Post on r/DCU
Posted by u/Iamthenight
Title: Just saw the early screening for The Dark Knight
I just watched The Dark Knight. You guys know me. I'm not someone who's easily impressed.Plenty of people here have dunked on me for not liking Superman or the Wonder Woman movies.Many have called me a contrarian and all that.
But I say this with zero exaggeration: this movie blew me away. I literally feel like I made love with this movie. I don't even know where that analogy came from, but it feels right.
I'm not going to say anything else.
This is one of my top 10 movies.
Not just superhero movies, all movies.
And I say that as someone who's seen a lot of them.
Top Comments:
u/BootLoopBandit
"I literally feel like I made love with this movie" lmao.
If this movie got u/Iamthenight to say that… damn.
Can't wait to see it myself.
u/LowEffortKoala
Can you answer some questions about it? Just a few spoiler-free impressions?
u/LilPacketLoss
Wait, are you serious? Not trolling? It's that good?
u/Iamthenight [OP, replying to u/LilPacketLoss]
Yes. It's that good.
Nolan and Adler have done something great here.
Jenson impressed me way more than I expected and I had issues with him in the last one.
But one thing really stood out and I'm not kidding I'm almost certain Heath Ledger is getting nominated for an Oscar. He was that good. The Joker is amazing.
u/CarpetSharkX
How many easter eggs?? Any cool ones? Also, is the end credits scene worth waiting for?
u/Iamthenight [OP]
Surprisingly no end credits scene.
But honestly? I get why. And you will too once you see it.
The movie is very self-contained. There's less connection to the wider DCU, and almost everything is focused solely on Batman and Gotham.
That said there are a LOT of easter eggs.I'll give one piece of advice: keep your eyes on the Batcave computer.
u/NoSleepTillFriday
Does it explain the "Great Batman is missing" theory?
u/Iamthenight [OP]
Yes.
u/TheGuyInTheChair
So like… does this movie actually have any faults? Or is it just perfect to you?
u/Iamthenight [OP]
That's fair. I wouldn't say it's perfect.
If I had to nitpick, it feels… unfinished.
Not incomplete in a bad way, just in the "you know more is coming" kind of way.
It leaves questions but not in a frustrating way. More like… mysterious. Intriguing.
That's all I'll say. I don't know how they're going to bring this into the Justice League. Very weird.
u/Oraccked
If this is true, this might be the best Batman movie ever made. Period.
u/Iamthenight [OP]
Easily.
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Twitter early reactions
@Cinephake
The Dark Knight could be one of the best movies of the decade.
Jenson. Aaron. Bryan. Heath my God. Everyone is phenomenal.
This is more than a superhero film.
#TheDarkKnight #DCU
@ETovieGuy
DCU just peaked at its fourth movie.
I don't know how they top The Dark Knight.
Genuinely don't. Might be impossible.
#DCU
@Filmainz
Yes, it's true there's no post-credits scene.
But honestly? That was the right move.
@NerdveNow
Daniel Adler might just be the best screenwriter working today.
Nolan is still the greatest.
And Heath Ledger… What a comeback. Holy shit.
I need to see this five more times.
@RanRadar
Okay. I was wrong. I APOLOGIZE, Daniel Adler.
I hated on your Oscar wins back in February.
I take it all back. This movie is a masterpiece.
You don't miss. #Respect
@Heroicmpson
I don't think DC or Marvel can top this.
I have no words. It's just… great.
I legit had tears in my eyes when I left the theater.
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Megathread: The Dark Knight Review Thread
(RT score will be updated every 5–10 mins for the first hour or so, and then periodically as reviews continue to roll in. I'll keep adding more outlets and snippets as they drop.)
Rotten Tomatoes
All Critics: 97% – 67 reviews
Top Critics: 98% – 56 reviews
Certified Fresh
Critics Consensus:
"A visceral, haunting epic that transcends its genre, The Dark Knight is a sophisticated crime drama built on character, tragedy, and unforgettable performances by its cast."
