Before it was released, folks were speculating that The Dark Knight would, in all likelyhood, get an Oscar nod… at least for the late Heath Ledger. But as time went on, we’re hearing more and more about just how great The Dark Knight is. I’ve even read a few folks mention The Dark Knight and Best Picture in the same sentence. A comic book movie in the best picture category? Whoa.

With all the hype, is it possible for Chris Nolan’s sophomore effort in the Batman universe to live up to everyone’s rather lofty expectations? To exceed it? Well, many of us will find out this weekend. In fact, a ton of us will find out this weekend. I’m calling it right now: The Dark Knight will have the biggest weekend opening this summer… perhaps all year.

2005’s Batman Begins was a fresh start on a tired, stale series. Ever since 1989’s Batman, the quality of the Batman flicks dropped faster than M. Night Shyamalan’s. The new Batman, played by none other than superbadass Christian Bale, completely rejuvenated the series. Sixteen years was a long time in between good Batman flicks.

Nolan’s Batman was not quite perfect, but definitely close to it. Gone were villains delivering God-awful one-liners, one after the other(I’m looking at you Ah-nold). This time around, the baddies were interesting, well-crafted and well-acted. Thank God. Also, the Batsuit didn’t have nipples.

Anyway, I’ve purchased my ticket and I’ll be seeing The Dark Knight at 1:15. I’m incredibly amped. I just hope that I haven’t got my hopes up too high.

What about you? Are you planning on seeing The Dark Knight?