This is a movie that will keep you enthrauled and focused even beyond the closing credits. Still i find my mind examining the layers upon layers of plot and symbolism that can be found in"The dark knight." Furthermore, this latest batman movie has covered all its bases. It is a horror movie...with a complex and foolproof plot, it is a action movie...with highly developed characters, it is a romance...yet it avoids cliches, it is a super-hero movie...yet it is not at all cheesy, it is a crime-drama...but it is not melodramatic. It is the perfect movie for lovers of any genre. Yet out of all my praise for the superb and versatile film, i reserve the most awe-inspired and reverent praise to heath ledger's "joker". He truly melted into the character and became the very villain of the comics. He was a terrifying psychotic killer without a doubt, but he also allowed you to occasionally see beneath his mask (no pun intended) and into the hurts of his dark past. He managed to play a perfect supervillain while maintaining a very round character. Phenomenal. Four thumbs up!