Audience Score
Verified Audience: 98% – 1,000+ reviews
All Audience: 96% – 10,000+ ratings
Average Rating: 4.8/5
Metacritic
Metascore: 94
"The Dark Knight is both an exhilarating blockbuster and a meditative character study. This could be Nolan and Adler's masterpiece."
[Read More]
Deadline:
"You come away impressed, overwhelmed, shaken, and worn down."
[Read More]
Hollywood Reporter:
"Tense, stylish, and astonishingly thoughtful. Nolan balances brutal spectacle with startling intimacy. This is not just the best superhero film, it may be the best film of the year."
[Read More]
Variety:
"What separates The Dark Knight is its refusal to pander. Heath gave a career-best performance with the Joker."
[Read More]
The Wrap:
"A rare blockbuster that dares to wrestle with morality, fear, and loss."
[Read More]
IGN (Score: 10/10):
"You will feel utterly numb after the screening of The Dark Knight. The film is bleak and brilliant."
[Read More]
Forbes:
"This is a rich, complex, visually thrilling piece of pop entertainment as strong as any superhero epic we've ever seen."
[Read More]
BBC Culture:
"A brooding masterpiece. The most visually and emotionally mature superhero film since The Batman. Ledger commands the screen with terrifying elegance."
[Read More]
Film Verdict:
"The film is so unrelentingly bleak that, paradoxically, its darkness doesn't quite get the weight it deserves. Yet this comic-book movie is more unsettling, and possesses more bizarre power, than anything else I've seen all year."
[Read More]
Top Comments
u/GothmKni4
"One of the best superhero movies ever. Heath as the Joker? Incredible.
Anyone who doubted him owes him a massive apology. Jenson really stepped up from the first movie too. He was great. Honestly, the whole cast was just perfect.I felt like I was in Gotham. They seriously improved how the city looked compared to the first one — grittier, more alive.
That ending left me wanting so much more. Adler needs to move things along — I NEED that next Batman."
3.8k upvotes | 91 replies
u/RetFan92
"Didn't love the movie. Heath was solid as Joker, sure, but he didn't feel like the comic book Joker at all.
Like… how tf did he plan all that stuff? The bank scene made zero sense to me. I just felt more confused than anything while watching."
-29 upvotes | 482 replies
Reply by u/Capesol
"Bro, it's a fantastical superhero movie. You're nitpicking realism in a universe with flying aliens and demigods."
1.1k upvotes
u/LantrpFanboy
"If this is what the DCU is like now, then I'm 100% NOT prepared for what Adler's been cooking behind the scenes.
I'm so hyped for The Flash now… and even Aquaman.
And let's be real, Aquaman is usually lame af — but maybe Adler really can make him cool like he promised."
2.1k upvotes | 147 replies
u/Steller3_33
"Don't get me wrong, there are things that work. Heath Ledger's Joker is mesmerizing I'll give the film that. He steals every scene, and his presence genuinely gives the movie an edge most superhero films lack. But everything around him feels bloated, overstuffed, and emotionally flat.
The plot twists were predictable, and while the Joker's plan is fun to watch unfold, it's also wildly implausible. We're supposed to believe he orchestrated all this chaos, boat bombs, fake hostages, Harvey's downfall down to the minute?
The movie thinks it's a lot smarter than it actually is. I've seen people online calling this "the best superhero movie of all time" and even comparing it to The Godfather. That's insane to me. The Avengers might have been more lighthearted, but at least it knew what it was: fun, sharp, comic-book cinema.
This just feels like DC trying to act like they're above the genre."
- 1.1k upvotes | 347 replies
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Michel had always been a comic fan. His dad introduced him to comics when he was just a kid, and from that moment on, superheroes became his world.
Now, in his twenties, he was simply grateful to be alive for what felt like another golden age of superhero films. The MCU and the DCU were flourishing; he watched it all, but DC was his favorite.
He'd loved The Batman, adored Wonder Woman, and Superman had completely blown his mind.
Three films in, the DCU was shaping up to be just as good if not better than Marvel's, at least in Michel's eyes.
