fantastic end to one of cinemas best trilogy's.

Rating: 9/10 (1 March 2013)

After the near perfect Batman Begins and The Dark Knight the third and final part of Nolans epic Batman trilogy was always going to be tricky. Traditionally part three of a trilogy is the weakest link, godfather 3,matrix revolutions, return of the jedi all arguably those respective series low points. What Nolan managed to do was provide a satisfying finale that not only wrapped up the themes and arcs that began in Begins it also managed to add more to his Dark Knight mythos. Drawing from popular story arcs such as Knightfall (where Bane breaks Batman both physically and mentally), No Mans Land (which saw Gotham cut of from the world, run by the cities most dangerous criminals while Batman and the police try to take back the city), of course The Dark Knight Returns (an older Bruce Wayne putting on the cape and cowl to battle a new, younger nemesis). Not only story arc points but overall themes covered in those and other stories, a major one the idea of anyone can be Batman as he is a symbol, a big theme of Grant Morrisons post Batman RIP arc known as Batman Reborn where Dick Grayson aka the first Robin became Batman after Bruce was believed to have died. Nolan managed to combine the various elements from these arcs and their themes to create a compelling, and enjoyable movie enhanced by not only great direction but fantastic performances. Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman, Joseph Godon Levitt, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and Marion Cotillard were all great in their roles, Hathaway and Hardy especially as the conflicted thief Selina Kyle and menacing yet intelligent villain Bane respectively. The real stand out performance here though was Christian Bale as Batman/Bruce Wayne. Bales performance has been the strong back bone of this trilogy, highlighted in its third and final chapter. The action was great, the liberal use of CGI (another series trademark) was refreshing from the usual action/comic book fare. The movie was well told, well directed, well acted and served as a perfect final chapter to not only the best comic series made, but one of cinemas best trilogies.