The acting is amazing. Heath Ledger is beyond sensational. If he does not win an Oscar for his performance (and this is NOT a sympathy vote) then those folks in H-Wood are insane. Christian Bale is a perfect Batman / Bruce Wayne -- dark, brooding, intense (and cute to boot). Aaron Eckhardt does a great job with Harvey Dent. Michael Cane IS Alfred and Morgan Freeman is charming as always. Maggie G. is an acceptable Rachel, but she's never been a favorite of mine (sorry MG). I loved this movie from the start to the finish. It was gripping. The not-so-special effects (very little CGI) were AMAZING! The upturned semi is a once in a lifetime moment. Having said all this, I still come back to Heath Ledger. His performance is incredible. I would have paid 10 times the ticket price to see his portrayal of the evil, sociopathic Joker.