Epic (Hopefully Spoiler Free Review)

Rating: 10/10 (20 July 2012)

Hopefully spoiler free. I tried to go into this movie without any expectations, BB was excellent and for me TDK was masterpiece. My only requirement from his movie was a fitting end to the series as I didn't think anything could even get close to the TDK.
I am pleased to say I was wrong, very wrong. From start to finish I was mesmerized by what I was seeing and came out feeling the same way I did after watching Return Of The Jedi for the first time.
So lets looks at the movie and what I feel makes it a masterpiece.
Bruce/Alfred/Lucius/Gordon etc were on form just as before. Of the new additions, no one felt out of place and everyone was superb.
I was worried that Bane wouldn't fill the Super Villain shoes but damn he is one menacing guy. It would be wrong to compare him to the Joker though, as they are very different. The Joker only wanted the world to burn, Bane has an agenda and I found him truly chilling most of the times. Tom Hardy physically dominated the screen in his scenes, and It reminded me of seeing Darth Vader for the first time.
Selina Kyle, the more the story progressed the more I wanted to see of her on screen. Anne Hathaway really made the role her own.
Now lets get to the character I was most curious about - Blake - I wasn't sure how he was going to fit into this movie, but Joseph Gordon-Levitt delivers in spades and almost steals the show.
The only reason he didn't steal it was due to Michael Caine. His scenes with Bail were touching and his scene near the end was emotional and done perfectly.
Hans Zimmer delivers a solid score that compliments the scenes and add emphasis to what is occurring on screen. I highly recommend picking up the sound track. The songs Despair and Gothams Reckoning really stood out.
This movie has a lot of action and set pieces but at no point does it overpower or get in the way of the narrative and like a true blockbuster should find that perfect balance of keeping you interested without diluting plot development.
I appreciate this is only my opinion, and I know some people will dislike this movie, but then that is their choice. All I say is don't listen to them or me. Go see it for yourself and make up your own mind.
Honestly I am still coming down from the emotional high I had walking out. I loved this movie and will certainly be seeing it again.
My only complaint is that Nolan has said he will not make anymore :(