Also returning from the first film as Alfred is Michael Caine, who once again is flawless as Wayne's unrelenting voice of reason, and Morgan Freeman as Wayne's wise business partner Lucius Fox. It is amazing that Nolan was able to convince two of the most respected actors of our generation to agree to more of a supporting role, and this may be one of the secret strengths of the film. And once again Gary Oldman plays opposite his usual villainous roles and once again makes us believe he is the only decent cop left in Gotham, Commissioner Jim Gordon. I was very pleased that Gordon's relationship with Batman received even more screen time in this film than the previous one. It was made even more apparent in this film that in many ways that Gordon's devotion to justice is in many ways the backbone that allows Batman to hold his head high in the face of the horrors of Gotham City.

As for the newest additions to the cast, they are equally fantastic. I've never been too impressed with Katie Holmes as an actress, and though I am usually against replacement casting in films I was very pleased with the casting of the much more talented Maggie Gyllenhall. Her take on Rachel Dawes stayed true to the portrayal from the first film, but she also allowed her to possess a greater level of sass and confidence than in the first film. I read that Holmes was offered the role once again for this film and chose to pass on it, and I am certain she will look upon this decision down the road with immense regret (and if she chose to appear in Mad Money with Queen Latifah and Diane Keaton over this, she likely deserves to be committed). Even more impressive in his role is Aaron Eckhart as honorable District Attorney Harvey Dent. When you see this film, you will discover that Eckhart is really the heart of the film. He instills in the viewer a true passion for justice in an unjust city, and his determination to be the best in law enforcement is truly believable. All who are familiar with the Dent character know what occurs when he falls from grace, and most were anticipating this fall, but Eckhart actually makes you want to believe that he will not fall to the evils of Gotham.