Christopher Nolan’s cinematic “Batman” trilogy ends with “The Dark Knight Rises”.
In the new movie, it has been 8 years since Bruce Wayne donned his cape as the protector of Gotham City. In that time Gotham has evolved into a safe city. The credit is mostly due to the belief that Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) from the last film died a hero. In his memory things began to change… for the better.
Now comes a new menace for which the city is not prepared to fight. Bane, played by Tom Hardy, is an unstoppable force that brings Gotham to its knees.
So Bruce Wayne must once again offer himself up to try to stop the city’s destruction.
Christian Bale is pitch-perfect as the aging and damaged Bruce Wayne. Once young and vibrant, he’s now feeling every punch and scar he’s received. Bale makes the audience feel the weight of his depression and feeling of loss.
Likewise Gary Oldman as Commissioner Gordon offers up a meticulous performance as an honest man carrying too many secrets. Oldman is a director’s dream as he can manipulate a scene with just his eyes.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Police Officer John Blake coveys a very idealistic young man who, like Commissioner Gordon, wants so much more for Gotham City and yet is powerless to do anything about it. Gordon-Levitt makes the audience care.
Playing the perfect foe to Christian Bale’s “Batman” is Tom Hardy as “Bane”. Hardy plays Bane with just the right doses of hate, intelligence, anger and (yes) empathy. This mix makes Bane a ruthless and powerful adversary for Batman.
Finally, Anne Hathaway as “Selina Kyle” a seductive cat burglar puts a new twist on the “Catwoman” character. Nolan’s Selina is a match for the caped crusader in almost every way. Together Bale and Hathaway are a joy to watch as they verbally battle each other.
Christopher Nolan knows what his audience demands and wants and this film fills every need as he uses footage from his previous films to underscore and connect the films.
“The Dark Knight Rises” is the must-see film of the summer.
It gets an A and is rated PG-13.