"You guys ready to go?" Michel asked, grabbing his keys.
"Yeah," came the reply from Rosanne, William, Harry, and Logan as they shuffled into the hallway behind him.
"Let's go watch this superhero movie," Logan said, deadpan.
Michel rolled his eyes. "Are you still on about this? Come on, man. It won't kill you."
Logan was famously anti‑superhero. He considered them loud, dumb, and "for kids." To him, the genre's popularity was baffling, and he made no secret of it.
"The last Batman movie I watched," Logan said, "was when I was about ten. It had a blue Arnold in it. Horrible."
"Wait was that the one with the ice puns?" Rosanne asked.
"'Chill out'? 'Cool party'?" William added with a snort.
Rosanne, William, and Harry weren't exactly comic die‑hards either. They'd seen The Avengers and Superman, and Rosanne had seen Wonder Woman, but that was the extent of their superhero education.
"I'm telling you, this one's different," Michel said, opening the car door. "Have you seen the ratings? Critics are losing their minds over this. You're gonna love it."
The others piled in, grumbling good‑naturedly, and the drive began.
On the way to the screening, the conversation naturally turned to Daniel Adler, a name that had dominated entertainment news all year.
"He's what, twenty‑two? Twenty‑three?" Rosanne asked from the back seat.
"Dude does everything," William said. "I even liked that horror book of his my sister made me read it."
"And he dates Margot Robbie," Logan added. "That's his greatest achievement."
Everyone laughed.
Logan leaned back, arms crossed. "Adler's got talent. I like all his other stuff. 12 Angry Men? I love that movie."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Please, Logan. Every film snob says that. It's mandatory my brother does it, and he's the biggest snob I know."
"That's because it is a masterpiece," Logan shot back, already defensive.
The two started bickering. Michel didn't bother jumping in; he just shook his head and kept driving. His mind was already in the theater, already anticipating the movie. He'd read the reviews, the tweets, the leaks. If all of it was true, he was about to see the best superhero film ever made.
He just hoped the others would finally understand what he saw in these movies.
They arrived at the theater and pushed through the front doors with the crowd.
"I hope Wonder Woman shows up," Rosanne said, scanning the posters.
"Hey, Mike," Harry called from behind. "Is Supes in this—like an Avengers thing?"
Michel gave him a look. "No, man. It's a Batman movie. I told you guys to watch the first one."
Logan groaned. "See? This is the problem. You literally have to do homework just to watch these movies."
"Seeing the first movie before a sequel isn't homework, Logan," Michel said flatly.
That drew a laugh from Rosanne, William, and Harry as they bought tickets. Popcorn and drinks followed, and soon they were heading into the hall.
"I just feel like all these superhero movies are the same," Logan muttered, clutching his soda. "They're not really cinema. It's like riding a roller coaster."
"Logan," Rosanne sighed, "can you at least watch the movie before you start complaining?"
William and Harry chuckled, trading memories of the old Burton Batman films while they took their seats.
Then the lights dimmed.
The movie began.
Two and a half hours later
The credits rolled.
Michel didn't move. He just sat there, eyes fixed on the screen, a massive smile spreading across his face.
"Okay, okay… that was great," Logan admitted, sounding more surprised than anyone.
Michel turned, eyebrows raised. "You liked it?"
"Yeah. I have to go back and watch the first one now. That was actually really good."
Rosanne, William, and Harry echoed the sentiment.
Michel sat in quiet triumph. His friends were hooked—and more than that, the movie had surpassed even his expectations.
It wasn't just the best Batman film he'd ever seen.
It might have been the best superhero movie he'd ever seen.
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Facebook Posts
Jason M.
Watched that new Batman movie yesterday. It was great.
Is there another one before this? Someone told me this was like part 2 or something.
Comments:
Amber T.
Isn't that a children's movie or something?
Chris D.
Saw it with my son way too violent for kids, honestly. He got scared halfway through.
But personally? I thought it was amazing.
Ricky L.
Might have to check this out if you liked it.
