----------------------------------Synopsis------------------------
Reveals Main Plot Details-a Starter- but Leaves Most to be Seen

The film opens to a Gotham City with a criminal backbone crippled to the core with the fear of a "Bat Retribution." Batman has put the Fear of God into every backsliding former choirboy-turned-mob goon-for-hire, and the number one question on the mob bosses' mind is how to get back to "business as usual." It has gone so far, that numerous Batman "impersonators" have popped up, further vexing the criminals--he seems to be "everywhere."

Bruce Wayne is considering retiring Batman, and is smitten with his old flame, Rachel (Maggie Gyllenhaal), who promised that she'd "be there," if he ever hung up the cape and mask. Problem is, she's deeply triangulated into a love affair with the bold district attorney, Harvey Dent (nicely nailed by Aaron Eckhart, of the sci-fi flick "The Core")--an up-and-coming Boy Wonder who can do no wrong, and seems as fearless as Batman himself (and Wayne plans to hand over his Bat duties to him, in exchange for Rachel's love). The "other problem" is that a new villain has arrived on the scene... An individual so twisted and sadistic that no one knows his true aim or goal; a being seemingly birthed by the labor pangs of the prince of the underworld himself. A "Joker" that has no inhibitions, no mental blocks, no guilt--NOTHING that anyone, including Batman, can use against him. And this is especially true since Batman must adhere to his ethics in dealing with this threat--and it drives him, and Gotham, to the very edge, and very nearly over. Obviously, this kind of entertainment is very gripping and dramatic, and Heath Ledger's performance is so seamless, that you will find yourself drawn to it again, and again--if only to wonder "Maybe this guy isn't acting; maybe he IS actually this friggin' crazy..!?" You'll have to see for yourself.

-----------------------------------Just a few more details---------------------

A little deeper into the plot, the Joker "essentially" crashes a party-in this case, the "party" is a well-planned bank heist by criminals dressed as clowns-and makes off with much of the dough. He later shows up at a high-level "meeting of the minds"-the top mob bosses of Gotham-to discuss how to restore "order." He posits that the problem is Batman, and receives a "laughing ovation" when he suggests that HE is the only one who can deal with him. He gets their serious attention with his lack of attention to normal "antisocial niceties," however, particularly pointedly (no pun intended) with a "pencil trick" (please come back and tell me what you think of this!). He has also already distributed the $90 million through a Hong Kong uber-accountant, which were marked bills, already being tracked by Gotham's finest, and the accountant was already on a private jet, en route to HK.

----------------------------------That Seals the Deal-----------------------------

Dent, our fearless District Attorney, with Rachel's help, rounds up more than 500 mob underlings, in connection with the heist, and has a judge agree to sentence them all at once. Gotham is seemingly safe. But soon, all H*** breaks loose, as a VERY complicated series of events, orchestrated by the No Mental Holds Barred Joker, brings Gotham to its knees, and pushes our Hero, Batman, to the edge of morality (and you, the viewer, to your seats' edge), and the twists and turns keep your eyes glued to the set. But I'm going to leave the rest for you to enjoy--just be sure to come back and comment on what you saw (especially the "pencil trick")!

If you were intrigued by the Joker's lack of mental blocks, and want to see how to apply this in a positive way, I encourage to read my review of Tom Muzila's "Mental Karate." It is not a "karate" book, but more one of philosophy and self-discipline/help (one of the BEST in the genre!). The review is here--http://www.epinions.com/content_400116518532.


For some interesting travel pics and related activities, check out my profile, HERE.


Here are a few of my other movie reviews and a bonus, money-saving guide...

How to Find Computer & Electronics Deals
"Wanted" is What U Want Nothing More. No Spoilers
This Movie is PERFECT for Our Times!(Iron Man)
Black Snake Moan---VERY PROVOCATIVE!
Quite a Thrill Ride, Even for Non-fans! (Transformers)
Shrek is BAAAACK!!! (Shrek the 3rd)
Part-Comedy, and Part Thriller (Hot Fuzz)
Really Fires the Imagination-National Treasure 2
The Bourne "Realization"-- WHAT A RIDE!!!
The Core--A Witty and Inventive End-of-the-World Adventure!
Did You Know that P.S. Also Means Post-Supernatural?
Jet Li is the Dragon Emperor in latest Mummy Installment
Would You Be Afraid of A Bully Named "Cloverfield?" (Horror)




Recommended: Yes

Movie Mood: Action Movie
Viewing Method: Studio Screening/Premiere
Film Completeness: Looked complete to me.
Worst Part of this Film: Duration