The Dark Knight Rises

[Johnny Unusual]

Finally saw the movie and I loved it.  It ended on just the right note and even though it was almost 3 hours and Bruce spends a lot of the film in a hole it mostly flew by for me, thanks to the film's otherwise exciting pacing.

Part of the art of cinema is also in part the art of deception. It's like magic, and if you believe it, then the filmmaker succeeded, as long as the deception is for a good reason. I believed Batman was dead and gone... And then that wonderful moment in the cafe where Alfred sees Bruce sitting over there... and suddenly this whole picture that had such a dark and bleak tone turns into a joyous experience. "It's just a movie" isn't a valid reason anymore. It's not a satisfying answer because movies like the Nolan Batman trilogy is more than just a series of three movies, it's epic story-telling at it's finest. When you argue logic, I argue that if the story-telling is fine enough, emotionally gripping enough, the "logic" doesn't matter as much anymore. I can stretch my disbelief to the same extent that I respect the filmmaker and his/her vision.

Well, don't get me wrong.  I liked the ending, overall.  It felt "right" in that...

it gave the character an opportunity to say, "okay, I've done my job.  I can get on with and enjoy the rest of my life."  I also really loved Morgan Freeman's line, "I just want to know what I could have done." and Michael Caine's, "I failed you" line was really poignant.  It's nice that they both were given good opportunities to show why they are fairly respected actors.

Mostly my quibble was an opportunity to make the refrigerator joke.

It was clear that he was alive to me since the whole film seemed to be about Batman being ready to sacrifice his life and much more and Alfred telling him "It's one thing to give your all, but there's a place for actually living rather than resigning yourself to some bleak fate."  Sure, self-sacrifice is romantic and all, but there's something to be said for moving on rather than wallowing in some insane sense of obligation to the destruction of Gotham and avenging a loved one.  Bruce's parents would want to be fulfilled and while Batman did that for a while, I think he's found it's time to move on.

Of course, I'm open to other interpretations and reading.

[Darth Geek]

I have less of a problem with the twist ending (although it is bullshit), than I do the movie justifying Alfred's old fashioned narrow-minded view that getting married and having kids is the only way Bruce can lead a happy life.

[Johnny Unusual]

I have less of a problem with the twist ending (although it is bullshit), than I do the movie justifying Alfred's old fashioned narrow-minded view that getting married and having kids is the only way Bruce can lead a happy life.

Mmm... that's a good point, but (and I may need to rewatch) I don't think he ever says it's the only way, he's simply providing contrast into a DESCENT INTO DESPAIR!

[Russell]

Just saw it again today with my father... and I enjoyed it even better the second time, and even my dad liked it a LOT, and that usually doesn't happen given his notorious nature to forget important details in such a short amount of time.

I also think Alfred didn't say Bruce needed to get married and have kids.. not at all. I think more than anything he just wanted him to get away from both Gotham and Batman.

[wurwolf]

I think I am the only person in the world who thought this movie was just okay.

[Tripe]

That's because I've not gotten around to seeing it yet. If I do, I'm pretty sure I'll be of the same opinion more or less.

[TheUnabeefer]

I think I am the only person in the world who thought this movie was just okay.

I personally liked it better than The Dark Knight... but I am a sucker for Bane. (done right, that is) .... Also, I completely love that Nolan very apparently didn't try to "out-do" the level of intensity of TDK.  He kept it ramped up, but very simple.

I still like Batman Begins best though.

[ManUnderMask]

I finally saw it today and I thought it was great, but it had a lot of lingering story problems that you only noticed when you sat down and thought about the movie.

I also think it suffered from the same problems that the Batman '89, Returns, Forever, and And Robin had: It spent waaaay too much time with the villains (or in this case, villains and side characters) and not enough time on Batman.

[Henry88]

Warner Brothers Wants 'Batman' Reboot To Hit Theaters In 2016

http://www.latino-review.com/2012/08/03/warner-bros-batman-reboot-hit-theaters-2016/

[ScottotD]

I think if you like Batman Begins more than Dark Knight I would expect you be more into Dark Knight Rises because thematically it's verrry similar to Begins.

[Darth Geek]

Warner Brothers Wants 'Batman' Reboot To Hit Theaters In 2016

http://www.latino-review.com/2012/08/03/warner-bros-batman-reboot-hit-theaters-2016/

Given that we knew this was going to be the last of this series, I am actually okay with this. I am just hoping they completely bypass the origin this time.

[Tripe]

Well, I'd be surprised if the whole "great movie mom and dad..oh no!" bit wasn't touched on in passing but, from the sounds of it, the movie will have Bats already set up in his role.

[RoninFox]

Saw it a second time. This time in IMAX. It makes a huge difference, the action scenes become so much more intense. I do think both the advantages and limitations of IMAX have improved the series. Because of the shallow focus it has, they had to be a lot more careful about moving the camera. This means they needed action that could play out and stand on its own instead of relying on quick cuts and extreme close ups.

One thing that was kind of cracking me up was a description Kevin Smith gave the movie on a podcast that I couldn't shake.

The fights between Batman and Bane have the same basic plot structure as Rocky III. In both the protagonist achieved victory in the past, but then went soft. Batman cleaned up the streets, but hung up the cowl and let himself go. Rocky won the championship, but became civilized, no longer feeling hungry like he was the underdog. In both there's a mentor that tries to protect them, then can't. Alfred tries to convince Bruce not to go back to being Batman because he can't beat Bane. Eventually he walks away to make a point. Micky tries to convince Rocky to retire before fighting Clubber Lang because he can't beat him, ends up dying of a heart attack before the match. Left alone both attempt to fight and fail miserably. Rocky loses the title, Batman loses his spine. Beaten both have to turn to unlikely sources for help and training, like old prisoners/doctors or former opponents. Both need to learn something to do with fear, complete a montage with a victorious moment like climbing out of a pit or defeating the black guy in a race on the beach, then the new fight happens with the once unstoppable beast of an opponent shocked at the new fighting prowess of the protagonist. Eye of the tiger, bitches!

Just gave me a chuckle or two, couldn't ruin the movie for me.

[Russell]

Warner Brothers Wants 'Batman' Reboot To Hit Theaters In 2016

I'd rather see a JLA movie than a Batman reboot.

[RoninFox]

Warner Brothers Wants 'Batman' Reboot To Hit Theaters In 2016

I'd rather see a JLA movie than a Batman reboot.

I think that's the eventual goal. Create a Batman that would meld with a JLA franchise more.