The second best film in the trilogy and a fitting conclusion

Rating: 9/10 (4 April 2017)

I am in the minority here when I say that The Dark Knight Rises is the second best film in the Dark Knight trilogy ahead of Batman Begins. I can see why people have a problem with this film, honestly I can, however I do feel as if this film was harshly criticised for what it tried to accomplish.
Christopher Nolan has given us one of the best trilogies of all time and this film is a fitting conclusion and personally a nice change of pace for the franchise. The character of Batman up until now, and even in this trilogy, had always been on the top of his game. Batman had never met his match on screen whether that be Keaton's or Kilmer's, lets skip Clooney, the character was never in any real danger from being out staged or classed, physically! So Christopher Nolan gave something new and re-refreshing to the character and that was a true physical presence in the form of Bane. I don't think that Nolan gets enough credit for at least change up the game slightly and giving audience something new to see on the big screen. As well as changing up the tone of the character, the directing in this film is top class from start to finish. A perfect mixture of close hand held shots and city landscapes, this film is beautiful to look at, whether it be in day light or night light. Nolan gave us his all in the franchise and I think it shows more in this film than it does in the other two prior, the overall feeling of overcoming something and finishing.
The cast as in everyone of the films in the franchise is spectacular, firstly lets start with the main man himself. Christian Bale is the best Bruce Wayne/Batman that there has been on screen to this date, yes you probably have a good argument for Keaton, Kilmer or Affleck but for me he is the defining one. This film shows Bruce Wayne in a completely different situation both physically and mentally, Bale excels in both of these regards. His performance in both Wayne and Batman shows what both have gone through, whether that be the emotional heart ache of loosing Rachel in the Dark Knight and the physical deterioration of him from all the fighting. Bale gives an out of this world performance that actually makes you feel a great deal of empathy towards the character, similar to when his parents were shot in the first film. The rest of the cast Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard, Anne Hathaway, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Gary Oldman are all brilliant in their varying roles. The returning characters also show the longevity of the series of films and all that has happen prior to this one, whilst the new characters offer something fresh and interest to involve ourselves with.
The story, lets get one thing out of the way, Yes this film does have plot holes. How did Bane know that Bruce Wayne was Batman? How did Bruce get back into Gotham after escaping prison? These and more are examples of where this film is not as well structured as Batman Begins or The Dark Knight. However for some reason every time I watch this film I can easily give them a pass. This is because for me they never have effected the overall film and have never been jarring to a point were it takes be out of the film. Yes call me a DC fanboy or a biased opinion, you might be right but for me this story tried to change the pace and style of the trilogy which I have to commend it for even though it didn't pull it off all the time.
Another positive is the CGI and practical effects which are moulded in this film perfectly, this is especially apparent with The Bat, Tumblers and Bat Pod. All of the CGI and practical effects look so brilliantly made and choreographed.
The final positive the ending, Yes I do think it is a massive positive. This film and franchise perfectly closes of the story of the Batman/Bruce Wayne character as a whole. This is a rare, this is one of the few films that has actually made me cry. I know that's sad but its Batman and I love it. It is heart aching seeing Alfred crying over the graves and the closing will being read out along with the Hans Zimmer score is beautiful. It gets me every time the ending to this film, what a fantastic achievement Nolan to give such an emotional punch.
Negatives, shock horror a Fan boy of this film actually thinks there are negatives! Yeah my main negative of this film is a strange one and nothing to do with the negatives that most people have with this film. Changing Chicago for New York was probably necessary for this film how ever it does stick out for me considering how well the backdrop of Chicago was so good as Gotham in the other two films.
Finally, I love this film and the franchise overall, it made me into the comic book fan I am now. 95% out of 100, Yes call me DC fanboy but I really don't care, there are plot holes in this film I can see them but for me they never stick out that much and can be easily overseen. Christian Bale will go down as one of if not the best Bruce Wayne/Batman there has been, certainly for me he is the best and this film once again backs up that idea. Nolan has achieved greatest in this film and in this franchise and it will never be forgotten, whether that be the realistic, dark portrayal of the character, the fantastic directing and writing or the mesmerising score! The Dark Knight Trilogy is one of the best!