Movie Reviews

"The Dark Knight"

A-III (PG-13)

Tumultuous, technically dazzling -- if overlong and excessively complex -- sequel to "Batman Begins" as the chiropteran crusader (Christian Bale) is challenged by the anarchic Joker (Heath Ledger) to reveal his true identity or else scores will die, while a romantic rival for his ex-girlfriend's (Maggie Gyllenhaal) affections -- the upstanding district attorney (Aaron Eckhart), working in tandem with the city's crime unit chief (Gary Oldman) -- strives to bring integrity to corrupt Gotham. Ledger is electrifying in his last completed performance, while director and co-writer Christopher Nolan brings consummate polish to the creation of a chaotic and brutal milieu, albeit one relieved by underlying decency. Bloodless but intense action violence including shootings, explosions and vehicular mayhem, but virtually no objectionable language or sexual elements.