The long-awaited follow up to Batman Begins was bound to make news in the months leading up to its release. And the tragic death of Heath Ledger, who plays the Joker in this installment, has only served to heighten that interest. 3:10 to Yuma star Christian Bale reprises his role as the caped crusader but it's Ledger who has been gaining all the good notices for his portrayal of an edgy and anarchic villain who grows increasingly menacing and insane as the film goes on. Once again the plot takes us to downtown Gotham City where the cops are busy rounding up the usual undesirables. Enter the Joker who manages to unite the city's criminal underworld and unleash a wave of terror the likes of which have never been seen before. Bale is a standout once more and makes you almost forget the actors who have previously donned the fetching cape and spandex (Michael Keaton anyone?) With heart-stopping special effects, car chases, and a fantastic one-on-one battle between Batman and his nemesis, this makes for one classic summer movie.

See this if you liked: Batman Begins (2005), Daredevil (2003) , X Men (2000).
AVAILABLE: July 18
DIRECTOR: Christopher Nolan
STARRING: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Maggie Gyllenhaal