"The Dark Knight" is as close to cinematic perfection as any movie could ever hope to reach. Words cannot do it justice. This highly anticipated sequel to 2005's "Batman Begins" lived up to every expectation effortlessly, undoubtedly becoming a new classic.

"The Dark Knight" picks up right where its predecessor left off. There is a new villain in Gotham City, a mysterious criminal who refers to himself as The Joker (Heath Ledger). The Joker, a disfigured anarchist with a knack for violence, quickly catches the attention of Batman (Christian Bale). Along with a new villain comes a new hero in the form of Gotham's new district attorney, Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart). Dent is everything Gotham has needed, a new symbol of hope and protection for the city.

Massive amounts of hype surrounded Heath Ledger's portrayal of The Joker, but nothing could have prepared me for what came. There is something terrifying about a villain who cannot be silenced with money or glory, but simply wishes to watch what happens when he tears the world apart.

While Ledger's performance is everything it was rumored to be and more, it was the stylistic aspect of "The Dark Knight" that really intrigued me. This movie is filmed so beautifully that even the violence is almost artistic. After watching "Dark Knight," you can't help but feel it. Watching this movie is such an engaging experience that afterward, you're simply exhausted.

"The Dark Knight" has a deeper meaning, and a much darker lesson. It goes above and beyond the evil that was touched upon in "Batman Begins."

This movie goes deeper than the usual heroism and proves that, eventually, every white knight becomes a villain. And most surprisingly, in the end there is no hope or happiness, only the remnants of a city ravaged by chaos and corruption.

Rheagan Butler is a student at Central High School.