The Hong Kong bit seemed a bit pointless, though... I mean, I guess it was meant to show that Batman has no limits or whatever, but it still felt a little jarring to me.

This is basically because there aren't really any big action sequences for Batman and all, since the rest of the movie focuses Harvey Dent and Joker.

You know, it might be a few movies away (I doubt it'd even happen) but the current Batman vibe would be a good setting for Robin. It would send Batman into a dark pit of "god what have I created" sort of deal. The old movies were obviously too camp to portray any real emotion, except, "you can't do this. you will regret it. ok you helped me, so you can be on the team."
There could be some great tension and brooding if the writing is top tier. I'd like to see this one day. Not yet though, definitely too early in the series for Robins.

EDIT:
Also, the 'god what have I created' thing could do really well, if they put Robin on fast forward for the movie, and kill him off pronto. It'd please me and Robin haters alike.

You know, it might be a few movies away (I doubt it'd even happen) but the current Batman vibe would be a good setting for Robin. It would send Batman into a dark pit of "god what have I created" sort of deal. The old movies were obviously too camp to portray any real emotion, except, "you can't do this. you will regret it. ok you helped me, so you can be on the team."
There could be some great tension and brooding if the writing is top tier. I'd like to see this one day. Not yet though, definitely too early in the series for Robins.

EDIT:
Also, the 'god what have I created' thing could do really well, if they put Robin on fast forward for the movie, and kill him off pronto. It'd please me and Robin haters alike.

Well if they ever intended to introduce Robin, and try to play with whatever psychological/emotional depth behind such a concept, then the third movie in a trilogy would be the place to put it.

Besides, they are going to have to do something since Heath Ledger is no longer an option.

...;(

Scarecrow..