So I finally watched The Dark Knight...?

I received the DVD for Christmas and I finally watched it last night. My opinion might be a little biased because honestly amidst all of the hoopla I did wait a long time to view the film. I have to agree that it is a good film in that it is not "campy" and treats the storyline as if it was real-world stuff. I have to admit though after watching I think that much of the praise and popularity of the film is a direct result of the tragic death of Heath Ledger. While I admit he was the movie, I think that if he had not ped there would not have been the vocal and emotional praise of his portrayal of the Joker... I mean if he deserves and Oscar for The Dark Knight why did Brandon Lee not receive a nomination for The Crow? Am I totally nuts... or was The Dark Night more than just a Superhero movie like Iron Man or the Spider Man series... I think I missed something here... any thoughts?