Patrick W.
Not gonna lie… this movie made me understand what all the nerds in high school were talking about all those years ago.I get it now lol.
Tyler G.
Wait, why is Dean Winchester dressed like a bat fighting a clown?
Elena K.
I saw it after watching Superman last year. Someone said they're in the same universe or something??
Either way, I loved this one.
But yeah definitely not for children. Way darker and kind of scary in parts.
Brandon S.
Just came back from watching it too. Didn't expect it to be so intense.
Carmen R.
Thought it was going to be like the old Batman movies I remember watching — definitely not. But good watch though, would recommend.
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All the Details and Easter Eggs in The Dark Knight You Might've Missed
While The Dark Knight, the fourth entry in the DC Cinematic Universe, takes a darker approach than its predecessors, that doesn't mean it's devoid of references to the larger DC world. In fact, fans with sharp eyes and some comic book knowledge might have caught several subtle yet significant easter eggs hinting at the broader universe Daniel Adler is carefully building.
Here's a breakdown of all the hidden details and connections we spotted:
Green Lantern Tease Coast City Sighting
In one of the early scenes inside the Batcave, a screen on the Batcomputer briefly shows a clip: a glowing green streak shooting across the night sky. The feed appears timestamped from Coast City.
It's a clear reference to the Green Lanterns. Given that the upcoming Green Lantern film is said to feature an older Hal Jordan training a younger John Stewart, this may imply Bruce is already monitoring metahuman activity beyond Gotham. Expect more of this as the DCU expands.
Dick Grayson's Tragic Backstory & Blüdhaven Mention
While Dick Grayson was introduced at the end of The Batman, his origin was only implied. The Dark Knight gives a fuller glimpse, mentioning his parents circus acrobats murdered by the mob.
Later, Dick references Blüdhaven, saying his mother was originally from there. Comic fans know this city eventually becomes Nightwing's home turf. A subtle seed for the future?
Zatanna
One of the more playful easter eggs comes during a humorous exchange between Alfred and Bruce. Alfred, commenting on Bruce's isolation, jokes: "Might I suggest reconnecting with that magician friend of yours?"
It's a blink-and-you-miss-it moment, but it confirms that Zatanna exists in this universe—and that Bruce has at least crossed paths with her before. Could a supernatural edge be coming to Gotham?
Gotham's Underworld Expands
During a montage near the film's end, showing how crime has shifted in Gotham, several quick shots reveal:
A woman in all black scaling a rooftop clearly Catwoman
A blurred image of Oswald Cobblepot leaving a high-end club, flanked by bodyguards
And most intriguingly: Dr. Harleen Quinzel herself, silently observing the Joker from across a corridor
These brief moments hint at major players already in Gotham's orbit, slowly being drawn into the chaos.
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Box Office Report: The Dark Knight Opens to Massive $468 Million Worldwide, Second-Biggest DC Debut Ever
May 20, 2015
The Dark Knight has exploded at the global box office, raking in a staggering $468 million in its opening weekend. This marks the second-largest debut for a DC Cinematic Universe film behind only Superman and places the film on a clear path toward crossing the coveted billion-dollar milestone.
Domestically, The Dark Knight brought in an impressive $196 million over the three-day weekend, exceeding industry expectations and outpacing most competitors for the year. The remaining $272 million came from international markets, where the film saw strong performances in key territories such as the United Kingdom, China, France, Brazil, South Korea, and Australia.
The opening numbers are particularly noteworthy when compared to other recent superhero releases. Marvel's Captain America: The Winter Soldier, which opened just a few weeks ago to solid reviews and strong fan reception, posted a $250 million global debut. The Dark Knight nearly doubled that, signaling both the strength of the DC brand and the enduring appeal of the Batman character.
Looking ahead, the road to $1 billion appears clear though competition is looming. Fast & Furious 6 is set to open in two weeks and will likely cut into The Dark Knight's third-weekend numbers. Still, analysts are confident that The Dark Knight will comfortably cross the $1 billion threshold in the coming weeks.