Welcome to Reel People. It’s a place where, you guessed it, real people like yourselves spout off on new movie releases. It works best if you - yes, we mean you - jump into the forum link below and tell us what you think of the movie, too.

This week, we’re watching The Dark Knight.

What I Liked: DARK KNIGHT devotees will be impressed with the scrupulous portrayal of Batman, his entourage, his adversaries, and his surroundings. Heath Ledger’s phenomenal, intense portrayal of the Joker is haunting and frightening. Ledger’s interpretation is gut wrenching, and watching him left me emotionally drained. Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent complements Christian Bale’s Batman/Bruce Wayne. However, Eckhart undergoes a disturbing, albeit mesmerizing, metamorphosis later in the film that is not for the weak of heart – or stomach.  This transformation is just one of many special effects: unbelievably stunning and mind-boggling.

What I Disliked: THE DARK NIGHT’s PG-13 rating should be respected – families with young children (who scare easily or who are prone to nightmares) should select another film to see as a family. The storyline is dark and foreboding. The evil on the screen – brutal and raw in Gotham’s malevolent metropolis – seems palpable.  The nonstop action, with twists and turns rivaling any rollercoaster ride, unsettled my stomach as well as my heart and soul.  This is not a movie for the weak hearted or thin skinned.

Would I Recommend?: Those who have been waiting for this sequel will not be disappointed.  Anyone who wants glorified comic book action with a brooding, rich soundtrack and perverse, intimidating villains should see THE DARK KNIGHT. Those who are looking for escapist fare, who have no allegiance to Batman or his world, will be wise to look elsewhere for their fantasy and good feeling film fix.

Score: 9 out of 10

- Courtenay O’Connell

What I Liked: After a summer of,in my opinion, complete big budget movie letdowns, I grasped on to “The Dark Knight” for salvation. Thankfully, it delivered. After growing up with the 80s and 90s versions of Batman, that were more comical than comic book, it’s refreshing to see Christopher Nolan’s, dare I say, darker versions.

Christian Bale gives us things none of the other Batmans have. He is a better blend of handsome, cocky and cunning than the rest. He even out-handsomes George Clooney.

The supporting cast was also great. With names like Freeman, Caine and Oldman how couldn’t they be?
And then there’s Heath Ledger as the Joker. This performance really proves what a talent Hollywood lost in his passing. He is menacing, insane and completely encompasses the role. Jack Nicholson was basically Jack Nicholson as the Joker. Ledger was just the Joker.

What I Disliked: I would of liked to know more about Heath Ledger’s Joker. We know nothing about where he came from, who he really is, why he torments Batman and Gotham City the way he does. The said, while watching the movie it did not bother me.  But while reflecting on the film, I am very curious about the ins and outs of such an amazing villain.

Would I Recommend?: I highly recommend this movie. Though not for the younger bunch, teens and beyond will thoroughly enjoy “The Dark Knight”. It is the kind of movie that leaves you wanting more, and I’m sure there’s something in the works to eventually satisfy your need.

Score: 8 out of 10

- Stephanie Powers

What I Liked: Expectations were high after 2005’s “Batman Begins” and this stunningly dark sequel exceeds every one.

Christian Bale returns to the iconic super-hero role to help rid Gotham City of its latest crime wave. The supporting cast of Gary Oldman (Lt. Gordon), Michael Caine (Alfred) and Morgan Freeman (Lucius Fox) all stand out as they reprise their previous roles. Maggie Gyllenhaal takes over the part of Rachel Dawes from predecessor Katie Holmes and shows her how it should have been done in the first place. Aaron Eckhart plays District Attorney Harvey Dent, Dawes’ new love interest and the pivotal role in the story’s development.

Not unexpectedly (as seen from trailers and previews), it is Heath Ledger as the film’s main villian which shines the brightest. Unswaying and psychotic, Ledger’s Joker becomes chaos incarnate in an already troubled city. His performance cuts a swath through this movie like a machete through the jungle.
It’s sinister, twisted and pitch-perfect.

The script, by director Christopher Nolan and brother Jonathan, is a five-act masterpiece, exploring ideas of order and anarchy and how those states affect us as social creatures. This bleak examination holds a mirror to ourselves as humans through the interaction of Batman as vigilante, the Joker as villian and Dent as the man wishing only to attain order and fairness, just not knowing how far he will go to get it.

A fair amount of new “Bat-toys” are introduced, with special note of the Bat-cycle, for fans to enjoy.

Expect Oscar nods for Ledger, cinematography and the script.

What I Disliked: The movie, at two and a half hours, moves forward relentlessly with action and intensity, especially after the first 30 minutes and almost becomes physically tiring.

Also, while much of the violence is implied, it is still intense. Some scenes may be too graphic for younger children. (This is not your Saturday morning Batman cartoon.)

Would I Recommend?: I highly recommend this film on many levels. Fan-boys will swoon; film fanatics will salivate; the rest should sit back and enjoy the shadowy rollercoaster ride which is “The Dark Knight.”

Score: 9 out of 10

- Don Smith