Finally, the Internet is buzzing with rumors that look like they're confirmed in the new trailer about a major death in the film. (Spoiler Alert: If you don't to hear theories on who dies, read no further)

It has been hinted and rumored that someone close to Bruce Wayne and Batman is killed in The Dark Knight, and all signs point to (Spoiler Alert: This is your last chance...)

...it being Rachel Dawes. The choice seems fairly obvious. The character is unique to the films, but is a good representation of the few women that have actually meant something to Bruce Wayne. The impact of such a death on Batman to make him question his resolve, whether or not he really can make a difference in the face of such evil, whether or not he can protect those he cares for... If these elements are handled well, it'll be a big part of what sets The Dark Knight apart from every other comic book movie out there.

Finally there's Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker. Although Jack Nicholson did a fine job, from the glimpses we've seen so far, Ledger appears to really have caught the true essence of what makes the Joker such a fascinating and deadly villain. There's never really been a portrayal of the Joker that I found scary (except in the excellent Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker), but Ledger's Joker is definitely scary and looks very convincing as a menace that could cause in every sense the darkest night of Batman's young career.

Batman Begins was the success it was because it was a great film, not just a great comic book film. It was an amazing movie that just happened to be based on a comic book that featured a man dressed up as a bat. However, it was able to transcend the comic book genre to become a movie that touched on themes and emotions that we all relate to, and did so in such a way that felt real, that felt like it could happen. Should The Dark Knight follow that trend (and for all intents and purposes it looks as though it will), I see no reason that it couldn't become the one film still standing after the summer boxoffice wars are over. It may not make the most at the boxoffice, but it may be the one most people will actually remember something about, the one that people will feel was something special. It may even be the one that leaves people hope in the face of the dark nights we all face

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