It’s a good year for the movies.

Despite industry fears that movie theaters might become obsolete in the near future, box office grosses are exceeding expectation this year. Maybe because the movies are, you know, actually good.

On the heels of the WALL-E droolfest come early reviews for The Dark Knight, which has been screened at different events across the country. Its official release is July 18th, but we smart consumers wnat to know what we’re buying before we head out to the theater (or over to Fandango). So - what’s the verdict?

Let’s take a peek at AICN’s review aggregate.

“Gary DP,” who was not a fan of Batman Begins, has both reservations and kind words for its sequel.

I know that sounds like a lot of flaws, but in the grand scope of all the awesomeness that happens in the movie, these are only minor issues. It might be crowded, but it definitely doesn’t feel bloated or overlong, and if there’s one major flaw it’s that it leaves you wanting more. It’s great to see that comic book movies no longer exist to sell toys. Chris Nolan has created a haunting movie so thick with atmosphere, that even the most cynical of fans won’t be able to resist. As an adaptation of the comic book, I think it still leaves something to be desired. The “real world” take on the material may turn some people off, but if you can get past that, you’re in for a real treat. The Dark Knight definitely raises the bar for the comic book genre.

Rupert Pupkin is more succinct.

While I know it is impossible to please everyone, Nolan certainly comes damn close here by delivering a film of such brilliance, that it goes beyond great comic book film to great film period.

Rotten Tomatoes has only two reviews so far, not enough to form a percentage. However, the famous Rolling Stone review is present (”The haunting and visionary Dark Knight soars on the wings of untamed imagination”), while Emanuel Levy says:

Dark, grim, haunting and inventive, Dark Knight is nothing short of brilliant, representing Chris Nolan’s most accomplished and mature work to date and the best and scariest comic-hero adaptation you’re likely to see this summer, perhaps the whole year.

So basically, you should go buy tickets RIGHT NOW. Don’t look at me - I already did. Get thee to Fandango. Go! GO!

Popularity: 3% [?]