David Edelstein, reviewing The Dark Knight:

Even if the death of Heath Ledger hadn’t already draped it in a funeral shroud, this sequel (now being rereleased) would be a morbid affair. Christopher Nolan’s tense, realistic style is a shock-but then the novelty wears off and the lack of imagination, visual and otherwise, turns into a drag.

That’s even harsher than my critique
(His response to those angered by his original review)