Movies: The Dark Knight Rises

This contains one spoiler, marked well in advance so you can avoid it.

The Dark Knight Rises is the final film in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy. It’s loaded with action, stunts, gadgets, great performances (I think at this point the qualifier “for a superhero movie” no longer applies) and a good script. I don’t want to say too much about it, but here’s what you need to know.

For Action Fans:

The thrills are non-stop. The stunts are tremendous and, for the most part, never too jumbled or confusing to follow. Even the baddie’s “master plan,” usually the point where superhero flicks force the viewer to suspend all rationality, isn’t too nutty. Don’t think about it too hard, just enjoy the spectacle.

For Those Who Loved The First Two:

You shouldn’t be disappointed. Bruce Wayne’s final challenge dovetails beautifully with the origin sequence from Batman Begins. Two beloved characters, Commissioner Gordon (the ever-amazing Gary Oldman) and Alfred (Michael Caine) get plenty of worthwhile screen time. And Catwoman (Anne Hathaway)? Not since Julie Newmar has an actress clicked so perfectly with the role. The horror of the Halle Berry version is at last expunged. And Michelle Pfeiffer? Who’s that?

For Comic Book Purists (SPOILER):

Yes, Knightfall happens. Yes, I was surprised to find the iconic “breaking of the Bat” boiled down to a slipped disc. But that’s a quibble. I enjoyed the movie version of Bane and Shadowy Mystery Villain, and was pleased to see some images from Batman: Year One crop up in the movie. (Selina Kyla’s blonde friend.)

The Final Verdict?

See it.