TDKR is NO lazy, last-grab-for-the-cash sequel....

Rating: 9/10 (23 July 2012)

"The Dark Knight Rises" is no "Return of the Jedi" or "Spiderman 3."
In fact, with the addition of The Dark Knight Rises, the Nolanverse Batman trilogy is as close to a perfect movie trilogy as fans could ever hope for. A lot of talent (and an assortment of Oscar winners and nominees) energizes this meticulously crafted, highly-relevant, and well- plotted movie. It's on a par with Christopher Nolan's best movies, and that includes "The Dark Knight" and "Inception."
Tom Hardy is a formidable, yet articulate presence as the villain Bane (think Batman's Darth Vader); his dialogue is a tad difficult to understand at times (sometimes he sounds like a toilet plunger cupping over a subwoofer), but it was OK; you more than get the gist of it. Anne Hathaway has a bit more fun with her role as Selina Kyle (a Catwoman by any other name), but she NEVER descends into camp silliness (ala Michelle Pfeiffer or Julie Newmar, or Uma Thurman's dreadful "Poison Ivy"/Mae West impression in 1997's excrement-passing-as- film, "Batman and Robin"). Hathaway reigns in the character at the right moments and lets her have fun during others; a nicely done balancing act. And despite the character's implicit bisexuality, her chemistry with Christian Bale's Bruce Wayne/Batman is palpable. Speaking of which, we see a FAR more tortured and complex Wayne than we've seen in the previous two films. His is a riches-to-rags-to-redemption story. His broken body a metaphor for his broken spirit. We see him struggle to overcome both. This is Bale's most interesting turn as the character (let's face it; the late Heath Ledger's Joker OWNED "The Dark Knight"). His Batman was always good (if a bit mush-mouthed with his 'bat-voice'). In this latest movie, he is no less than excellent!
Other notable supporting actors/characters; Joseph Gordon Levitt as gutsy, compassionate, intuitive young beat cop/detective John Blake who has much in common with Bale's Wayne. I could go more into his character, but I don't want to give too much away. Suffice it to say, JGL is a terrific young actor and he's come a long way since "Third Rock From The Sun." His character is a terrific (if seemingly superfluous, at first) addition to the Nolan Batverse (he's pivotal later on). Michael Caine's warm, cockney-accented "Alfred" has several moments had REALLY tug at the heartstrings (bring Kleenex if you're the weepy type). Marion Cotillard (who was wonderful in "La Vie En Rose" and Nolan's "Inception") plays a character who is, IMO, the movie's only misstep; I can't reveal her character without revealing too much (and I'm trying to keep this review as 'spoiler-lite' as possible). All I can say is that (for once), Cotillard was not entirely convincing; both her character and to a lesser extent, her relationship with Bale. But in a movie otherwise CHOCK FULL of terrific characters (lots of Oscar-winner/nominated talent in this movie), exciting set pieces, engaging drama and sweeping-yet-gritty cinematography, I am willing to forgive a hell of a lot more than I usually would.
Minor nits aside, this is an epic and exciting crime drama movie (I shudder to call it a 'superhero' movie); on a par with (though not quite as perfect as) "The Dark Knight"; which was possibly the BEST movie of this type ever made.... PERIOD. DK was a tough act to follow, but DKR does so most admirably. It doesn't take the lazy way out; it NEVER substitutes empty spectacle for substance. It's NOT a lazy, end run type sequel mechanically designed just to wrap things up and steal more cash. It's as tightly-wound, entertaining and well-made as the previous two.
There is FAR more Michael Mann, Jonathan Demme or even Martin Scorsese DNA in this movie than the 1960s Batman TV show or the 1980s/'90s movie franchise. Ultimately, TDKR is a satisfying, fulfilling end to possibly the greatest superhero/crime movie trilogy of all time (even my beloved and justly lauded "Godfather" saga stumbled on it's third outing).
A solid 9 out of 10.