The Dark Side of The Dark Knight

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First of all Dark Knight is not a comic book movie, unlike the previous installment of Batman, this one is really, really dark. It is not just a violent movie, but the evil comes from the heart. That is what makes it so disturbing for even some adults.

One reviewer, Yahoo! kids, Chuck Kim, has this to say about the movie,

"I would not take a kid to see 'The Dark Knight,' said Chuck. "The Joker and Two-Face alone could give a kid nightmares." The oft-mentioned violence is not of one of gore, he says, but more of the heart—and thus potentially more terrifying.

And Chuck is not the only one who is taking up this line. Other websites and publications are also voicing the same sentiments. Take for instance the review from the Dallas Morning News, "Dark Knight" is a staggeringly violent and disturbing film. Thought-provoking for adults, but potentially terrifying for children...The PG-13 rating should offer some warning, yes. But this film dances just south of an R in my book."

From other sites:

"This film is not for children, and I would discourage parents from taking anyone under 12 to see this movie," writes Jim Pappas of The Trades.com. “'The Dark Knight' offers a glimpse into the darker places within each of us, which might be cathartic for some, but others will simply be afraid."

"The movie is sadistic, violent, disturbing and also one of the best and biggest movies of the year," according to MoviesOnline.ca. "That all said, 3 out of 4 of those components are absolutely not suitable for young children... regardless of how the MPAA rated the movie."

While the PG-13 rating offers an idea of the age range it may or may not be an accurate rating for you or your child. It is going to depend on the child and whether they can take the character of the movie or not. Some 12 year olds may be able to watch it while some 14 year olds may not be able to.

It would be a good idea, if you are a parent and considering taking your small fry to see Dark Knight, to sit down and have a chat with your kid(s) before and after watching the movie.