"You don't owe these people any more. You've given them everything."

Rating: 8/10 (23 July 2012)

First of all, let me tell you that I was not among the many people who absolutely fell in love with The Dark Knight. For some reason, I was not able to see the movie as the masterpiece of the decade. However, The Dark Knight Rises is a different case. I have to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed the film. Everyone knew that the special effects and size of the film would be almost unprecedented, but the aspect that impressed me the most was the plot. Yes, certain parts leave you asking if you have seen them before in other pictures. The plot twists, though, more than make up for the slight lack of originality. The first scene is also one of both excitement and originality that I felt really set the pace and tone of the movie. It stuck out to me as being a proper way to open a movie of this magnitude.
Furthermore, Nolan makes it a goal of his to connect this movie with the other ones in the trilogy. As a result, I would strongly recommend that you refresh yourself on what occurs in Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. For example, some people next to me were confused as to what the film was referring to simply because they did not see the others movies, especially Batman Begins. Therefore, in order to achieve a more enjoyable viewing experience, it would be in your best interest to view this movie's predecessors. Also, MAKE ALL ATTEMPTS TO SEE IT IN THE IMAX. For a few extra dollars, you can witness a truly astonishing piece of cinematography. The shots of the city are engrossing and will take your breath away.
I would also like to comment on the sounds and score of the film. Often times, I do not even notice these things as I am engrossed in the action. This was one of the very few times that I actually noticed what I heard, and I have to admit that it really added to the emotion of the movie.
As for the characters, all performances are solid. Christian Bale once again delivers and is without question the best Batman to date. In my eyes, he provides a perfect image of Bruce Wayne and what he would have to deal with as a result of a childhood crisis (even though the Batman voice gets under my skin at times). Tom Hardy also plays a very believable Bane. His eyes and forehead really add to the character even though I did have trouble understanding him at times. Anne Hathaway was the Catwoman that was needed. It was actually believable that she could hold her own in fights with men. And, who doesn't love Michael Caine as Alfred?
The only issue I had with the film was the running time of 2 hours and 44 minutes. It should have been longer! Many would expect that with such a long period of time that the movie would drag on. This was not the case at all. I actually found myself wondering where the time went at the end.
Finally, I have to point out that Christopher Nolan has done a remarkable job with this series. Unlike previous Batman movies, he has made the character of Batman more realistic and less corny. As is the case with this movie, the audience can connect with Batman because of his motivation to do good in a world that needs him without wanting the glory. Couldn't we all use someone like that?
I just hope that Nolan can make the new Superman movie better than Superman Returns.
Overall, I give it a 9/10.