The Dark Knight has finally hit theaters. Some flawed script moments, issues with Christian Bale's Batman voice (his Bruce Wayne voice however is still charming), and the worst final six minutes a Batman film has had yet, but still a very entertaining episode.

Heath Ledger was incredible. When Ledger died, I acknowledged it as an actor that I was reasonably aware but not tied emotionally to. Having seen him as the Joker, however, I was stunned. I was riveted to the screen. As soon as he had his first major scene, I dreaded the film coming to a close. When the Joker had his final scene, I hated it. It was awesome, but I hated it because it would be the last we ever saw of Ledger as Joker. And his Joker was one for the ages. Truly this was one of the best villain portrayals in recent cinema.

Aaron Eckhart's Harvey Dent/Two-Face (that's not still a spoiler, is it?) was both sad and terrifying. The make-up and digital people really outdid themselves with that burn work. Gary Oldman can pretty much do no wrong. Seriously, he even made Dracula watchable. Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman... you gentlemen bring class and dignity to supporting comicbook movie role-- also excellent. Maggie Gyllenhaal (go rent Secretary) was suitable for The Love Interest, and she came off a little brisk at times, something Katie Holmes' version didn't manage to in Batman Begins who instead equated scowling with strength.

This is Ledger's film, with excellent performances all around (except for Emphysema!Batman's final speech), but it had too many bad storyteller moments (#4, #7)to be perfect. It did however have a lot to offer to make me overlook them in the grand scheme of things including some unexpected, great moments. I'm not pissed about what they didn't explain; just curious. And that, for a comicbook movie, is refreshing.

p.s. Heath Ledger was awesome. Bale's probably going to be pissed.

Grade: B+