The Dark Knight Rises but not to the heights of it's predecessor.

Rating: 8/10 (1 August 2012)

Before seeing The Dark Knight, reviews were rife with best film ever! Ledger's performance legendary. It kind of had me wondering if I was going to be let down. I think I kind of prepared myself for the worst. Thankfully, that approach worked. I was able to watch the film with clear expectations and thoroughly enjoyed it. This was then surpassed on 2nd viewings where I was really able to appreciate Ledger's masterful characterisation of a well known super-villain.
Enough of the previous film's qualities, time to evaluate the latest instalment.
The hype was again out in force, I am sure some people vote before they have even seen these movies sometimes or are so loaded with critics' and reviewers' statements ringing loud and clear in their heads as they watch the movie, then without thinking it through themselves they repeat what they have been told to think. So I will try to express my honest and fair opinion on this film. First though I think it should be stated that Nolan has become one of my favourite directors. The quality of his films from Following to Inception have generally blown me away, or at least highly impressed me.
So The Dark Knight Rises - I came out from viewing this movie a bit confuzzled, not with the plot, but not really knowing what I thought of it. There was much to be impressed about. The literal breaking of the bat, a fair demonstration of the plot from the comics, the rest of the story line was clear and easy to follow. There were some amazing special effects, not too heavy on CGI, or at least disguised well enough. The camera work was slick and impressive, the action not too jittery and hidden within confusion. The acting, a generally high standard, especially Caine, who stole the show in that department. Script, well written nothing outstanding, but not Hollywood drivel/cheesy either. Overall there is much to like and rave about, so much so I am finding it difficult to explain what is bugging me.
The problem is, there is a problem, it is hard to put my finger on it, but it is definitely there. Something is missing or something is not done enough. Gotham did not feel like Gotham, I know it was supposed to have come out of its dark days, but it should still feel like it had evolved out of those ashes, not been replaced with any old American city. It just didn't feel right. Catwoman was unnecessary eye candy, which either needed to be better used (Hathaway did a better job than most would have imagined, but the story did not need her), or removed, allowing free space for the focus on The Bat / Bane correlation. In fact Bane's character was not developed enough, even though Hardy did a fair job. He was never going to be able to match Ledger's depth, but he needed to be given more of a chance. So for me there was a lack of depth for some of the characters.
I said the plot was easy to follow, and maybe that is why I have an issue. Nolan does not usually make it so easy, in previous films the more you put in as a viewer, the more you got back in abundance. Think the mystery of Prestige, the uncomfortable nature of chaos through The Dark Knight's Joker or dealing with the nature of reality in Inception, plus many more examples. DK Rises, required little more from than sit back and enjoy the show.
To be fair, I did enjoy it. I would recommend seeing it, particularly on the big screen. I would bet that most people will enjoy it more than myself. But for those that want to give a little to get a lot more, you may come away thinking you gave nothing and got less than you hoped in return.
Nolan, I still immensely value your work, I wait with anticipation for your next project. Although I have been picking holes in this piece, it is worth noting that these are merely pin pricks in something that most film makers can't clean their lenses with. It may turn out that on 2nd and 3rd viewing, my judgement may soften and I may find more in there than I realised. I hope so. (but seriously guys, this is not a 9 out of 10 movie, more like 8.2)