I hate movies based on comic books, but this film is one notable exception. The thrill it delivered on the first view was unforgettable, and even after seeing it many times, I find the treatment of the comic book characters was exceptional. The storytelling is done so well that it almost seems feasible that the characters could exist in real life, even though when you come back to reality you realize just how ridiculous they are.

The Joker's supernatural planning and bomb-laying abilities that drives the dramatic conflict are a kind of deus-ex-machina plot hole, which is a let-down, but I have to admit, I wouldn't have been able to figure out a better way to make a gripping action film with a PG-13 rating. So all is forgiven.