Despite being a sequel and picking up almost immediately following the first film, there is almost no comparison between the two. "The Dark Knight" has a plot that is very deep, asking audiences to consider our choices and the internal conflicts within us all. All of the hype about Heath Ledger's performance is more than justified, and the rest of the cast holds up wonderfully. But it is the Joker that steals this show. I can't say enough good things about this movie.