I have to say I was mesmerized for every minute of this movie. Lots of startling scenes,and I gripped my boyfriend's arm for most of the movie. Very intense,and Heath Ledger channeled a genuinely damaged mental patient/lunatic for his Joker portrayal. He was also darkly funny, and stole every scene he was in without going over the top. The cynical in the audience may still have to "suspend their disbelief." That's all I'm gonna say about that: embrace the movie for what it is, and it's an awesome ride.