Movie Review: The Dark Knight Rises Movie Review The Dark Knight Rises film review The Dark Knight Rises rating of The Dark Knight Rises

What's hot:

Anne Hathaway is a knockout. And look out for the opening sequence.

What's not:

Like most Christopher Nolan’s movies, even The Dark Knight Rises is plot-heavy. And with the film almost running into three hours, you would require all your wits to stay focused; especially when Bane is in the frame.

verdict:

Almost halfway through the movie when the city of Gotham is still reeling under the gargantuan terror of masked-villain Bane, Bruce Wayne asks Alfred, “Why you don’t want me to put on the suit? Are you afraid I’ll fail?” And Alfred replies, “I’m afraid you’ll want to!” So does Batman fail? Does the legend really end? And most important question of all, does The Dark Knight Rises really rise above The Dark Knight? The answer is a BIG NO. But don’t be disappointed… ‘not yet’!

 RATING:

Almost halfway through the movie when the city of Gotham is still reeling under the gargantuan terror of masked-villain Bane (Tom Hardy), Bruce Wayne asks Alfred Pennyworth (Michael Caine), “Why you don’t want me to put on the suit? Are you afraid I’ll fail?” And Alfred replies, “I’m afraid you’ll want to!” So does Batman fail? Does the legend really end? And most important question of all, does The Dark Knight Rises really rise above The Dark Knight? The answer is a BIG NO. But don’t be disappointed… ‘not yet’!

Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) has isolated himself from the outside world. It’s been eight years since he got into his bat suit. Eight years since he’s been living a life of a recluse, a loner. He doesn’t care. In fact, he likes it that way. The darkness has become him. That’s until a thief called Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway) robs him off his late mother’s pearl necklace.

Meanwhile, the Khali-like Bane (we’re referring to his speech, not physique) and his mini-army has already brought down parts of the Gotham city and seen making an announcement of how he is planted a traitor in the city who will detonate a nuclear bomb in days to come.

Who is this traitor?

Is it John Blake (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), the orphaned cop who has grown up idolising the caped crusader?

Is it Miranda Tate (Marion Cotillard), a socialite who has genuine feelings for Bruce Wayne? Who not only wants to help Bruce to start-over his life but who also wants to use her money to do good things for her city?

Or is it Catwoman, the cunning cat burglar who hates rich people and is known for her wily nature?

… or could it be that Bane himself is the doer of all evil and he is just playing with people’s psyche?

Like most Christopher Nolan’s movies, even The Dark Knight Rises is plot-heavy. And with the film almost running into three hours, you would require all your wits to stay focused; especially when Bane is in the frame. Also, the film lags considerably with unwanted scenes at the orphanage; and a few scenes involving James Gordon (Gary Oldman) and his subordinates.

Bane is no Joker. He’s not gloriously insane. He is not even entertaining. But in spite of that it’s a movie that you shouldn’t miss at any cost.

And Batman maybe down in the dumps, but he’s still the same vigilante who would give up his life in a ‘bat’ beat to save his city.

Of the performances, Anne Hathway is a knockout. Maybe Nolan should take up Catwoman as his next project, since Batman series has come to an end. And what can you say about Michael Caine? Look for this old man, he will bring you to tears. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is a surprise package; however we cannot say the same about Tom Hardy.

And as you know it, the movie belongs to Christian Bale. From the time he decides to dust off the old bat suit till the time he decides to lay down his life; he is simply brilliant. If you don’t cry by the end of the movie, then it would only mean that your heart is in the coffin.

The legend has ended! Or has it?  (We are spinning the top, if you know what we mean!)