SYNOPSIS: It has been eight years since Batman vanished into the night, turning, in that instant, from hero to fugitive. Assuming the blame for the death of D.A. Harvey Dent, the Dark Knight sacrificed everything for what he and Commissioner Gordon both hoped was the greater good. For a time the lie worked, as criminal activity in Gotham City was crushed under the weight of the anti-crime Dent Act.

But everything will change with the arrival of a cunning cat burglar with a mysterious agenda. Far more dangerous, however, is the emergence of Bane, a masked terrorist whose ruthless plans for Gotham drive Bruce out of his self-imposed exile. But even if he dons the cape and cowl again, Batman may be no match for Bane.

REVIEW:  

Jim Gordon: [lying in a hospital bed] We were in this together, and then you were gone. Now this evil... rises. The Batman has to come back. 
Bruce Wayne: What if he doesn't exist any more? 
Jim Gordon: He must... he must... 

Considered by many to be the best superhero movies ever made, how could Christopher Nolan top it yet again? Well my fellow Batmaniacs, he does . . . or at least it is as good as either of the other two. Christopher Nolan can make a movie! To call this movie epic is an understatement. It almost leaves me speechless, almost. Batman is back and with more purpose than ever before. A dreary sensation of hopelessness will fall upon you during this film to the point of creating a sense of doubt as to if Batman can save the day. It’s awesome!

Crowd: [chanting] Deh-Shay, Deh-Shay, Bah Sah Rah. Bah Sah Rah. 
Bruce Wayne: What does that mean? 
Prisoner: "Rise." 

It is the recurring theme throughout the film for both the bad guys as well as the good guys. But of course, it is much more significant to Batman. And that chant, what a sound. It can bring out an array of emotions such as fear or inspiration, despair or hope. Overall, the sounds in this movie, be it musical or effects (or a simple chant), really add to the feel of the film and are just as impressive as what you are watching, and what you are watching includes some high quality cinematography. What a film! It is powerful, dramatic, action packed, emotional (I almost shed a tear at one point), and even philosophical (Alfred, as usual, spewing words of wisdom throughout). It’s got an excellent storyline that is very well tied to the rest of the series and there are some good twists in it too. As I’ve mentioned before, I usually take notes during a film to help me write the review and for about the fourth time in my movie critiquing career I find myself unable to look away from the screen to write down a single word. There are only two minor aspects of the film that I wasn’t too crazy about. Even though the Batman speak was toned down and much easier on the ears, there are some moments that I would have needed some subtitles. Bane was a little difficult to understand sometimes. The other thing is I would have liked better character development for Selina Kyle, a.k.a. Catwoman. But going back to Bane, what a menacing and intimidating villain he is. He is the Darth Vader of DC Comics replacing the “force” with muscle and combat skills. Tom Hardy did an excellent job with his character even though I don’t think he’ll get an Oscar nod. I would be more than surprised to ever see a more chilling performance in this genre than what Heath Ledger graced us with as the Joker in The Dark Knight. Thank you Heath for leaving us this gem. As for the Catwoman, Anne was sharp, seductive, and dangerous. I would have liked more of her in the movie; clever one-liners, tight costumes, style and elegance, graceful and determined, independent and fearless. Anne gave it all. Joseph Gordon-Levitt also shined with a very convincing portrayal of his character, John Blake. Marion Cotillard brightens any screen with her looks as well as her performance. All the “regulars” were as good as always: Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman, and the main man himself, Christian Bale. Boy, if you really think about it, these movies have all had a hell of a cast. 

Ra's al Ghul: If you make yourself more than just a man, if you devote yourself to an ideal... you become something else entirely. A legend, Mr. Wayne, a legend! 

We all know that the Batman character is a legend, and I believe that this series of movies will become legendary.

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