Movie Review- As the final film of the trilogy, 'The Dark Knight Rises' delivers

April Barkley 

WCB Movie Writer

Studio-Legendary Pictures
Director-Christopher Nolan
Starring-Christian Bale, Michael Caine,
Gary Oldman, Anne Hathaway,
Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard,
Joseph Gordon-Levitt,
Morgan Freeman
Rating-3 out of 4 stars

The Dark Knight Rises has been a long awaited film. As the concluding movie to the trilogy, it rises to that challenge. At times though, the film falls with its slow growing plot and climax and little action, until the end. I liked this movie, even though I was hoping to love it. But, flaws aside, director Christopher Nolan made this film intense, daring, and fun with great casting.

It’s has been eight years since Batman vanished and stays in alienation. The city is now under the Dent Act which is the regulation inspired by the late Harvey Dent. But then, the emergence of Bane (Tom Hardy), a masked terrorist who has merciless plans for the city of Gotham causes the city to go mad. Meanwhile, a cat burglar, Selina (Anne Hathaway), or if you prefer, Catwoman, is deemed as an “associate" of Bane and starts a relationship with Batman. They never refer to her as Catwoman, but we all know. She’s on the hunt for a computer program that is supposed to be able to erase a person's criminal record. With that, Batman, Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) must put on his cape again to save the city from Bane’s plans.

As for the talk about the political messages in this film including conversation about Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities, the French Revolution, 9/11 and terrorists…I’ll leave that to your opinions. For me, it was pure entertainment. I’d rather talk about the intense fight scene between Batman and Bane over dinner than how Right or Left Wing it was.

Sure it takes a while to get to the point, but once it gets there, the plot is very smart and realistic. But, some scenes were unnecessarily stretched out. But once it comes together, it keeps your attention. The sassy Catwoman brings fun to the film. Anne Hathaway kicked ass, literally and looked hot while doing it. I was a little disappointed by the villain. Sure his plans for the city were extreme and gripping but he’s bald, muscular and wears a black mask that distorts his voice to the point where he sounds like a boy going through puberty; you can hardly understand him. But his plot to trap the cities’ people and force them to follow his form of governmental rule is awesome.

But, I’d have to say that it was a great way to end the trilogy. To go from a “retired” Batman to a back-in-action Bruce Wayne, keeps you attracted to the film. Just know, you’ll need to buy the large popcorn, its pretty damn long. But, despite some plot holes, The Dark Knight Rises is an enthralling final movie; a great way to end your summer at the movies.