Why so exaggerated?

Warning: I do not claim to be a full blown comic book enthusiast, just a movie geek and general fan of comic books. Please don't be mean to me. I am too adorable to be harmed.
So I saw "The Dark Knight" yesterday. I didn't write about it yesterday, because the movie lasts almost THREE HOURS, and I didn't really feel like much more Batman.

I was in Austin when the movie premiered, and I told Kyle that we had to go see it. Of course, we didn't. So I went to see it yesterday. By myself, because I had heard such great things about the movie that I didn't want to be interrupted in my sacred viewing.

I loved it. LOVED IT!! It was dark and fun, filled with action, and all the actors are spot on. The Nolan Batman series is a much better ride than the Burton series. It's more realistic and just plain gorgeous. There were a few things that caused the movie not to live up to my expectations...

All this ass kissing. Don't get me wrong. The movie was a great comic book movie and a great action movie, but come on!

For example, before I saw the movie, I read the stories on how Heath Ledger should win an Oscar for his portrayal of the Joker. Seriously?? I'm as sorry as anyone that the guy is dead, and his portrayal of the Joker was certainly more than adequate. Possibly the best ever. But an Oscar? No.

I was really excited to see Harvey Dent in the movie, but I thought that the ugly half of Two Face was a tad bit overdone to be in a movie series that has been so modern and realistic.
I mean, is that necessary? And how would he even live like that, with his eye all hanging out? Just a thought.

My basic conclusion is that it was incredible and I loved it, but I'm not as enthusiastic about it as it seems everyone else is. Calm down, people. It was a great Summer movie and a great Batman movie. We'll get another one.