'The Dark Knight Rises' - Review

After writing last week about the release of the final installment in the Christopher Nolan 'Batman' franchise, on Friday I keenly went to the cinema to see 'The Dark Knight Rises.' Without giving out any spoilers I can say the film is filled with so many twists and turns, it is edge-of-the-seat material and matches 'The Dark Knight' all round. The acting throughout is spectacular, with the original names including Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman and Michael Caine. However, the four new faces were what really stole the show for me. Most notable were Anne Hathaway's portrayal of the gorgeous Catwoman and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Blake, the cop with a lot to prove. Marion Cotillard as Miranda Tate and Tom Hardy as Bane, Batman's new nemesis following the Joker, deserve mentions for playing their parts to perfection. Hardy had huge boots to fill after Heath Ledger’s Joker in the previous film. Playing Bane, Hardy shows no mercy and tests Batman to the max. Whereas the Joker tests Batman mentally, Bane resorts to his physical prowess to match Batman. While they use different measures to counter Gotham, they both provide sensational plots and successfully reinvent Batman in the modern day. Nolan’s knack at picking the right actor for the character matched with his genius plots are a recipe for success. The conclusion is a work of art that fits perfectly into the 'Batman' franchise and creates an epic, final chapter to the trilogy under Christopher Nolan. Overall, the way Nolan constructed 'The Dark Knight Rises' by combining both 'The Dark Knight' and 'Batman Begins' was certainly impressive in my opinion.  Nolan sets up a climax in which Gotham's finest fight against Bane's evil forces and overthrow the chaos Gotham is engulfed in. Then one last time Batman must save Gotham in an exciting and unpredictable conclusion. It may well be the film of the year and an absolute masterpiece. So make sure you pay a visit to your local cinema this summer and you won’t be disappointed. On a final note I would also like to pay respects to all those affected by the Colorado shooting at a Batman premiere. Our prayers are with them all at this time.