Powerful acting, powerful action, and those huge IMAX sequences give this Batman a great big commanding feel. However, the story is held hostage to action, especially in the second half.

Having passionately enjoyed Nolan & Bale's Batman Begins, like so many others I looked forward to Heath Ledger joining that potent team. Actually, all three of these players give high quality value to the production, save for Nolan as a writer. The single biggest problem with the film is this unwieldy script. Initially, the story unwinds with poise keeping up with the "A" elements, however, at about midway, the script skids out of control. Silly twists and turns, new and very out-of-place story plots are introduced diluting the production and destroying some otherwise well-earned momentum. It's a long movie anyway, but after that midpoint, it just begins to feel relentless; rather than reveling in it, I looked forward to the closing credits. How disappointing.

The reports of Heath Ledger's excellent contributions are not exaggerated, nor merely patronizing. As in other film's, his performances here are top-notch and undoubtedly will result in an Oscar nomination -- at the least. Bale is also commanding, but as his style, in a far subtler manner. Lastly, the sequences filmed in IMAX are truly breathtaking and appropriately awesome. Still, story is king, and the sloppiness of this climax-less script, drops this film to a "B".

-- Books by author/illustrator Ross Anthony --