There is a reason "The Joker" was not an individual centerpiece as a D.C. villain in Hollywood in the past. You would ultimately have to focus on him as the psychotic, sadistic individual he is. Kudos to the producers in this film for hitting the nail on the head in this film. This movie is sick as ****! I am not complementing. Mental health is a serious issue. This movie depicts an individual with a traumatic past that lashes out in violence. I can't understand what point was trying to be made or if there was any entertainment value in this at all. This was just a sick movie. I enjoy the Batman villan in the comics. There are a lot of scenarios in the comics where the Joker is very dark and cruel. This was something else. Mr. Phoenix definetely owns the best Joker laugh. Hands down. Mr. Ledger was given more of an opportunity in my opinion to capture his villanous nature. This new movie did not focus on that at all. Apples to Oranges for comparisons between Ledger and Phoenix. Note: If you take your young child, ages 16 and below you should have your parental skills evaluated. I saw two 9 year olds in the movie I attended. Those kids will never be the same.