Rises to Expectations

Rating: 10/10 (18 February 2014)

The tone of The Dark Knight Rises is set from the very first scene, when we are introduced to Bane (Tom Hardy) who crashes a plane that he himself is a passenger to. This is the first time we see the brute strength that he possesses. He is insanely strong through the use of the chemical "venom" which is pumped into him through his mask. As we leap into the rest of the story we see right away that director, Christopher Nolan, wasted no time in picking up right where he left off in The Dark Knight, with the death of Harvey Dent, and Batman being the criminal. This film was one of the big blockbusters in summer 2012, and for good reason. This movie brings the classic Batman comic book characters to life, which is evident in the acting, the sets, the script, the plot, and as many know, the dramatic ending. The acting is so well done, as we see emotion poured into each roll. Christian Bale (Bruce Wayne) Michael Cane (Alfred Pennyworth), Tom Hardy (Bane), and Anne Hathaway (Selena Kyle) all dove head first into their roles, leaving nothing behind. They each play a convincing role, identical to the characters that are portrayed in the Batman comics. One of the best examples is the relationship between Batman and Catwoman, because Batman is just, and Catwoman is a thief, but they are romantically involved with each other. The sets of this movie are stunning. Bruce Wayne's mansion and Batcave are just as they are depicted in the original comics. They are all encompassing and eye candy to any Batman lover. As we look back to the 1990's, we see a Batman comic book story arc that is very similar to the plot of TDKR. But Nolan's twist on the storyline is a refreshing change. Some may disagree, but not knowing what is coming next is part of the joy that comes with this film. Nolan keeps some of the key reference points in his film, but adds his own interesting, and modern additions to the film. Take for example, Bane's appearance. In the comics, Bane was unrealistically strong, and in the film he is much more realistically depicted. The only complaint I have with this film is, if Bane is so strong, why does he cover up his muscles with a vest or a coat for the majority of the movie? Show off your strength, be proud! The plot is the main focus point, like it should be. If explosions and fighting is all you want to see, then go see Pacific Rim. I'll say sorry in advance if you have wasted your time with that movie. Getting back on track to the plot, which might take a couple of watch throughs to fully catch all of the detail in this storyline. Throughout this movie, the focus is not on Batman, as one would expect, but on Gotham City itself. Bane brings the city to hell and back, and Batman is sitting on the side lines, bruised and battered, left watching, waiting, and hoping that his beloved city isn't left shattered and destroyed. The script of TDKR was written with pure precision, which allows us, as an audience, to remember key points of the movie through the use of dramatic quotes. Bane has a lot of one-liners that leave you repeating them to your friends after you see the film. Here are a few examples of memorable Bane quotes; "But you merely adopted the dark; I was born in it, molded by it." "when it is done and Gotham is ashes, then you have my permission to die." Because of Bane's voice, these short, memorable lines only add to the effect Nolan was going for. Leaving you on the edge of your seat wondering how Batman could possibly win? The moment you doubt if the good guy can win, that's when you know the director has succeeded.
This was a very well done film, and I encourage you to see it several times (it might take a few times to fully grasp the story) and the way this film ends is the perfect way to close out the series. In the end it all comes down to autopilot, back stabbing, and a turn of events by a woman you would not expect, all ending in an unpredictable manner.