The Dark Knight Rises - Movie Review

Directed by Christopher Nolan
Screenplay by Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan, story by Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer, based on Batman created by Bob Kane and published by DC Comics.
Running Time: 165 minutes (2h, 45 mins.)
Rated PG-13 (for intense sequences of violence and action, some sensuality and language).
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures

To begin this review, I just want to acknowledge those who were in the theatre shooting just on Friday: those who lived to see another day and those who sadly lost their lives. Even when that happened though, it still didn't stop me from seeing that movie on opening day. Besides, I bought tickets early anyway. I probably shouldn't even be writing a review for this film now in order to respect the victims, but a freelance amateur critic's gotta do what a freelance amateur critic's gotta do. By the way, if you're reading this and you haven't seen the film yet (maybe due to reasons mentioned above), don't worry: this review is as spoiler-free as I possibly can make it.

Taking place eight years after its incredible predecessor, The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises shows Gotham City in peace, branding the late Harvey Dent a hero and Batman a villian, even though it was the opposite, a secret kept by Batman and Commisioner Gordon. Of course, Bruce Wayne is the Caped Crusader and since that day, he's hung up his cape and locked himself up inside Wayne Manor, not really wanting to come out. But then comes a mysterious cat burgler, however she is the least of the city's concern when a far more dangerous adversary in the form of Bane. And then of course, Bruce must put back on the cape.

Sometimes, I hate writing the synopsis for these reviews because I just make myself sound like some other reviewer, but you know how it is. Anyway, I'll just cut to the chase and keep it short (due to spoilers): this film isn't good. It's great. Yeah, sure, a few things could have been done a little better (I won't say what, again due to potential spoilers), but director Christopher Nolan still makes this an impressive conclusion in many ways, first and foremost the performances.

Christian Bale returns and is better than ever as the Caped Crusader. He brings more intensity and gets a little more darker with the role. Bane, the villian who looks like he took a (bleep)load of steroids, is played to menacing, somewhat muffled-voice like perfection by Tom Hardy (reuniting with Nolan after 2010's Inception). Yeah, Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker is still at the top, but Hardy comes pretty close. I was generally surprised with Anne Hathaway and her interpretation of Selina Kyle, who we obviously know as Catwoman.

True to the comics, she's slick and sexy and provides some of the film's comic relief. Marion Cotillard starts off in the film like one of those love interests that's just put in there, but as it progresses, she does truly hold her own. Like Hardy, this is her second film with Nolan after Inception. Same with Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who also holds his own. Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman return and both are great. It's also worth noting someone decided to bring Matthew Modine's career back from being stalled.

As crafted as it is character-driven wise (especially with its nearly three-hour running time), it's also, like the first two films, visually stunning. Nolan, co-writer/brother Jonathan Nolan and story writer David S. Goyer still keep the darkness that made the first two films memorable, but make it a little more ambitious with the action scenes. Character wise however, they stick true to the pain Bruce feels inside and out and make the audience invested in him more than ever.

Of course, they do the same with the other characters as well. Hans Zimmer gives us another memorable score, though not as memorable as its predecessor. Wally Pfister's cinematography is near perfection, especially on a IMAX screen (which showcases an hour and 12 minutes of footage shot with the IMAX cameras, presented in a 1:44:1 aspect ratio as opposed to the 2:40 aspect ratio that most of the film is shot in). You seriously owe it to yourself to see this in IMAX. It's the best way to see the film.

The Dark Knight Rises is a worthy conclusion to what is already a classic superhero trilogy that's more deeper than any other. Christopher Nolan, Wally Pfister, Hans Zimmer and the rest of the team deliver a finale that's dark, grand, emotionally resonant and cuts skin deep. Most importantly, it's one of the best films this year so far.

Rating: 9/10