Unfortunately, the plot was slow to unfold and left viewers wanting more of that quick-paced action they have come to expect.

Rating: 7/10 (5 October 2012)

The Dark Knight Rises had big shoes to fill as it concluded the Batman trilogy. It promised to be one of the most exciting and action-packed films released during the summer of 2012. Unfortunately, the plot was slow to unfold and left viewers wanting more of that quick-paced action they have come to expect.
Directed by Christopher Nolan, high expectations were placed on this film. The cast was strong, and included names such as Christian Bale as Bruce Wane, Gary Old man as Commissioner Gordon, and Tom Hardy as Bane. There were a number of other major appearances including Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Anne Hathaway, and Morgan Freeman just to name a few.
The film is only partially effective as an Action/Thriller feature as there were not enough edge-of-your- seat moments. Many scenes were long and drawn-out, often times including lengthy flashbacks. While these were useful in telling the story of Bruce Wayne and his years in hiding, they certainly could have benefited from some shortening.
The story begins with Batman in hiding. His reputation has been damaged through the events of the previous movie, The Dark Knight when Batman takes the blame for the crimes of Harvey Dent. Eight years later, with the threat of Bain destroying Gotham City, Batman eventually decides to come out of hiding and return to protect the people once again.
While the movie shows obvious intertextuality with the earlier movies in the trilogy, the film also relates to a number of other superhero action films released recently. For example, there is strong intertextuality between The Dark Knight Rises and Spider-Man 2 (2004.) In Spider-Man 2, the story includes Spiderman in a mental struggle with himself, trying to decide if he should quit being Spiderman. Similar to the Batman in the Dark Knight Rises, Spiderman decides to return once again to protect the city.
The cinematography in The Dark Knight Rises is wonderful. The visuals are stunning and add to the overall feel of the movie. The dark, depressing atmosphere of the city plays very well with the plot. Acting is top notch as well. Tom Hardy played a very convincing Bane. Alfred, played by Michael Caine adds a softer role that adds a lot to the film. However, where this movie falls short is with its directing. Parts of the movie are incredible boring to sit through, especially when the audience is expecting a major action film. Audiences find themselves longing for the next action scene to come.
While the Dark Knight Rises was enough to satisfy many movie-goers, its slow-to-unfold storyline compromised its effectiveness not only at being an engaging action film, but as being the pinnacle of the Batman trilogy.