Very well done. WARNING! LOTS OF SPOILERS!

Rating: 10/10 (20 July 2012)

I must admit that as a Batman fan of 22 years, I was expecting Nolan's third batfilm to fall flat of the glory conjured by the second installment. After Schumacher's debacle it was clear how badly things could go, but disaster was averted. Nolan did a great job and here's why. Bane was terrifying! He very nearly eclipsed the Joker in breathtaking villainy but really after the clown prince of crime killing Rachel and Harvey, and all of Ledger's rock star charisma they are apples and oranges. Moreover, Catwoman was executed perfectly, just realistically and unrealistically enough for Nolan's world, and her relationship with Bruce developed perfectly and realistically. The plot was great, combining elements of several comic story lines including Knightfall, No Man's Land, Daughter of the Demon and possibly others. Although the grand scope overwhelmed at times, it was for our own good, as it was true to the comics and continued The Dark Knight's tradition of topping the promising Batman Begins with an intensely satisfying adventure. Bravo, to the cast and crew!