Jack was NOT back in this rendition of the Joker. Ledger mastered the screen without even trying. The insanity for the sake of true chaos, a concept that American movie makers have lost contact with proved re birthed and heralded with Ledgers performance.
Though this movie is not without the classic surprise and series of explosions. I will pay full price again and again to watched the painted man scare true villains into line.
Slow in spots, AMC had the sound up too loud, however it didn't detract terribly from the cheesy message it was attempting to deliver. I went to see this movie even though I really didn't care for the first one (thought it was dry and slow as well) but Del Toro was the director again, and decided maybe he might have a larger budget after Pans.
The effects are worth it, if he does the Hobbit half as well as he brought to life the creatures in this story it will be well worth the ridiculous full price of a movie ticket.
The story itself was slow and predictable, the best part was the singing to "Air Supply". And Abe was awesome. Ron Perlman defines cool with what the script provided him, however, Selma...well she has always left a bit to be desired, the poor thing.
It's a fun drinking movie, and an amazing testament to Del Toro's imagination. I can't wait to see him do the Hobbit.