Director Christopher Nolan lets loose and makes an entertaining film.

Rating: 7/10 (6 August 2012)

Some reviewers have said that The Dark Knight Rises is the most anticipated Batman film yet. I don't agree with this. In my opinion The Dark Knight (2008) was more anticipated, especially because of the premature death of Heath Ledger. But another reason is because The Dark Knight Rises wasn't showered with as much critical praise. Unfortunately critics play a big role in people's decision making about films these days. So, what kind of a film is The Dark Knight Rises? For me this is director Christopher Nolan's most entertaining film yet. I can understand why The Dark Knight received a lot of praise but I have to say that I don't enjoy watching it much. In this film Nolan demonstrates more control of the cinematic medium, with a cast of appealing actors and a smooth flow to scenes. Christian Bale improves on his performance. Bale is a good actor but he hasn't been able to give Bruce Wayne much appeal until this film. Bane, played by Tom Hardy, is another reason to see the film. Hardy was able to make Bane into a frightening and memorable villain. The action is the film's biggest draw of course. The action is fantastic, with scenes which impress as well as make one wonder. The drama hangs heavily over the plot. Elements from the two previous Batman films have been brought back to conclude the trilogy on a grand and emotional scale. Catwoman also plays an important role. While Anne Hathaway does a good job she's not as memorable as Michelle Pfeiffer was in the role. It's Selina Kyle who provides most of the humor, though there's very little of it. I'm glad that Marion Cotillard plays a part. It certainly makes the film more interesting. So in conclusion Nolan delivered an uneven but spectacular superhero film with The Dark Knight Rises. I definitely recommend seeing it.