'The Dark Knight': Did the hype ruin it for you?

I personally think that every ounce of praise that Heath Ledger received is well deserved. His portrayal of the Joker was already getting major buzz even before his death, and I can’t think of another role where an actor has completely disappeared in his role to create something so iconic, especially when another actor had already made the role his own.
I do, however, agree with your take on The Dark Knight as a whole. I do think it’s a very engaging movie, but does run too long, and would have been better suited with just one villain. I understand that turning Harvey Dent into Two Face was supposed to be more symbolic in the film than actually terrifying, but I think those extra 30 minutes could have been reworked to feature more of the Joker, or Batman/Bruce Wayne. All in all, I think it’s the best “Superhero” movie so far, but still doesn’t deserve a Best Picture Oscar.

I usually don’t go nuts over superhero movies. I attribute it to my love for period pieces, independents and grand epics. Well that and not having boy parts. I saw Iron Man because of my respect for Robert Downey, Jr. and the praise the movie received and I just didn’t see what all the fuss was about. Similarly, I rented The Dark Knight to see Ledger’s (an actor I’ve always admired) final performance. I was absolutely blown away. After seeing Ledger’s performances, I know he was the best actor of his generation which makes his passing all the more tragic. Otherwise, I think I admired the movie because it wasn’t your “typical” superhero flick. It was deeper and unexpected. They even (gratefully) killed off a main character! The performances were great, the action breathtaking and the score was top notch. Not to mention how awesome and clear the blu-ray DVD looked on my Bravia flatscreen. I didn’t believe the hype either but I was fully converted. One of the best pictures of the year.

I totally agree. I saw the film in the theatre and really didn’t enjoy it. For the life of me I can’t understand why it became so huge.

Thank you, Andrew Speller, dan, and What?!?! for proving my point about ridiculous comments better than I could.

While I’m not sure whether the movie as a whole should be nominated for an Oscar, Heath Ledger should get a nomination for his performance. I loved the movie and was not disappointed with it except that I thought Harvey Dent’s turnaround was a little too swift. I could see him being bitter and angry with Gordon because of the corrupt policeman, but it was a little unbelievable to me that he would want to hurt his wife and kids.

I think it’s good enough to be considered and nominated for Best Picture, but I think one of the dramas will win, like “Benjamin Button”. I do think Heath Ledger has to win Best Supporting Actor. I’m no critic, but that was one of the best acting tours de force I’ve ever seen.

I try to avoid getting on the hype machine for anything that I’m looking forward to seeing simply becuase i know if the expectation builds to much no matter how good the finished product it won’t live up to my pre-established expectation (sort of like a blind date?) Memo to self – avoid all things Star Trek till the movie comes out.

Mike, I agree 100% with every word you wrote! Glad someone said it.