The Dark Knight Rises

It has been eight years since Batman took the fall for the crimes of Two-Face, Harvey Dent. Gotham City has been relatively crime free during Batman's hiatus, however now terrorism and cat burglars force him to return and save the city once again.

The whole thing has an odd feeling to it. First, it feels more like an episode of Die Hard than Batman. I get that the producers have continually gone for a darker take on the comic book series, nevertheless, in doing so they have all but lost the fun that comes with it. Second, in light of the tragic shootings in Colorado, the audience may find itself slightly uncomfortable each time Bane, the nemesis de jour, walks into a public place and without warning starts shooting innocent bystanders. It will be noticeably awkward in the theatre. Third, it has a complicated and convoluted plot that doesn't need to be so, any sophisticated movie goer -- even the common masses, for that matter, will have figured out the plot WAY before the two hour and forty five minute flick is over, leaving everyone to wonder, why it took Batman so long to figure it out?

Over all it was semi-entertaining. It wrapped up nicely and I was pleasantly surprised by the supporting cast. Anne Hathaway, whom I didn't think had enough sex appeal to pull of Cat Woman, took the character into a more street savvy, smart-ass direction that really worked for her.  Joseph Gordon-Levitt was also a nice surprise and pulls his weight through out the show.  Tom Hardy was cruel and merciless as Bane and made the audience jump on several occasions.  Christian Bale, whom I have never been a fan of as the Caped Crusader, still disappoints with his demon voice attempt.  Having said that, any comic fan will likely drink this in as a delightful installment of Christopher Nolan's version of Batman.

** 3/4 Must See (for the devout)


Rated PG-13 (for language and violence)