Believe the hype

The critics are right: "The Dark Knight" is a great movie!

On a whim, I caught this morning's first showing of the flick here in Florence. I think I was joined by two theaters full of other moviegoers in the cineplex. And at the end of the movie, in my theater, everyone applauded.

There are two things the movies I tend to enjoy most must have: explosions and a warped sense of humor. It helps if the movies feature actors such as Morgan Freeman and Gary Oldman whose work I really enjoy. And it's a bonus if it has a really good-looking actor like Christian Bale. Ominous movies like this appeal to me as much as ridiculous comedies ("Big Trouble in Little China," anyone?).

So add all that up, plus the buzz about the late Heath Ledger's performance, and there's no reason why I wouldn't go see this movie.

I didn't see the first Batman movie with Bale in the starring role, but I meant to. But it didn't matter because I think everyone's familiar with the back story.

Speaking of Ledger, he does, in fact, own this movie. After leaving the theater, I had a hard time processing the notion that the Joker is that cute Australian guy from "The Patriot." He brought the perfect blend of comedy and brutality to the role. It was frightening, funny and entertaining all at once. One minute, you like the Joker; the next, you just want to see him get his.

If Ledger should earn an Oscar for the performance, I am here to tell you it's because he deserves it, not because the academy wants to pay tribute to him. As much as I enjoyed this movie, I am more upset now that Ledger's dead because it means we won't get any more performances like that from him. That really is tragic.

I was impressed by all the big-name actors in this movie, too. (Fellow children of the '80s, look for Anthony Michael Hall -- you know, the Geek from "Sixteen Candles" and "Weird Science.") I wasn't a huge fan of Maggie Gyllenhaal or Aaron Eckhart, but I like them now after this movie.

"The Dark Knight" is pretty long -- I think I left for home around 3 a.m. -- but it moves along seamlessly, with lots of suspense and surprises. I got my money's worth.

If you go see it, let me know if you agree.

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