The Caped Crusader and Bat Girl made a surprise appearance outside the Cinema I and II on University Drive Friday afternoon, but it turned out to be just a couple of teenagers in costume.

Batman fan Tyler Shaw, 18, of Rushville, convinced his friend Alexa Corey, 18, of Industry, to dress up for an afternoon showing of “The Dark Knight,” the latest film in the “Batman” series.

“He’s been counting the days,” Alexa said as she adjusted her costume after stepping out of Tyler’s car.

“I’ve been a fan since I was a little kid, so we just decided to go out all for it,” Tyler said, adding, “We tried to get the Joker, but he couldn’t make it.”

Cinema Manager Larry Jarvis said 450 people turned out for Thursday’s midnight opening, which played on both of the theatre’s screens.

Many of the same people who attended the midnight showing, Jarvis said, returned the next day for a repeat viewing.

Fan enthusiasm aside, Jarvis gives “The Dark Knight” a mixed review.

“I give it three stars, I thought it was a little long. The twists aren’t that twisty if you’ve seen the previews,” he said.

However, Jarvis was impressed by the performance of the late Heath Ledger, who portrays the Joker.

“Ledger should be nominated for an Academy Award,” he said.

Due to the popularity of the film, Jarvis said the film would most likely be held over for another two weeks.

"The Dark Knight" made $155.34 million over the weekend, topping another record set by "Spider Man 3." "Spider Man 3" made $151.1 million on its opening weekend.

“The Dark Knight” is rated PG-13. Show times at the Cinema are 12:30 p.m., 3:45 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10:10 p.m.