I came across some hesitation in writing a movie review for The Dark Knight Rises. Everyone in America is aware of the tragedy that occurred in Aurora, Colorado at a midnight showing of the film. I could never put into words the horror I felt when I heard about the shooting and my thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the victims and their families of this senseless tragedy. But not writing a review seemed like a tragedy in itself, wasn’t I allowing the bad guys to win by not returning to the movies and then writing about that which I love? I dedicate this review to the men, women, and children who were affected that night and to those who responded to the threat with courage by returning to the theaters, donating their time, prayers, and money, and those who came to the rescue in their own way. This world is truly filled with super heroes that may never but on a cape, but believe and support a world that can be improved by those who are living in it.
It has been eight years since Batman last put on his cape, eight years since his watchful gaze kept an eye on the injustices in Gotham City, eight years since he took the blame for the death of Harvey Dent. Bruce Wayne has become a recluse with only Alfred to keep him company. What then happens when a new terrorist called Bane enters the scene to cause havoc upon Gotham City? Batman must return to the scene and prove to a city that counts him as enemy, that he is truly a hero. Not only must Batman convince others that he is good, his hardest task is convincing himself. After Bane and his henchman take the city hostage with a nuclear weapon and martial law is imposed, the only one to save mankind is the Dark Knight. Batman once against takes up his mantle and with the help of an unlikely heroine, and tries to deliver the world to safety once again.
The Dark Knight Rises is a cinematic masterpiece that is a true summer blockbuster. Director Christopher Nolan’s third installment to this trilogy pulls out all the stops and avoids the third film curse that is so prevalent in Hollywood franchises. Nolan presents performances from his actors that are first rate. The Dark Knight was a psychological thriller with a villain like the Joker, but villainy is given a much more physical façade in the terrorist Bane. Physicality dominates this film with Batman constantly going fist to fist with Bane. It did make me wonder why Batman wouldn’t use his utility belt or usual bag of tricks to help him defeat Bane. However, Nolan’s story moves smoothly throughout the film and the numerous twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat. This film is a superb movie experience that all moviegoers will enjoy, not just fans of the caped crusader. Nolan’s genius is in his direction of this phenomenal super hero movie that puts most others to shame.
The acting in The Dark Knight Rises is another key ingredient to this outstanding motion picture. Christian Bale embodies the dual roles of Batman and Bruce Wayne in a way that makes him one of the more memorable super heroes. Anne Hathaway plays Selina Kyle, the alter ego of the Catwoman. She is just as gorgeous as she is talented in playing this wickedly smart character. Tom Hardy takes on the role of the terrorist Bane who, because of an injury to his face, has to wear a special mask that allows him to breathe. This limits Hardy to using only one half of his face and his body language to portray the character in the excellent way that he does. All in all, this movie is an amazing addition to this franchise that has garnered well-deserved critical acclaim. It has been worth the wait for the conclusion to this most epic and provocative look at Batman to date.
I think to call this film a masterpiece is a bit of a stretch. I feel it was lacking a lot in comparison to its predecessors. It was overlong to begin with, with too many characters and subplots (Marion Cotillard’s character was so underdeveloped she seemed like an afterthought, inserted in hastily when the final draft was being written), leaving franchise veterans Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman shortchanged of any interesting material. I certainly do agree with you on Tom Hardy’s physical presence. Despite the at times comical and at other times hard to understand voice he had, he was certainly imposing and towered over Batman. Bale himself gave his best performance of the trilogy.
The twists in the film I thought predictable and I was baffled by the politics of this film. Nolan has stated that he didn’t take a stance, but this just feels a bit lazy and the whole Occupy movement reflection was corny at the best of times and insulting at the worst. At least The Dark Knight’s politics were ambiguous, letting the viewer make up their mind. In this film I felt even Nolan was confused by the issues he was bringing up.
All in all, not a bad conclusion. Certainly better than any of Michael Bay’s summer blockbuster efforts. But I can’t help feeling a little let down and wish I had enjoyed it as much as you had.
The Dark Knight Rises is a far stretch from being a masterpiece. Filled with nonsensical plot holes, villains we don’t care about, and pointless subplots, love interests and giving incredible characters the short end of the stick, this is more than a few steps backward from the REAL masterpiece, Dark Knight. But even Dark Knight has a few problems. While this was a lovely review, I have to disagree completely.
To me, this film was just completely average and underwhelming. The action is good, and Zimmer is back to show off his musical prowess, Bane and Catwoman are a plus, but that’s it. Batman at times in this is harder to understand than BANE. The last 30 minutes gets incredibly predictable, however the twists are ok, but the ending is not how a Batman movie from CHRISTOPHER NOLAN the same guy who brought us INCEPTION should end.
The Avengers was in the works for 4 years, and paid off. This one didn’t really pay off. It had it’s great moments, but for the most part I was rather underwhelmed after seeing Dark Knight right before DKR. An average conclusion to a rather dark and chilling but awesome Batman franchise. Something we definitely needed after Batman and Robin.
Very good movie but not a masterpiece. It’s two predecessors were, in my opinion slightly better however I did still love it. Being new to this site I plan on doing my first review on this movie
Loved it. I saw Blake being robin coming and also predicted the ending (of Alfred seeing a married Bruce in a Venice cafe) once he picked up the bomb. But I did not at all see Miranda being Talia, I was quite impressed with that twist. I was also really impressed with Selina’s character. When I first heard Catwoman would be in the film, I was really disappointed on the account that she’s been really overdone but I was really surprised. She was by far the best Catwoman, they took the best parts of her character and made her really strong, I was rooting for her and Bruce to get together throughout the film. Really enjoyed the references to the past films and appearances of past characters. Overall it was a great conclusion and I really loved it, certainly not as good as the Dark Knight, but I knew it wouldn’t be and I don’t at all agree with people saying they tried too hard to make it as good, I think they completely accepted what it was – as a conclusion with references and themes from the past two films.
I disagree with the masterpiece comment. Michael Caine’s role was pivotal to the emotion and sense of closure (as much could be gotten) at the end. Anne Hathaway certainly impressed me. Christian Bale doesn’t develop much as an actor in these films, having very little room to grow. His character is very static. We see Alfred’s character move into a powerful role, more cerebral than before, and the introduction of Joseph Gordon-Levett was quite an addition to the cast. Unlike the disappointing character of Marion Cotillard (I agree with thomassheatley), I feel like that was a twist that was unnecessary. The character of Bane was enough, even though she was the daughter of Ra’s Al-ghul(sp?). The Dark Knight is still the masterpiece of the trilogy, the shining gem. Villains like Bane now have to compete with the Heath Ledger’s Joker. Although, Bane had this anarchistic streak, he had an agenda. The Joker just like to watch the world burn. It was a conclusion though. May it stay a conclusion.
I do think the movie was a masterpiece.
Nolan did not dissapoint in any way.
The story was amazing, it kept me on my toes the whole way through and the actors were remarkable.
The special effects were beyond incredible.
The plot was facinating as were the twists, the whole thing was unpredictable.
I like how they added bane and Talia’s story, to remember the comics by.
And john blake, amazing character and joseph gordon levitt portrayed him very well.
it just left you hanging wanting for more after it ended.
i feel that the trilogy as a whole is a masterpiece but not the movie on its own. i had several problems with the movie but was satisfied all in all. i felt the author of the review did an adequate job. the review registered more on an emotional level than an artistic one.