It’s the #1 movie of 2008 and the second-highest grossing film of all-time. And it’s out on video just in time to rake-in millions more in DVD sales for Christmas.
“The Dark Knight” is not exactly a “family film.” It’s rated PG-13 because of loads of violence, disturbing images and some bad language. However, so many families saw the film this summer the film, including kids as young as 3 and 4 years old (as I saw at the showing I was at), and so many more will be seeing it on DVD, that I’ve got to give my take on the blockbuster:
Christian Bale does a nice job reprising his role as the Caped Crusader. This time Batman has to deal with the evil Joker (played by the late Heath Ledger) who’s blowing up buildings and killing people all over Gotham City. Ledger does an incredible job. He’s already begun receiving nominations for his performance and will undoubtably win several awards.
In fact, the acting is solid all around, including nice supporting work done by Gary Oldman, Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman. While the plot is pretty basic: good versus evil, Batman isn’t alone in fighting the Joker. New District Attorney Harvey Dent also wants to get rid of all of Gotham City’s criminals. Dent (played by Aaron Eckhart) also wants to marry Bruce Wayne’s former girlfriend, Rachel, who Wayne is still in love with.
“The Dark Knight” is long and, at times, confusing to follow. The good thing is that, with the DVD version you can watch scenes over and take breaks (it is two-and-a-half hours long). With all the PG-13-related material and this is not a movie for younger kids.
But older kids and adults will love the action, which is fantastic. Most of the stunt work was done the old fashioned way – with stunt men! And the special effects are top notch.
On The Official Kid Critic Report Card, “The Dark Knight” gets a solid B.
The DVD has plenty of features…including the six IMAX scenes in IMAX format, which really doesn’t help you unless you’ve got a 40 foot video monitor in your house.