To begin, I should confess to a prejudice against modern films shot in a dark palette. In part, it is because I always suspect them of using low light levels to make SFX easier to do, but mostly it's just that it makes for a dreary and tiring viewing experience, especially at home. I think it's in consequence of this that every Batman film I've ever started to watch I've given up on quite quickly. Because DK received so many plaudits I did try a lot harder with it but ultimately found it just too hard going.

It's: bloated (3 hours plus), pompous, hammily acted (plenty of dodgy American accents by Brits), humourless, repetitive, camp, silly, juvenile and shallow. It's just plain boring.

H Ledger, as psychopathic villain The Joker gives the only performance that rises above blandness. He is animated and imbued with lots of Method ticks, but fantasy films like DK lack so few points of real emotional reference that it comes across as high camp - he plays a pantomime villain. A special commendation for thespian woodenness should go to Mr Caine - his role in this is on a pair with his contributions to The Swarm and Jaws 4... but he won't care two figs - he will have laughed all the way to the bank, and who could blame him?

In summary, quite unpleasant but with very expensive special effects - which will keep adolescents, young and old, excited over the reputed rebirth of this weary, dreary franchise.