A Fire Is Rising.

        7 years ago, Christopher Nolan presented the world with his first take on the Batman Universe. Batman Begins, was seen a revolutionary super-hero film and praised for grounding the fictional world of the DC Universe in reality. The Dark Knight, its sequel became one of the biggest films of all time pulling in over a billion dollars, thereby solidifying the franchise dominancy in Hollywood. Nolan’s final film in franchise, and it is just as intense and epic as it predecessors with a few minor flaws that will, by no means take away from the action.

         The film is amazing. The energy, intensity, scale, and atmosphere have all been kicked into high gear. It is fast, and at 2 hours and 47 minutes, you barely feel the length. The film takes place after an 8-year time skip from the previous film, The Dark Knight. Bruce Wayne has become reclusive in Wayne Manor and the Batman hasn’t been seen in years. Harvey Dent’s legacy still reigns strong in the city, and organized crime is non-existent in Gotham. Yet, when a new treat in the form of Bane comes to Gotham, Bruce must retake up his cape and cowl to protect the city once again.

         Nolan’s ability to keep control over large rosters of actors and actresses is once again on full display. Bane played by Tom Hardy, the film’s main villain. He is a powerful force to see on screen and the audience is left shaking every time he is seen on screen. Another new addition is the female cat burglar, Catwoman played by Anne Hathaway. Hathaway’s performance is amongst the strongest in the film and really drives the film home to the audience. Christian Bale, reprises his role as Batman and while he gives a good performance, his is noticeable the weakest of the three. Other who star in the film are Michael Caine and Gary Oldman, who reprises their roles from the previous films as Alfred and Commissioner Gordon respectively. Also, Joseph Gordon-Levitt joins the cast as Officer Blake, a young officer looking to protect Gotham from Bane. The cast of characters within this film, each gives a deep performance adding to the narrative creating an amazing joy ride.

         While the film is great, a few flaws hold it back from being as good as it could be. Firstly, the action in the film is constant. There is never an opportunity to take in the events that just happened. Secondly, the plot of the film has some rough spots that will have audiences scratching their heads, wondering if certain plot twists are necessary. Lastly, Nolan could have used some more ambiguity in regardless to certain scenes within the film. As this is a conclusion, there is a rushed feeling that all questions must be answered but it would have made the film more exciting if some of the final questions remained unanswered.

          The Dark Knight Rises, is one of the best blockbuster films of the year. This summer, there have been some amazing superhero movies, but this film and the entire trilogy can be seen as superhero films. Nolan and company have raised the bar for superhero films and every producer in Hollywood will be struggling to find the next Superhero trilogy that can top The Dark Knight. 

- Israel Lattiboudeaire

@IzzyLatti