Extremely Engaging - an enjoyable movie experience

Rating: 10/10 (23 July 2012)

As a longtime fan of Batman, I rejoiced every time there was news of a big screen incarnation of the character and his unique, dark story. I liked the 2 Burton films but when Nolan unveiled his first in the trilogy, I was an instant fan. And in the hands of Christian Bale, I felt that fans got the Batman/Bruce Wayne portrayal they truly deserved.
I honestly don't get why some critics found TDKR disappointing. Maybe they prefer the darker, crime movie elements of TDK and the face-off between the Joker and Batman or maybe the 3rd film felt too much like other Nolan films (The Prestige and Inception) with plot twists and an extended closing sequence tying all the threads together. But after having seen the first 2 Batman films before heading off to the theater to see the last installment, I can honestly say that TDKR is my favorite of the trilogy.
Setting aside the unique experience of seeing it unfold on IMAX, the film satisfies on all levels - the emotional core of the film remains intact with Michael Caine's superb Alfred and Bale's deeply wounded Bruce Wayne. There are fresh elements in Anne Hathaway's sexy and mercurial Selina Kyle and JGLevitt's earnest portrayal of John Blake. The rest of the old cast: a wonderful as always Gary Oldman, the reassuring Lucius Fox, even the cameo by Liam Neeson - was enough to send viewers at the screening I attended applaud with glee. Bane was likewise a menacing presence.
TDKR bridges the more conventional elements of the origins film in Batman Begins and retains some of the darkness of TDK. Even better, with each set piece (the motorcycle hostage taking at the NYSE was edge-of-your seat amazing)and quiet moment between key characters, Nolan has given us a great 3rd film.
And lastly, kudos to the director for bringing Bale and Hathaway together on screen. The chemistry between the 2 actors is something I haven't seen in a long time. Positively purrrfecct.