MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 164 minutes
Rating:
“Let the games begin!” – Bane
Typically when it comes to trilogies, the final film in a series can sometimes turn out to be the worst. It just happens. Sometimes the first film is so amazing that fans want more and the studios give them more, but not at the same quality. That cannot be said for The Dark Knight Rises. Director Christopher Nolan has a formula that works and I can only hope other directors/writers/producers take notice and follow in his footsteps. If you loved Batman Begins, and thought The Dark Knight was epic, you will be blown away by the third and final installment in Nolan’s Batman trilogy.
My all time favorite actor in the realm of Batman films has to be Michael Keaton. He did something the others haven’t and I hail Batman Returns as my favorite. However, that was before viewing The Dark Knight Rises. Now, I’m reconsidering which Batman film holds the title as my favorite. Christian Bale is magnificent as the enigmatic caped crusader. He divides the icon into three people—Bruce Wayne the playboy billionaire; Bruce Wayne the orphaned child who seeks vengeance; and Batman. Now while Bruce Wayne is Batman, Batman is not Bruce Wayne. Bruce has two sides to him and wears two masks. Batman only wears one. This is what I love about the depth Bale puts into the character. He can play all three as one man without skipping a beat. It has to be a difficult undertaking to play a man who has no superpowers yet fights for justice in a city which loves Batman one minute, then hates him the next. Bale will be missed as the superhero should someone accept the challenge to take up the helm and revisit the Nolan legacy of Batman movies again.
What can I say about the bad guy in this one? He’s by far the most complex I’ve seen next to the Joker. The mystery surrounding Bane (Tom Hardy) unravels slowly as we learn about him through other characters. I’d like to know more about his ordeal and how he became the force Batman reckons with since he’s mentioned as being part of the League of Shadows. Bane isn’t your average lunatic with the mindset of wreaking havoc for fun. He has a plan, sets out to accomplish it and doesn’t get deterred. I think this is Hardy’s finest performance. He does the job like no one else can. He plays the villainous villain (har, har) with a flair that can’t be matched. And that’s just because of his voice. Yup, I’m all gaga for Hardy in this one simply because of the effect of his speech. There’s a charisma and soothing quality to his words which draws you in and tells you everything is ok even though the world is falling apart around you. I don’t know if it was the mask synthesizing his words into a melodious tone, or the mannerisms in which he spoke, but whatever it is worked. Yes, it could have been done better because there are times when you can barely understand what he’s saying, but it doesn’t take away from the movie. Believe it or not, I wanted Bane to succeed; I wanted Bane to prove to Gotham City he was right and all would be well under his tyranny. Whether or not that comes to pass, I won’t say, but you best believe he does a damn good job of giving Batman a run for his money.
Catwoman (Anne Hathaway) was a big surprise for me. If you’ve seen Batman Returns, you know Michelle Pfeiffer played the sexy Selina Kyle, who was murdered and brought back to life after being bitten by cats. That’s the kindergarten version of Catwoman. This Catwoman kicks ass and takes names like only a tough-as-nails chick can. Selina isn’t a damsel in distress and can dish out the pain like you wouldn’t believe. She’s quick, slick and witty, and her agenda keeps her from being tangled up in the mess better known as Bane and Batman’s battle. Hathaway excels in this role and I’d love to see her branch out into more action films.
The supporting cast does a great job as well but none is more heartfelt than Alfred’s (Michael Caine) hopeful(less) speech he gives Bruce during one of their heart to hearts. I was close to getting the tissues out. I’d like to think that during an action film, you aren’t supposed to cry, but Caine is just that good. Morgan Freeman shines again as Fox, making us smile and laugh with his sarcastic humor. Most delightful is Marion Cotillard as Miranda Tate, the mysterious and beautiful woman who captures Bruce’s heart. Sort of. I’d love to have seen more interaction between Bruce and Miranda, but I guess it wasn’t necessary to move the plot along. You’ll be intrigued by her role in the dark knight’s crusade. Then of course, there’s the always amazing Gary Oldman as Commissioner Gordon, a man set out for redemption. Gordon doesn’t have it easy this time around and his loyalty to the people of Gotham City is unshakable. I loved Oldman’s performance, although I didn’t expect anything less from his caliber of actor. And I can’t forget Joseph Gordon-Levitt as John Blake. While I know who he has the potential to become, we don’t get to see that aspect come to life in this film. But the foundation is set, the groundwork is laid and I want another Batman movie. The potential for more greatness hangs in the air and I hope someone grabs it and runs with it.
Surprises abound in this one—some plot devices you won’t guess, some you will—but all in all, I think anyone who sees The Dark Knight Rises will be happy with the outcome. Experiencing the movie alone is enough to keep a smile on your face. The special effects will wow you, specifically Batman’s new toys. The motorcycle he rides totally blew my mind. I can’t even fathom the thought process behind the effects for it’s out of this world motion. You have to see it to believe it. Simply amazing! The possibility that you’ll yell at the screen (like I did) “I want another film” is there. The ending is fitting yet left me wanting more because of the unknown. I mean, Batman’s partner Robin… other bad guys like The Peguin and The Riddler?! We need more Batman. Please.
For more information on the film, visit: http://www.thedarkknightrises.com/.
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Photo cr: © 2012 – Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. and Legendary Pictures Funding, LLC.
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