Review of The Dark Knight Rises (2012) by Vance F — 05 May 2016

Capping the best trilogy ever. At the core of these films Nolan understands it's the characters that drive the story; not huge special effects or gratuitous car chases. This is really the story of Bruce Wayne and how he finally finds peace in the promise he made to his parents.

The true heroes here are the supporting cast. Michael Cane as Alfred is the moral compass. He tells the story the audience needs and he delivers on every level. Anne Hathaway nailed the sexual edge Cat Woman uses to her advantage balanced with a strong woman perfectly capable of taking names when needed.

The most haunting character is Bane. Nolan and Hardy took an obscure Batman villain and put him up in the ranks right behind The Joker. True dread was felt every time Batman and Bane fought, cause for the first time you felt that Batman wasn't the best fighter in the ring.

Hardy's performance was incredible as a monstrous brute with the calm, calculating patience of a wiser man. The audience knew certain things had to happen, especially if you read the comics, but the drama still resonated.

While it was a tad long and dragged at time, the final five minutes of the film give tribute to every character by clearly and precisely giving every character proper closure. The sadness I felt leaving the theater was not about the movie, but more about the fact I no longer live a world with a Nolan Batman on the horizon.

It was a privilege to witness the best trilogy, best story of the coolest superhero; and I was sad it was over.