The Dark Knight Rises. The Hero Returns.

Rating: 8/10 (24 July 2012)

'The Dark Knight Rises' concludes the Bale/Nolan Batman trilogy. The movie definitely delivers entertainment but does not live up to the strong narrative of the predecessors in the series.
The opening involves introducing new villains and characters to the series whilst keeping the audience anticipating the unveiling of the title character for at least half an hour. One of the most exciting aspects of the new Batman movie is Bane, the main villain. Originally a super smart, super strong villain introduced in the 90's Batman comics, Bane was boiled down to a mindless thug in subsequent Batman universes. Notably in Batman & Robin, he was portrayed by a wrestler. It was reassuring to see the Bane character return to his comic roots in Nolan's universe and played by savvy hardman Tom Hardy. His introduction displays his ruthlessness and strength but unfortunately his speech, while understandable, is ridiculously loud compared to other characters. In fact, the movie will be given a negative for it's sound editing and production as music is often louder than the character's speech, which dissociates the narrative with the audience.
The other characters introduced for 'Rises' includes Catwoman, despite the name never being mentioned. Anne Hathaway portrays Selina Kyle as a seductive, cunning and flexible cat burglar with no intentions other than thievery and escape from Gotham. This makes her role pointless and unnecessary for the film's plot other than for the box office takings. Hathaway also seems unnatural and awkward in portraying the 'cat burglar' as a sexy woman that moves with fluidity in her catsuit. Michelle Pfeiffer still defines the Catwoman role in the big screen transition. Batman Animated Series also provided the character with motives such as animal conservation and charity, which enticed Bruce Wayne/Batman to fall in love with Catwoman, which is absent from Nolan's film.
The Batman universe has been given new characters to explore, Miranda Tate and John Blake, which are later revealed as more significant additions. Old favourites Lucius, Gordon and Alfred return to provide Batman with a reason to fight and come out of retirement.
Bruce Wayne is depicted as weak and frail to begin with but as soon as he is suited in the familiar black cowl and cape, the audience is reminded what film they paid to see. This exposition is slow so that the Batman's 8 year hiatus is conveyed but does not provide entertainment. Also, romantic links between Bale's Bruce and others seems out of place.
The special effects involved with the destruction and taking over of Gotham by Blackgate prisoners led by Bane are impressive. The bridges collapsing and the earthquake machine's crumbling of a football stadium are the obvious highlights. As is the inclusion of the infamous Batwing.
However, there are signs of suspended belief, despite Nolan's ambition, which interrupt the immersion. Things such as the bat signal being perfectly lit up by a fire trail, an arduous task, and 'secret bookcase' style rooms in Fox's lab challenging belief that huge rooms can be disguised in public buildings.
Also, this criticism can be associated to many movies nowadays, but the PG-13 target rating does spoil the movie's drama. Often characters are shot, the camera cuts away then are shown dead with no entry wounds or blood. The drama of these scenes are belittled by this corporate addition just so that 6 year olds or 3 month year olds can see it.
No spoilers are contained in this review but opinion is expressed for the ending, which unfortunately is a disappointing conclusion. The villains are good but do not live up to the gripping depiction of the Joker or Two-Face from The Dark Knight. Batman is good but his motives and determination seem unclear in this movie. The acting is good but Michael Caine's teary eyed performance of Alfred seems uncharacteristic and forced. Villains returning from Batman Begins offer a sense of the series going full circle but it highlights the strong narrative of the first film, which becomes convoluted in the final installment.
That's it though. The film is good. Not great. There are oversights but the action and special effects lift the score to an 8. There are dramatic scenes, beautiful sets and costumes but the narrative is what's important, which is drowned out by the Hans Zimmer score.