If the subject of this movie had been handled with a bit more sophistication, this movie could easily have been a five star. As it is, it is a movie with many very, very funny points, that eventually starts to drag on, and ends with a message that will leave most audiences feeling disappointed, and even those who are sympathetic will largely feel alienated.
Dark Knight probably ranks as the best of the Batman films. On the whole, I thought it was a very good movie. It's main weakness is that it is too long (attention started waning with about 20 minutes to go) and it loses its momentum in the last half hour when the story line falls apart as they try to do too much and go in too many directions. Aside from that, it was extremely entertaining and engaging, and is worthy of the mantle of best Batman movie based on what it had already done within the first two hours. Additionally, the performance by Heath Ledger as the Joker was one of the best villains I've ever seen. I'd easily agree that he is worthy of an Oscar nomination even though I'm not sure that I'd give him the award once I've seen what the competition is.