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Despite very recent tragedies during a midnight premiere in Aurora, Colorado, the long-awaited addition to director Christopher Nolan’s Batman saga, The Dark Knight Rises released July 20, 2012 with tons of eager fans filling the seats. Nolan and co-writer Jonathan Nolan gave an epic return of the masked hero with new villains, new loves, new struggles, and a load of twists.
This sequel to The Dark Knight, starring Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne and alter ego Batman, takes place eight years after the preceding film. At this time, Gotham City is at peace but mourning the murder of District Attorney Harvey Dent, played by Aaron Eckhart which Batman has taken responsibility for in order to conceal his identity as madman Two-Face. While taking on that burden Bruce Wayne and Batman have gone into hiding just in time for criminal mastermind and leader of the League of Shadows, Bane, to plot and succeed in taking Gotham City under seige. The mental and physical battle between the two characters throughout the film was a very interesting and at time painful interaction to see. Tom Hardy’s amazing performance as Bane fragilized our hero in many aspects and truly brought to light how much he has surpassed his prime.
In addition to this character, Anne Hathaway was brought on as well to portray 2012’s new Catwoman. With Hathaway’s slinky combat moves, quick wit, and sultry tone of voice, she definitely gave a pleasing rendition of Selina Kyle. However, her particular character did lack the overwhelming sex appeal that her predecessors such as Halle Berry, Michelle Pfeiffer, and the innate cat-like Eartha Kitt effortlessly display. The chemistry between Batman and Catwoman in the past has always been an undenying, steamy, spark of affection for one another despite their own personal morals. Bale and Hathaway didn’t fully convey that same chemistry and left viewers wanting more from the two. Marion Cotillard’s character Miranda, shareholder of Wayne Enterprises and later love interest of Bruce Wayne shines in this film more than the last and brings to light a shocking revelation that leaves viewers breathless.
From new character John Blake, played by Joseph Gordon Levitt’s, couragous acts to the secretive Commissioner James Gordon, by Gary Oldman, The Dark Knight Rises leaves questions unanswered, hopes of a new addition, and a good taste of well thought out suspense. This film is without a doubt the summer blockbuster of the year. This is not only because of the amazing cinematic work from the score all the way to the fluid fighting sequences. But, it leaves the question: Will the Dark Knight rise again?
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