Batman the Dark Knight Begins to Return Forever

Rating: Null/10 (27 July 2012)

After a peaceful period in Gotham City, the citizens need The Batman when the city is thrown into chaos by an organised killer Bane.
Those who bought into director Christopher Nolan's darker more thriller less comic Batman will most likely welcome the fitting closure of The Dark Knight Rises. This fast paced third film successfully links the first two instalments and ties up some loose ends, with the tone being that of the second for the most part.
It is a fine production, from the sets/locations, to the effects, costumes, cast and score. It's even emotionally stirring at times. The character arcs and serious tone are less forced than many other comic adaptations/productions that turn grim for the sake of being dramatic. Dark Knight Rises fits the spirit it's delivered in. It feels tighter, more balanced with very few lulls in drama or action than its predecessors. There are a few twists and cameos some more surprising than others.
Michael Caine as Alfred and Morgan Freeman as Fox are sorely underused, that said they underpin the overall story and themes. Tom Hardy is almost unrecognisable and is excellent as Bane. Gary Oldman gives another fitting performance as Commissioner Gordon but with even more conviction. Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt(Blake)and Anne Hathaway (Selina) have some good chemistry, holding their own alongside Christian Bale's convincing Wayne.
Overall, although playing out for the most part as a violent, taught thriller there is some comic book light that occasionally shines through. But if you've seen Nolan's first two offerings you should know what to expect as this is of the same calibre.