The Dark Knight Rises Review

This is a movie that is more divisive than I think it should be. There are a lot of fans of the first two films in Christopher Nolan's Batman franchise that found it to be just as good as the previous entries. I am one of those people. However, there are also a number of people who thought The Dark Knight Rises was a big step down from its predecessors; critics primarily cite the film as having a bloated length, a lazy plot, and an unnecessarily morose tone. While I respect the opinions of these people, I in no way agree with them. To me, The Dark Knight Rises is an exciting, impressively ambitious, and powerfully resonant conclusion to the greatest comic book film saga ever created.

The overall consensus is definitely positive, but because the film has its many critics, I expect this review will not sit well with some people. For the most part, I will be praising everything that I love about the movie, and there is quite a bit. The Dark Knight Rises isn't spotless, but it is one of my personal favorite films along with its two equally wonderful predecessors.

The cast is once again brilliant in this film. Christian Bale continues to personify Bruce Wayne better than anyone else before him. Michael Caine gives perhaps his best performance as Bruce's loyal butler Alfred. Gary Oldman is fantastic as James Gordon for a third time. Morgan Freeman returns as Lucius Fox. There's such a palpable emotional tinge to the characters in this one. That is a testament to the fact that we've come to care very much for them over the course of this trilogy.

Nolan has managed to humanize the legendary comic book characters in a way that gives the audience a strong connection to them. We want to see Bruce be happy as much as Alfred does, and we can't bear to see him get beaten as badly as he does in this movie. Some of the things that happen in this movie surrounding the characters we've come to love are nigh heartbreaking. I've always loved the character of Batman. He has always been my favorite superhero ever since my days of investing in his comic books. The Dark Knight trilogy really captures my tremendous affection for the character in ways I didn't think possible.

There is a sharply somber feeling present for most of the film. Not in a dour way, mind you. In an engrossing and incredibly powerful way. I think The Dark Knight Rises is probably the most emotional of the three films. It certainly is the most resonant of the trilogy, at least to me. Even after I rewatch it, it gets stuck in my thoughts for days afterwards. This is true for pretty much all of Christopher Nolan's movies, but this one has a special place in my heart because of it.

There are also a number of new characters, all of which are well-wrought and interesting. One of these new faces is Tom Hardy as Bane, the main antagonist of the film. Hardy's portrayal of the character is distinctly different from the comics, but it fits Nolan's movies so well, and it has become one of my favorite comic book villain performances. The character may not be as intricate and layered as Heath Ledger's Joker, but his aura is certainly just as forceful. He's definitely the physical challenge to Batman compared to the Joker's psychological challenge and Scarecrow's emotional one.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt has also joined the cast as a police officer named John Blake. He's kind of what you'd imagine a young Jim Gordon as being. He eventually becomes a detective working alongside Gordon himself to track down the underground army led by Bane that is rising in Gotham. Gordon-Levitt is a great actor, and he does an excellent job in The Dark Knight Rises. He really sells the role, and some aspects of the character would have been unconvincing in the hands of a less persuasive actor.

One other notable addition to the cast is Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle/Catwoman. I actually like her as an actress, and she does a good job as the famous comic book supervillain. In this interpretation, she's more of an anti-hero than a villain. She steals from those who have more than enough, ultimately because she's desperate. Bruce at one point equates her to Robin Hood. She's an intriguing counterpoint to Batman's unshakable adherence to his own moral policy.

Nolan has said that he wanted to make The Dark Knight Rises with more scope and spectacle than Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. The final product clearly displays this. Some of the set pieces that Nolan uses are quite simply stunning and pleasingly grandiose.  From the well-made and remarkably thrilling action sequences to the splendid landscapes and backdrops, The Dark Knight Rises is impressive in its scope, and imposing in its spectacle.

As big and epic as the film is, it is just as intimate with its characters. As I said before, the movie is just so powerful emotionally, and there's a fully satisfying sense of finality to it. It is honestly one of the most fulfilling final chapters to any film series that I have ever seen, and is also right up there with The Return of the King, The Bourne Ultimatum, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and Return of the Jedi as one of the most satisfying threequels of all-time.

The Dark Knight Rises has a couple minor pacing issues. The first act takes a little time to develop, but once the plot hits the accelerator, it's an exhilarating ride. That's not to say that I dislike the first act of the film. It's just that there isn't much that happens to further the plot. I still find it interesting and entertaining. The rest of the movie is definitely superior, however, especially the climax. The last 20 minutes or so are nothing short of breathtaking, both emotionally and with the relentlessly suspenseful action sequence that tops it all off.

Many people feel as though The Dark Knight Rises is not on par with the rest of the trilogy. I disagree completely. I absolutely love this film. If it isn't a perfect movie, it is a perfect ending to Christopher Nolan's pioneering superhero franchise. An emotionally resonant, action-packed, and thrillingly ambitious conclusion to his Batman legend. With moving relationships, riveting conflicts, and another glorious score by Hans Zimmer to back it up, it is a uniquely powerful film that I cherish, and yet another reason that Christopher Nolan is my favorite director. You can call me a Nolan-fanboy if you like. I won't deny enjoying intelligent and innovative filmmaking.

A+