This movie was so highly anticipated that it would have been hard to match the hype...however, it delivered the intensity promised by the marketing, and stayed true to the source material. Everyone is lauding Heath Ledger's disturbing portrayal of the Joker, with good reason. Too bad the Academy seldom gives awards to these type of movies. Aaron Eckhardt's rendering of Two Face was outstanding as well, just the right balance of smariness and slickness. Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman deliver strong performances as well, as does Christian Bale. Visually, as well done as I have seen in years. Anyone who questions the dark tone of the film should 1) check out the graphic novel from which it springs, and 2) look at the movie's title. Destined to be a classic, as well as a recordbreaker (already) in it's genre.