The Dark Knight

I stood in line first for tickets, then to enter the theater.

Showtime for the movie was scheduled for 5:00 PM. At 5:30 PM the ads and trailers were just ending.

And so began the epic journey of The Dark Knight.

Had an interesting story been written into this movie, the 152 minute running time may not have felt so epic.

Considering I got to the theater at 3:45 PM to get in line for a 5:00 PM showing and walked outside the doors of the theater at the end of the movie (didn't even stay for all of the credits) at 7:45 PM, I wanted so badly to be feeling like I had just seen one of the best movies ever.

But

(Heavy sigh) That was not the case.

The GOOD news is that Heath Ledger is beyond outstanding in this film. His portrayal of the Joker is worth every ounce of praise he is getting. He simply was the genius of talent and if you missed his incredible performance in Brokeback Mountain or any of his other films, DO NOT MISS his performance in The Dark Knight.

Heath Ledger's performance in The Dark Knight is worth the price of admission and the time spent sitting through a movie lacking a good story.

I know that is an odd thing to say, but in this case it fits.

Christian Bale, again, plays a wonderful Batman. The best casting of Batman since Michael Keaton. However, the story is so unengaging that all of the other characters pale in comparison to Heath Ledger's Joker.

So as to not give away details before the majority of the world has had the opportunity to see the movie, I will leave my commentary at that until the film has been in theaters longer. Although, I don't think NOT knowing anything about the movie will help the story get any better or feel like it could be moving along much faster.

That said, if you go with high expectations regarding Heath Ledger's performance and low expectations regarding a good story line to follow, you will probably leave the theater feeling satisfied (butt sore, but satisfied).