An epic conclusion to an epic trilogy

Rating: 10/10 (22 July 2012)

I can't praise Christopher Nolan enough. What he has done with his Dark Knight Trilogy is simply breathtaking. I don't know what I can say about this film that hasn't already been said, but I feel obligated to share my praises.
This film keeps you under it's spell from beginning to end. That is hard to find in a one and a half hour film these days. This film is almost 3 hours long. Batman's journey in this trilogy has been a tough, dark one. I have been a major Batman fan my whole life and was as giddy as a school girl with the many Batman universe references. The acting was superb from everyone involved. Michael Cane deserves an Oscar nom for his portrayal as Alfred. I could feel his emotion for Bruce with every scene he had. Tom Hardy as Bane was terrifying. A major departure from the last Bane we saw in a Batman film. Christian Bale will forever be my image of the Batman. I think it would be nearly impossible to top his version of the hero. Everyone else was great too but I must make known my feelings for Catwoman. Anne Hathaway definitely made the character her own. We can't compare her to Michelle Pfiffer. Pfiffer's Catwoman was a very different one than Anne's. I was concerned when I heard Anne was taking the role, but all my concerns flew out the window when she walked on screen (And they should have because Anne has proved herself many times). She gave Catwoman heart and you cared for her as the story progressed.
The only gripe that I have with the film is that a couple times, the editing seemed weird. You'd be watching a scene and then it would cut to another scene for someone to speak one line, then go back. I'm sure since the movie was pushing three hours they had a difficult time editing it. I guess I shouldn't even call that a gripe as it takes nothing away from this masterpiece of a film. I was very curious to see how Nolan would end this trilogy. I didn't think he'd let me down, and let me down he did not! It was perfect!
Wait, I do have a complaint... this trilogy is over. Sigh.