The PERFECT Conclusion!

Rating: 10/10 (24 July 2012)

I read that Christopher Nolan took inspiration from the Lord of the Rings trilogy on this final Dark Knight film, and it showed. It is true there are rarely any superb third films in a saga, but I think this is up there with the top.
The acting was truly spectacular, as usual, with many heartbreaking moments (namely those between Alfred and Bruce.) It is difficult enough for actors to portray potent emotions using words, but sometimes Caine and Bale simply broke my heart using their eyes. Anne Hathaway was amazing and seductive as the Catwoman, taking on a very complex character wonderfully. Also Joseph Gordon-Levitt shone through as he usually does, likable and courageous as Blake. Tom Hardy was simply terrifying at times.
I know there are people who are ranting at this movie for "not meeting the standard set by the Dark Knight" but personally I think they are looking only at the antagonists. Yes, the Joker was a wholeheartedly epic villain, and it will probably be difficult for anyone to match Ledger's outstanding performance of him - but that doesn't mean Bane was in any way not up to scratch. He was very scary and I found myself wide- eyed at certain scenes, especially the first real fight between him and Batman. I don't think it's fair to judge this movie simply on Bane vs Joker, because obviously the Joker will win.
The plot was very ambitious and intense. Even though the runtime was a lengthy two hours and forty five minutes, I almost wanted some time to stop for breath at certain points. I believe it is probably a film which needs to be viewed twice before all of it really is sewn together (also, if you haven't seen Batman Begins and the Dark Knight in a while it is better when you re-watch all.) It was full of heart-racing action and breath-taking emotion. It is most definitely not just a "simple action movie" as it included so many twists and turns in the story. I admit I am usually not a fan of actions just because they often lack intelligent plots - however, the Dark Knight trilogy is right there near the top of my five favourite films. I also liked the introduction of the Bat, just out of pure enjoyment.
There are a couple of downsides I have though, first being Marion Cotillard as Miranda Tate. She was underdeveloped and unlike-able from the beginning and, although this is explained later, I do not understand what Bruce saw in her in the first place. The second little bad point I can't really go into without making a spoiler, but when a certain character dies I wish it had been more significant after all of the trouble it took.
I am glad Nolan didn't go for the 3D option, too. The ending was simply perfect in my opinion, and although I am devastated that it is all over, I am happy I left the cinema fully satisfied rather than disappointed as I am with many endings.
Truly a 10/10 film regardless of the bitter cynics.