Liked it more than I thought I would

Rating: 7/10 (24 June 2013)

Nolan's films seem to have fans mainly among boys/young men. I have seen many of his films and never found them really satisfying. Emotionally, I have never felt a connection with his movies. They're OK, but they do not stay with me. I found Batman Begins tepid, I found TDK exciting only because of Heath Ledger but I thought the trailer for the movie was better than the actual movie, so I was not really excited to see TDKR.
Having seen it, I have to say I think this was the most enjoyable one of the trilogy and I think one of the reasons is because there were finally some female characters worth something.
I am not a fan of Anne Hathaway but she worked here. Catwoman had the best one liners and she was the highlight of the movie as far as I was concerned. Not being a fan of Batman comics, I was surprised that Miranda was revealed to be the mastermind and happy to see a woman in the ultimate villain role although her reasoning was nutty.
I do not find Christian Bale to be attractive but for some reason, that last scene where Alfred sees him alive and well was hot as hell. Not sure why I found it so. Bruce Wayne being brought to his knees and being humbled, losing his wealth (but obviously he had something stashed away as any smart person would), but becoming free at the end by losing his identity and all the baggage that went with it, it was hopeful at the end, and perhaps it was seeing him a bit carefree that was very sexy.
Interestingly, while Bane broke the Batman physically, Bane made Bruce Wayne whole emotionally/spiritually by the end. The person that truly broke the Batman was the Joker because we saw what happened to him after he put the Joker away. The Joker said "you complete me" to Batman and clearly that was also true for the Batman until the end scene where we see Bruce Wayne in sunlight.
I do not think the Nolans can ever really write good female characters, their movies are so male centered and male POV, but TDKR was their best effort to date and finally, one of Nolan's movies struck at least tangentially, an emotional chord, albeit fleetingly and lightly.