Review - The Dark Knight Rises

THIS is Why We Love Summer Movies

As the lights go down, we wait with anticipation to see if The Dark Knight Rises to save Gotham City yet again. It is then that we embark on a journey lasting nearly three hours to a place that we have seen before. It is then that we immerse ourselves in a world that  director Christopher Nolan has created. It is then that we remember why we love summer movies.

Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) has become a recluse. He remains a wealthy integral part of Gotham City, but when a set of pearls is taken under his nose, he meets the gorgeous Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway). This “cat” burglar could prove to be a really ally as she helps to get Batman back into the game.

While Bruce mulls his future, a new villain has surfaced. Bane (Tom Hardy) has come to take over Gotham City or demolish it while trying.  

I could go deeper into the plot, but you’ve got 2 hours and 44 minutes worth of fun to look forward to at the theater.

But did I like it?

NO!

I LOVED IT!

Director Christopher Nolan has done a fascinating job of weaving together characters from an iconic series and crafting a beautifully illustrated film. Never did I feel bored, or disinterested in what was developing – in fact I sat waiting for the next thing to develop with the excitement of a child on Christmas morning preparing to tear into his next gift.

Christian Bale continues his successful run as the tormented Bruce Wayne. The anger from his parents murder still runs in his blood and his love for the city he calls home is still evident at every turn. Bale is the cog that has held Nolan’s three films together and in fact is under-praised for these films because of the crazy good performance from Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight. Make no mistake, The Dark Knight Rises is Bale’s film as he struggles with himself. And Bale delivers.

The supporting cast is always a welcome sight in the franchise. Regulars from the franchise Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, and Morgan Freeman deliver their always-stellar portrayals here. It is amazing that such great talent surrounds all of the franchise.

Tom Hardy as the villain Bane is a physical specimen that exudes the menace inside his character. Yes, his voice is hard to understand at times. But it’s a lot like a think accent in a film that you haven’t adjusted to, once you tune into him. – it comes easier and easier. (Still there are some things I’ll have to catch what he said on a second go around to be sure.)

The introduction of Anne Hathaway, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Marion Cotillard to the mix just solidifies the talent that is attracted to smart summer blockbusters. Hathaway is sexy and smart, proving to be the perfect portrayal of the cat that always has Bruce’s eye. While Gordon-Levitt’s youthful enthusiasm injects Bruce and Commissioner Gordon with a new lease on life.

I couldn’t help but think there was about 30 minutes more of story that Nolan would have liked to deliver that was missing from the film. I’m extremely satisfied that the studio decided to keep this to one longer movie, instead of splitting in two like some other franchises tend to do. But I just kept feeling there were some cuts that were made to keep things moving where the was more to be said. And believe it or not, even at nearly 3 hours…I would have LOVED to experience the additional exposition.

Although there is no charismatic villain here, at least not to the level of Heath Ledger’s performance, the story is more about Batman and his struggle that is raging inside of Bruce Wayne. The villains Bruce is struggling against are more difficult than any physical villain you can battle and complete a beautiful arc in the character that is Bruce Wayne.

The Dark Knight Rises ISwhy we go to summer movies. It’s the rare film that combines the explosive action sequences and special effects that we crave with a cohesive plot that interests and develops dynamic characters. Christopher Nolan proves once again that summer movies can be truly special. THIS is why we love summer movies.

A / A-

The Dark Knight Rises

Warner Brothers Pictures

Director: Christopher Nolan

Cast: Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Gary Oldman, Marion Cotillard, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine

Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, some sensuality and language

Runtime: 2 hours 44 minutes