, action and intrigue. And besides that, pick up some comics. Batman: Year One is the inspiration for “Batman Begins.” Other stories I’d recoomend are Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Batman: Hush, Batman: The Long Halloween, and Arkham Asylum, all available at your local bookstore.