Perhaps a little disappointing, though not detrimental

Rating: 7/10 (21 July 2012)

Narrative; the most significant aspect of any format of storytelling (opinion). 'The Dark Knight Rises' embarks on an almost generic and chaotic plot that is maintained well within the 165 minutes, though feels too majestic and grand, causing it ironically to lose its dignity from four years ago. Nolan's trilogy has however, established a great deal of morality within justice and democracy that is fore grounded for the audience and is the catalyst for the actions of our heroes and villains in each of the 21st century Batman films. The problem with 'The Dark Knight Rises' is the villains appear to carry two motives, while our heroes lack any motive other than prevention, unlike the strive for justice we witnessed in 2005 and 2008. The first intention from Batman's adversary Bane, as an almost fascist leader, is to encompass economic equilibrium within Gotham City due to his, as well as many other characters's disgust of financial imbalance throughout western civilisation. As a contemporary issue, this works as a sensational purpose of the film, and Bane's actions to complete his goal are phenomenally written and represented. Meanwhile however, the character possesses a secondary goal, and all that can be said of this intent is it so disappointingly generic and cliché to the action genre.
The performances and casting are nothing short of spectacular, in fact, they are so far beyond spectacular that to describe Nolan's management of them all would result in one pondering for an inconceivable time. Tom Hardy expresses this dominant villain in Bane, whose voice engulfs the entire theatre each time his remarkable dialogue is heard. You feel his presence causing entrapment to your soul, and while menacing, is a beautiful sound that you may find trying to replicate yourself once at home. Though he does not quite exceed Heath Ledger's Joker as a motion picture comic book villain, in no way does the soon to be 35 year-old actor disappoint in what can only be described as an extraordinarily memorable role. Anne Hathaway also delivers a fantastic interpretation of Selina Kyle/Catwoman, with great qualities of an ambiguous anti-hero as she roams not in a pride, but as a lone creature within unique individual ideologies. At no point during the film does one find themselves questioning the importance or amount of screen time of any of the characters, they are managed with extreme care, and each provide the plot with a great distinctive personality and relevance. Furthermore, Nolan has once again ludicrously enabled his audience to adore the antagonists, primarily Bane "of course", to the extent of wanting to see more of them than our heroes. This is an unbelievable ability the Nolan brothers and David S. Goyer possess, as despite their pure malevolence, or in their view, "necessary evil", we continue to remember Nolan's Batman trilogy for the villains.
"Theatricality and deception" are quite modestly portrayed by Nolan in this picture. The modesty originates from almost taking for granted just how magnificent the overall cinematography is. You can almost create a mental list of aspects of the film which the entire production unit have impressively succeeded in delivering; tick off 99% of them while you are at it. One could probably close their eyes and simply listen for 165 minutes instead and still be astounded by the flawless dialogue and incredible score by Hans Zimmer. Simultaneously, the visual composition of each and every scene is impeccable; while particular scenes and camera shots leave you so engaged to the cinema screen that it is difficult to breakup your attention.
There are few negative components of the conclusion to a sensational trilogy. In my personal opinion, we are not likely to see another Batman trilogy, wait, superhero trilogy, no, just trilogy that embarks on such a phenomenal balance in all its characteristics. 'The Dark Knight Rises' is a satisfactory ending to a great character, but by no means perfect. The incorporation of both styles from its two predecessors is excellently conceived and executed with minor issues that can for the most part be ignored because of the film's, and trilogy's overall tremendousness.