Christopher Nolan steps back into the director's chair for this sequel to
Batman Begins, which finds the titular superhero coming face to face with his greatest nemesis -- the dreaded Joker.
Christian Bale returns to the role of Batman,
Maggie Gyllenhaal takes over the role of Rachel Dawes (played by
Katie Holmes in
Batman Begins), and
Brokeback Mountain star
Heath Ledger dons the ghoulishly gleeful Joker makeup previously worn by
Jack Nicholson and
Cesar Romero. Just as it begins to appear as if Batman, Lt. James Gordon (
Gary Oldman), and District Attorney Harvey Dent (
Aaron Eckhart) are making headway in their tireless battle against the criminal element, a maniacal, wisecracking fiend plunges the streets of Gotham City into complete chaos. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide