The Bat Rises.

Rating: 9/10 (30 July 2015)

Dark Knight Rises (2012): Dir: Christopher Nolan / Cast: Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Gary Oldman: Conclusion to the Christopher Nolan Batman trilogy with a title that echoes the need for good over evil. Nolan brilliantly concludes the trilogy on a note that will satisfy without a cliffhanger. Christian Bale is at his best here as Batman. Alter ego Bruce Wayne is secluded in his mansion hobbling about with a cane. He will meet his biggest challenge when receiving a beating and thrown in a prison that has a past of its own. Tom Hardy steals the film as villain Bane who apparently escaped this prison. With a face mask that renders him a Sean Connery type voice, he is a brutal dominant presence who delivers the ultimate physical challenge to Batman. He is set to destroy Gotham City with a massive bomb. Anne Hathaway is slick and sexy as Catwoman who attempts to steal a necklace during a party at the Wayne home. She is a conflicted character who benefits from the fact that Batman can see the other side of her character. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays a young police investigator who grew up in an orphanage and has a future secret of his own. Gary Oldman returns as Commissioner Gordon who answers the press with regards to Harvey Dent but ends up in the hospital after narrowly escaping Bane. Marion Cotillard plays a wealthy contact who adds yet another interesting twist. Nolan once again strikes gold presenting the classic comic book hero in its best presentation. Visually captivating with ominous escapism that rises above and beyond. Score: 9 / 10