One of the best movies ever.

Rating: 7/10 (1 August 2012)

I decided to write a re-review of The Dark Knight Rises because after seeing it a third time, you lose the hype, you lost the excitement because that is all done with. You can really focus on the movie, and I felt like I was never able to do that with the first review I wrote. I would probably have to say this is at least my second favorite Batman movie-- after Batman Begins, and The Dark Knight following closely at number three. You never realize the first go around, while TDKR is drastically different than BB & TDK in terms of it's style, it's that style that sets it apart from any of the previous entries.
You get subtle hints to the grand picture of it all through tidbits throughout TDKR. A lot of people have different beliefs, whether or not Alfred was imagining Bruce near the end of the movie, but I believe it was a real vision. Bruce was finally happy, and left his old life behind. I also believe it is real because Alfred never was aware of Bruce and Selina growing fond for each other towards the end of the movie, and she was sitting next to Bruce at the diner. Bruce Wayne is "dead" but not the Batman. It is emotionally satisfying because now you see Bruce a character you cared for, finally have a life worth living. He's at peace.
I ultimately believe Blake becomes Batman, for one the Bat signal is repaired. Bruce gives him the coordinates to the Batcave. And for all you Batman fanatics, remember in Batman Begins, Bruce told Alfred after being gone for seven years, "As a man I can be destroyed. But as a symbol, I can be everlasting. I could be incorruptible", or something a long those lines, and I look at that and tie it in with John Blake's character of indeed becoming Batman.
Some of those points I mentioned is what makes TDKR such a joy to watch. So thoughtful, and emotionally engaging. Nolan definitely did give justice to the franchise. When I first seen it I felt like it was the least favorite of mine but still enjoyable-- but now I'd have to say it is my second favorite out of all the three, maybe even my favorite one in the trilogy!
9.0/10