Dark Knight Really Rises!

The Dark Knight Rises exemplifies that the beauty of a filmic conversation lies in its universality. Its translation transcends its eloquence and the body of art that it projects. Ladies and gentlemen, in my opinion, the film does not only have this transparency; it also sets up a colossal momentum of filmic superlatives, that filmmakers and moviegoers, alike, would talk about for many generations to come. This conclusion to Director Chris Nolan’s epic trilogy, about a man adorned with a black cape, is simply electrifying!

It has been eight years since the events of The Dark Knight, and Bruce Wayne (Oscar recipient Christian Bale – The Fighter) has been a recluse in his manor, completely shut off from Gotham City. Alfred (Oscar recipient Michael Caine (Hannah and Her Sisters)) encourages Wayne to start living again. The screenplay takes us then to a charity ball where Selina Kyle (Catwoman — Oscar nominee Anne Hathaway — Rachel Getting Married), while dancing with Wayne, tells him “There’s a storm coming, Mr. Wayne.” This scene sets the stage for a series of events summoning us to the edge of our seat. We are dazzled with a clenched jaw, and having a love feast with the movie!

Metaphorically, the storm is Bane (Tom Hardy), the maniacal pupil of Ra’s Al Gul (Oscar nominee Liam Neeson — Schindler’s List). Bane wears a muzzle-mouthed mask, and he is the epitome of Gotham’s destruction. The fight sequences are spectacular, albeit the final battle between Batman and Bane is underwhelming. Nonetheless, Nolan’s redemption comes in the strength of the screenplay.

I feel the film’s best scene is parlayed when Wayne attempts to fight his way out of a pit after being battered by Bane. It evokes the training sequences from Batman Begins, and paves the way for us to recall that this film is really when ‘The Dark Knight Rises.’ It is this moment when the art of filmmaking becomes a bespoke suit. It mimics life in its truest form: There is simply the beginning and the end. The trilogy saga does not beckon for a sequel!

In conclusion, borrowing from one of Batman’s remarks: “Better be three hours too soon, than a minute late”— YOU SIMPLY MUST GO AND SEE The Dark Knight Rises!

I give it an A rating.

PG - 13, 164 min