Opened: July 18, 2008

Directed by: Christopher Nolan

Starring: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Heath Ledger, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Morgan Freeman, Eric Roberts, Michael Jai White, Ritchie Coster, Chin Han, Colin McFarlane, Keith Szarabajka, Ron Dean, Monique Gabriela Curnen, Philip Bulcock, Joshua Harto, Anthony Michael Hall, Néstor Campbell, William Fichtner, David Dastmalchian, Melinda McGraw, Nathan Gamble & Cillian Murphy

As the second film in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy, The Dark Knight continues to stand as one of the best superhero films of all-time – if not the best.

Gotham is being terrorized by the Joker (Heath Ledger) and while Batman (Christian Bale) tries to take him down, Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) rises in power as the well-liked district attorney who is involved with Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhaal).

Ledger gives a career-defining performance as the Joker. There aren’t many one-film villains that stick with you long after their demise, but this Joker does.

There’s a tension created at the start of the film that may simmer at times but never goes away, so the longer runtime doesn’t feel lengthy. With many practical effects and a smart script, Nolan creates a masterpiece for the DC hero.

Final say: Timelessly thrilling. ★★★★★