This movie was hyped up to me so I was expecting to be disappointed in some way. It was just the opposite. The Dark Knight is one of the best movies I have ever seen!! Oscar performances from the actors but especially Heath Ledger. I was not only captivated by The Joker during the movie but afterwards it was all that me, my husband and son could talk about. Note for parents: My son is 15 and handled the movie just fine. However, although the movie was not "bloody" it had violence that made me squirm. Little children should sit this one out (IMO). I predict oscars for Heath Ledger and for Christopher Nolan. GREAT MOVIE - BRAVO!!!