It is ended.

Rating: Null/10 (20 July 2012)

I don't quite know where to start, but I feel like saying something about this film. Yes, there are things that don't quite work, but given the need to conclude this trilogy appropriately, flaws can (and should) be forgiven. The length of the film is definitely not a problem, in fact it flies by quickly and doesn't even seem like a close-to-3hr marathon.
Now, I think it is quite simply the best movie of the year so far. I thought The Avengers was amazing when it came out but it disappears under the immense shadow that is The Dark Knight Rises. I won't talk about the plot because I don't want to risk giving anything away.
I want to be Bane. Yes, everyone raved about Heath's Joker and how amazing he was, and yes, he was indeed amazing. Best Joker ever and one of the best on screen villains of all time. But Bane... he is sheer force and unstoppable drive. I don't care at all about his speech "problems" because I loved the way he spoke, and his mask just made him all the more terrifying. Brute force meets intelligence. Every single encounter Batman had with him left me wondering if Batman was gonna make it out alive at all. Truly menacing. Selina Kyle was how she was meant to be. Fence-sitter, agile, cunning, and a tease for the dark knight. I was impressed.
One person I want to point out, whose performance touched my racing and throbbing heart, is Michael Caine. Substantially less screen time than the previous two installments, but his acting in this one overshadows them all. I felt for him, and connected with every line he delivered. Brought me close to tears if I am to be honest.
This movie would not be the same if it weren't for Zimmer's score. Thumping and electrifying, yet soothing. The "Rise" chant sends shivers down my spine.
All in all, it's an immensely satisfying end to the trilogy, and when I look back at all three films as a whole, the story of Batman that it tells just shows how much Gotham means to him, and what he goes through to save it. There won't (and shouldn't) be another Batman like this.