Yes, it is chock-full of set-pieces and the story largely makes little sense but..it was still thrilling. You have to ask yourself what you want out of superhero movies. Surely not a satisfyingly deep story? Come on. The Nolan Brothers are not idiots and there is some good writing and direction (yes, even the action sequences I found very good) but the big stars here are the production design by Nathan Crowley and the cinematography by Wally Pfister.

Superb. Gotham (by way of Chicago) has never looked so clausterphobic and real.

Although I found Bale's growl as Batman embarassingly funny as I did Maggie Gyllenhaal, he was good where it counted. However, Ledger and Eckhart carried the film. Deep performances, effin well-done from start to finish.

Unfortunately it all came crashing down (pretty much as usual in these sorts of efforts) at the end; very contrived, even sloppy. I realize there was not too many avenues left open at this point but geez, it was prettty weak. The strong design and performances carry the film though, and it's worth a look-see at the theater as most of you agree, judging by the $$$$$$ it has made to date.