'Rises' sees Bruce Wayne/Batman (Christian Bale) in hiding after the events of 'The Dark Knight.' he took the blame for the crimes of Harvey Dent, and the people of Gotham have yet to forgive him, even after eight long years. Just when Bruce is ready to hang up the cowl for good, a new threat emerges in the form of a chilling terrorist named Bane. The brute plans on orchestrating a social revolution to destroy Gotham from the inside out. Wayne decides to come out of retirement to save his city from the clutches of this menace. Given the fact that Commissioner Jim Gordon is complicit in the lie about Batman, the vigilante cannot count on the goodwill of the police in his struggle. Rather, he'll have to rely on the unlikely aid of Selena Kyle, a thief and con artist with a heart of gold. Meanwhile, a young police officer who doesn't quite buy the tall tale being told about his favorite hero works hard to ensure that the situation is handled properly, despite his hope that The Bat will fly once again.
The movie's pacing is quite uneven, with an interesting, if a bit tepid beginning and a meandering middle portion leading to an incredibly exciting final act. Often, it's simply not very intriguing, given its predictability. But there is much that will put a smile on your face, as well as moments that will bring a tear to your eye. This entry in the franchise is more about emotional struggle than any of the previous, and it is that element that audiences will connect with most strongly. I'll be a monkey's uncle if I didn't feel something pulling at my heartstrings during the Alfred/Bruce scenes.
The performances are all stellar, particularly Anne Hathaway's Kyle. Nolan's conception of the femme fatale is wonderful, giving her just the right amount of intelligence and sex appeal without objectifying her. Rather than use this appeal for titillation, Selena uses it as a weapon to get the advantage over her enemies. The script makes her an entirely capable woman and a fully developed character complemented by Hathaway's expert portrayal. Joseph Gordon Levitt also gives a respectable turn as the rookie cop Blake. Unfortunately, the film has trouble balancing the stories of all of these characters, meaning that it begins to buckle under the pressure of moving the multifaceted plot along in a timely fashion. Surprisingly, one such underrepresented element is Batman himself. Despite the title of the movie, one does not see a whole lot of Batman in the proceedings. This is somewhat understandable since it is clear that Nolan intended for this movie to focus more on the physical and psychological effects the life of Batman has on Bruce Wayne, but the costumed hero should've made a few more appearances to spice things up when they were dragging.
Tom Hardy's Bane is intimidating and intelligent. Even though he has to deliver all of his dialogue through a mask but it secures his mouth, Hardy still manages to get the bravado of the character across. This version of the behemoth is a far cry from his terrible representation in 'Batman and Robin.' By the time the film comes to an end, the viewer will actually have a degree of sympathy for Bane-much more than can be said for the trilogies previous villain, the Clown Prince of Crime. however, Hardy cannot quite match the unbelievable heights of Heath Ledger's unforgettable performance. That does not prevent Bane from being a great adversary that feels right at home in Nolan's universe.
The film's visual language can be very confusing with an inordinate amount of quick cuts during action scenes that sometimes make it difficult to interpret exactly what is going on. It is also apparent that no one has not quite mastered the ability to represent close- quarters combat competently, as Batman comes across as more of a street brawler than an accomplished fighter versed in multiple martial arts. Yet, when the movie brings out the tumblers, the bat pods and all the other cool gadgets, the action is still quite exhilarating. Nolan knows how to give audiences what they want in terms of spectacle, and the last 30 minutes are indeed a sight to behold.
Some other things hold 'Rises' back from being great, however. A romance with Marion Cotillard's Wayne Enterprises investor feels especially unnecessary and rushed; the corporate angle of some story lines is hollow and dull; some important events lack the proper impact because they are either glanced over or reversed.
Nonetheless, Nolan provides a fitting and perfectly serviceable ending to a reputable franchise. He still displays an intimate understanding of the comic book characters and what makes them interesting not just as disposable entertainment, but as relatable human beings and important icons of pop culture. The mindbending twists that Nolan is known for are present in the last moments. There is a lot to love about this final chapter, but also a lot to criticize. Ultimately, Nolan does not so much disappointed as he does deliver a good movie that doesn't measure up to the impeccably high standards set by his other movies. While it may lack all the bells and whistles of a typical effort from the director, 'The Dark Knight Rises' is a summer blockbuster that remains a cut above the rest, and should be seen by anyone who considers himself or herself to be a fan of the billionaire, pointy-eared superhero.
Cannons rating: 8/10