Buckle up your seat belts and get ready for the ride of the summer. The Dark Knight will take you on an adventure exceptionally similar to a Universal Studios simulated ride. This movie does not disappoint and it truly has something for everyone. From the thrilling plot and outstanding cast to the intense action and breathtaking IMAX sequences, The Dark Knight is the movie of the summer.

Photo by Warner Bros

Director Christopher Nolan is back with star Christian Bale in the continuation to Batman Begins, the captivating story of Batman and Gotham City. Don’t fret if you haven’t seen Batman Begins, though there are a few returning characters and the movie touches on storylines from the first instalment, it is not necessary to see the first to enjoy the second. This movie is amazing on its own, and with special effects and filming techniques that make it way better than the first.

Joker isn't in it for the money - Photo by Warner Bros

In The Dark Knight, Batman has fully emerged and is determined to stop crime in Gotham for good with assistance from Lieutenant Jim Gordon ( Gary Oldman) and the new District Attorny Harvey Dent ( Aaron Eckhart). A love triangle between Dent and his girlfriend Rachel ( Maggie Gyllenhaal ) only further complicates Bruce Wayne’s life and his butler Alfred ( Michael Caine) may not be able to help.

Bruce Wayne and Alfred - Photo by Batman Movie Buzz

This time there’s a new villain haunting the city with a mysterious motive. The Joker, played by the late Heath Ledger, is arguably one of the most fascinating villains in movie history. Wrecking havoc all over Gotham city, The Joker uses the powers of manipulation in his attempt to take down Batman.

Psychotic Joker - Photo by Warner

Batman confronts Joker - Photo by Batman Movie Buzz

The role is without a doubt Ledger’s finest performance. He transforms The Joker into a frightening villain who is beautifully demented. The Joker is creepy, psychotic and may make you want to cover your eyes – not completely of course, because you won’t want to miss a second.  Jack Nicholson, who played the role of The Joker in the 1989, responded to news of Ledger’s death by telling reporters “I warned him.” And after watching the movie, one can easily fathom how this role took such a serious and unfortunate toll on Ledger. His performance is unforgettable.

The late Heath Ledger - Photo by Batman Movie Buzz

Joker threatens Rachel - Photo by Warner Bros

Nolan’s brilliant shooting of 6 sequences especially for IMAX viewing puts viewers in the seats of an incredibly thrilling adventure. It is a first for a feature film and will be something that others will want to dabble with in the future after viewing The Dark Knight in IMAX theatres. As Batman stands on top of buildings, you feel like you are on top of the world. When he opens his cape up and swoops downwards  you feel like you are dropping down with him. The magnificent special effects add to the movie’s intensity. They were throughout the movie and will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Rachel - Photo by Warner Bros

Even if you aren’t a huge action fan, you will still be a fan of this movie. The plot is like a roller coaster; continuously suspenseful and with twists at every corner. It will keep you thinking and waiting to find out what will happen next. The many sub-plots were fantastic and everything was nicely wrapped up together by the ending.

Dent calling The Dark Knight - Photo by Warner Bros

Just remember to go to the restroom before this movie starts. The Dark Knight takes a bit long to wrap up, but the ending makes it entirely worth it. The movie’s finale places Batman in an entirely new light, gives meaning to the movie’s title and will have you thinking about the film long after the credits finish rolling.

Check out The Dark Knight's official website here.

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