The Dark Knight Rises and Delivers a Momentous Achievement in Superhero Cinema

Rating: 9/10 (27 July 2012)

The wait for Christopher Nolan's final Batman movie is finally over. The hype surrounding the release has immensely intensified beyond expectation, specifically in politics. Indeed, "The Dark Knight Rises (TDKR)".
Eight years have passed since the events of "The Dark Knight (TDK)" and Batman is virtually gone from Gotham City. Bruce Wayne (played by Christian Bale) himself avoids the spotlight and is rarely seen in public. His hibernation is broken when ally Commissioner Gordon (played by Gary Oldman) informs him of a new threat. The culprit is Bane (played by Tom Hardy), a former member of Ra's al Ghul's League of Shadows who leads a group of anarchist terrorists to complete what his master failed to do: obliterate Gotham and its occupants. But Wayne faces two more conflicts. Through the course of this film, he isolates his closest allies who fear for his well-being but gains new ones including Catwoman (played by Anne Hathaway). The other challenge is a test of his strength and character to rise above all doubt and fear.
The story begins confusing but as in all smart mysteries, the fog will clear quickly, I assure you. It's satisfying to know how dedicated the director and writers stay committed to fulfilling the Batman trilogy without selling their souls to commercialism like "Star Wars" or "Transformers". Instead, the focus is on the protagonist and the outcome of his endeavors. What makes the third movie exceptional is the premise of Bruce Wayne being tested by ominous forces to see whether or not he can rediscover the strength, will, and character of his alter ego. In "TDK", Wayne sacrificed Batman's popularity in order to preserve the order of Gotham but ever since then, the reclusive billionaire has gradually doubted his significance. Even after pushed into becoming Batman again, he feels as if he's not fighting for something tremendous though he dons the same cape, costume, and mask. It isn't until Bane traps the Caped Crusader into a deep pit when our hero must learn overcome his personal fears and doubts so he can save his city. This is a crisis created to connect the audience. Christian Bale continues to let us embrace his character and root for him to the end as the protagonist should.
Bane accomplishes more than the Joker could ever dream of. Although the Joker stimulated anarchy in "TDK", Bane fulfills the vision by influencing the masses into turning against one another. Whereas the Joker would love to sit at the sidelines while Gotham destroys itself, Bane becomes the manipulative elite. The traits of Bane make him the more intriguing. Although incredibly rough and bulky, his brute force rivals his cunning mind spoken through a soft-sounding yet menacing mask. Tom Hardy delivers audiences the Bane they've been waiting for. Now, lots of people have been worried about the voice comprehension of the mask; therefore, I will put you at ease by saying you will not miss the important instances and you'll probably understand most of the time.
Selina Kyle, aka Catwoman, is an anti-hero in the finest sense of the word, a criminal with a compassionate conscience. I initially raised an eyebrow with the thought of the sweet Anne Hathaway playing as a sly, thieving deviant; however, I commend Hathaway for her slick, sexy, and insidious performance. Although anticipating the coming of class warfare, Selina's purpose in pillaging is to adapt and survive, not to create disorder. She's the type who will cross any treacherous foe; if that's not enough, her shoes armed with knife-like heels will make short work. The rest of the cast ensemble performed exceptionally well such as Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, and Marion Cotillard but I feel as if Joseph Gordon-Levitt deserves a special shout-out for his role of a dutiful yet stubborn police officer who becomes a loyal ally and emotional support for Batman.
The central theme of "TDKR" will be debated for a good period of time, mostly the political implications. For the most part, the debate has backfired on both the left and the right. I do doubt Nolan's denial of political intentions for his movie since the similarities to current events couldn't be more striking. For background's sake, I was in Pittsburgh in July 2011 and I can attest for the production of the film in the city at the time. The Occupy protests did not start until two months later. What I'm trying to say is this: it's a possibility the makers decided to build on the protests as inspiration for the whole rich versus poor situation in Gotham. Whether or not the makers sympathize with the movement can be questioned; however, the movie gives the impression of repulsion toward the anarchic manipulation of Occupy. Bane ultimately drives Gotham's citizens into class warfare between the wealthy and the poor to secure control of the chaotic city and allow his true intentions to proceed. If not a critique of a failed movement, "TDKR" could also be interpreted as the withering desolation of Western civilization. Think about it when you listen to the creepiest "Star-Spangled Banner" ever heard before Bane executes the next step of his plot. As we witness the decadence of Gotham, it becomes clear the true enemy of the people is themselves.
As much as I highly praise "TDKR", I did find it underwhelming than expected. I don't think it was dark enough compared to its predecessors. Think of it as the "Call of Duty: MW3"; it is superb, gripping, and gratifying but doesn't quite outperform the marvel of the second. What makes this trilogy so successful and revered is its willingness to bring Batman back into his dark roots as he was meant to. And to end it all, "TDKR" delivers fans an overall thrilling, entertaining, and powerful conclusion to this revolutionary series. The future of Batman may remain unclear but the impact shall last.
My Rating: 9/10