I've seen them all, and this is by far the best Batman movie, period! Heath Ledger's Joker is mesmerizing, freeky and the best acting he accomplished in his carreer. A nomination, certainly. The Oscar, should be, unless someone else hits it out of the park in the balance of the movie year. The strange realism drives the plot and the characters to be more powerful than comic bookish. The interesting twist at the end was unexpected and well written. This Batman can be a franchise, but it will be difficult to find a replacement for the villain. Everyone will expect the second attempt to fall flat due to Ledger's outstanding performance, but I think the director should take it as a challenge. Nolan did a great job with this movie and I can see another one working given the same basic team. The affects are amazing, but don't overwhelm the script. The story drives the movie. Thankyou Hollywood. You created a winner.