Maybe it was the hype, but right after I saw it I actually felt like I liked the first one better. Dark Knight takes a little while to hit its stride after the opening sequence. But it does maintain a very quick pace, even for a 2 and a half hour movie. I thought the ebb and flow of the first movie was better. It had more fluidity. This one was very pulsating throughout, which is good for an action flick. But after sleeping on it and thinking about it, I really like this movie just as much as the first. -------- There were lots of OH! moments. check. There were cool gadgets and vehicles. check. great dialogue between batman and the villains. check. great villanous, devious mayhem and evilness. check. beautiful women, understated, but at least it wasn't overdone, which would have been worse. the movie had a lot of good elements to make a great movie. -------- There are also some excellent sociological points made throughout, whether its from batman's decisions or regular people's decisions. very interesting points for discussion. ----- Ledger is going to be a sentimental pick for many awards. ------ Go see it. have fun. enjoy.