I went to this movie because my husband goes to chick flicks with me. Normally this is not the type of movie I would like to see. That said, however, this movie was fabulous! It was fast paced and the special effects were excellent. There are no words to describe Heath Ledger's performance. He owns the role and he made the comic book creation into something I don't even think the author intended but would have loved! Heath plays The Joker as if he were a real person. Seeing him in the role is reason enough to go. I loved Christain Bale as Batman too. I like him in anything but it was great to see him play a "normal" person for a change...a hero! I think I've only seen the Batman with Michael Keeton so I don't have much to compare. I wouldn't see a George Clooney movie on a bet,. Ladies, go to Batman even if you think you might not like it. It is a roller coaster thrill ride of a movie. Excellent!