'The Dark Knight Rises' should be on your list of movies to see

I recently caught The Dark Knight Rises, and I was impressed.  It began a little slowly, but the middle and ending were strong.  I thought the filmmakers missed an opportunity to make a strong statement about personal sacrifice by how they ended the movie, but I understand why they went with a more uplifting ending.  I will not be any more specific than that for those who have not seen it yet, but do not let that comment detract from the overall quality of the movie.  It is really strong.  I do not know if it is as good as The Dark Knight.  I may watch that one again so I can more accurately compare the two.  Still, go ahead and see The Dark Knight Rises.  It is really good.

Glad Heath Ledger got Golden Globe nomination for 'Joker' role

As much as I like going to the movies, I don't do it that much anymore. However, Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker in The Dark Knight was one of the strongest performances I saw this year. I was glad last week when he received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Some might claim that his untimely death might have been a motivating reason for the nomination, but I don't think so. His performance was sinister and engrossing, and it easily beat Jack Nicholson's turn in the same role two decades ago.

Then again, comparing Ledger's performance with Nicholson's might be comparing apples and oranges. The tone of the two movies they appeared in were totally different and their performances reflected that. Still, Ledger deserved the nomination.

I know you've heard this a thousand times, but...

The Dark Knight is a great film, and if you are among the 12 people who haven't seen it yet, please do so (click here for a complete review).

Of all the Batman films made over the last couple of decades, I think this one stands head and shoulders above them all. I had always given the edge to Tim Burton's original Batman, but The Dark Knight is much better.

Some critics have carped that it is too long, but I don't feel that way at all. The two-and-a-half hours flew by, and all the actor's performances perfectly matched the tone set by the filmmakers. It's too bad Heath Ledger died, because I would have loved to have seen him play the Joker again.

This film is first rate and worthy of Oscar consideration.