Here endeth The Batman...

Rating: 10/10 (18 July 2012)

Trilogies that have a third film which *doesn't* suck? Hard to come by. But Christopher Nolan has done it. His Batman films have always been much more than mere comic book films. They've had more depth and meaning than most films of the genre could ever hope to have. He proved himself the director Batman needed with Batman Begins, than proved that not only can some sequels *not* stink, but some can even surpass the originals with The Dark Knight. Now he has shown that it is indeed possible to make an epic conclusion to a film series that doesn't ruin the memory of the prior films. Of course there'll be those unsatisfied with this film & its ending - those with impossible standards who've built the film up so much in their minds that no matter what, they would complain. For those with realistic expectations, however, this film should more than live up to what you'd hoped for.
Christian Bale has been on a hell of a journey through three films with Bruce Wayne/Batman. While others may have been able to capture aspects of one character, no one was ever able to capture both sides until Bale. He ensured that Bruce was as important a character as Batman. He, like Batman himself, gave it everything he had. There was so much nuance to Bale's performance that you may not have even realised. His Bruce/Batman is indeed a legend. It was essential that this film focused the most on Bruce himself, and that it has. It's his journey's conclusion.
Did nobody learn from Heath Ledger? All those people who badmouthed him when he was cast as The Joker, then had to eat their words once they saw his Oscar winning performance. We've now gone through it again with Anne Hathaway as jewel thief Selina Kyle/Catwoman. She proves herself, much like Ledger did, more than adequate for the role. Her Catwoman may not be as theatrical as Michelle Pfeiffer's, but she goes a long way to erasing the bad memory of Halle Berry's crap effort. Selina is a woman who knows what she wants and does whatever it takes to get it, but despite making some mistakes, she does have her own moral code just like Batman. She never veers too far from anti-hero into villain territory. Hathaway is completely believable, showing off a formidable and sultry side some people may not have thought her capable of. She completely owns this femme fatale role with her unique interpretation. The relationship she has with Bruce/Batman is perfect and her character adds a much-needed spice that was sadly lacking in Rachel Dawes. Bale and Hathaway play off each other really well, and Catwoman more than holds her own against and alongside Batman. Like all things in Nolan's Bat-verse, this Catwoman puts functionality above style, wearing night-vision goggles that serve as 'cat ears' when atop her head and boots with very effective spiked heels. Her costume is like a female version of Batman's, and its look appears to be a nod to the '60s Batman TV show Catwoman. Hathaway's Catwoman proves a much-needed ally for Batman, and Selina a much-needed part in Bruce's life.
Tom Hardy's Bane, whose introduction was certainly extravagant, wasn't quite as memorable for me as Ledger's Joker was. He's certainly a credible threat to both Gotham and Batman. His mask is ferocious and there's a lot going on with him, but despite this, I wasn't fully engaged/invested in his character. Apart from requiring subtitles for much of his muffled dialogue, I thought the film kind of meandered with his character. He's all sorts of destructive and comes closer to ending Batman for good than anyone has before, but I just didn't find him as fulfilling as I'm sure others might have. Hardy's performance is very good, it's just the character I wasn't that into.
Marion Cotillard, meanwhile, adds another layer to proceedings. As Miranda Tate for most of the film, she gives Bruce someone to connect with intimately. But things get really into gear near the end when her heritage is revealed. It makes for quite the twist (and even if you'd suspected who she'd turn out to be, it's still a satisfying reveal). I thought Marion was really good throughout the film, but in particular she sold the hell out of the moment she reveals her true colours. This film more than makes up for the lack of excellent/interesting female characters in the other two films.
Completing the Inception reunion is Joseph Gordon-Levitt as John Blake, a cop who has a connection to Batman and ends up being very important. He gives the character a lot of depth and makes sure he leaves an impact. Previous key players such as Gary Oldman's Gordon, Morgan Freeman's Lucius Fox and Michael Caine's Alfred have not been forgotten. They have been so memorable and integral to the story that, despite perhaps not getting as much focus as they had previously, they ensure they're a constant presence whether they're on screen or not. Caine's Alfred especially shares some heart-wrenching moments with Bruce. These esteemed actors in these roles will surely never be topped.
Nolan's Batman films have always been epic, but this one is particularly ambitious. The film's runtime might seem a bit daunting, but you'll be so immersed in the film that you won't even notice (unless you have a short attention span). There's mind-boggling action sequences, twists & turns, callbacks, surprising cameos, a true sense of terror throughout Gotham City...and yet there is also hope. I was happy with the film's ending. Naturally there'll be those who'd wished things had ended more grim/depressingly. There was never going to be an end to Nolan's Batman that pleased everybody, but this should come damn close. It's as close to perfect as one could hope for. Thankyou to Nolan and everyone involved in making this definitive epic trilogy that the character of Batman has long-deserved.