Did not think anyone could have matched Jack Nicholson's performance of the Joker, but I think Ledger did (perhaps even surpassed it). The overall movie was dark, darker than any action film I have seen but it was a great plot, great effects and great characters (even the minor players such as Micheal Caine and Morgan Freedman). Christian Bale did a great job but he did not have much to work with as the Batman (Batman/ Bruce Wayne are pretty much one dimensional characters). The plot was fast moving interesting, smart and respected your intelligence. Definetly go see it, if you like action/ fantasy films.