The Dark Knight Rises - Review
Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises is the final film in the current Batman trilogy, and runs a very close second to 2008's The Dark Knight. The dark mood, over the top action, complexity of characters, and the quality of acting combined for a great film. Initially, I was indifferent about TDKR; not really excited, and just wanted to see the film to complete the trilogy. BUT by the time the end credits began rolling I was sitting there disappointed that this was the final movie for this version of the bat.
The Dark Knight Rises is set eight years after Dark Knight, with Gotham City's crime rate at an all-time low. Nolan successfully conveys the "calm before the storm" unease in the first half of the film. Gary Oldman's Commissioner Gordon struggles with his decision to hide the existence of Harvey Dent's Two-Face. The fact that Batman (Christian Bale) allowed himself to take the blame for Dent's death is also written on Gordon's expressions. Bruce Wayne has secluded himself in the mansion, without purpose and devastated by the death of Rachel. Insert a petty thief here. Selina Kyle (Catwoman) is on a mission for self and obviously doesn't share Bruce Wayne's view of life. Sneaking into the mansion, she manages to steal the pearl necklace of Bruce Wayne's decesased mother. Bruce is forced to answer some serious questions. Not to mention he's obviously feeling Selina. Now if all that isn't enough to wake up a recluse, I don't know what is.
This film's antagonist is Bane (Tom Hardy), a mega-terrorist if you will; who is intent on completely obliterating Gotham. This was the original agenda of Batman Begins' Ra's al Ghul (Liam Neeson) and his League Of Shadows. Without going into too much detail, everything begins to take off with the introduction of ol' Bane. Nolan's version of the character, introduced in 1993, was as calculating and vicious as he was in the comics.
Speaking of Chris Nolan, the geek in me enjoyed the movie for a number of reasons beyond the "good script, story, and acting". Nolan had a significant amount of scenes pulled directly from Batman's comic universe. Here are a few parallels.
-In both the film and Frank Miller's graphic novel Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, the hero had not been seen in over 5 years and was believed to be either dead or retired.
-Also in the film & graphic novel, a major high-speed chase takes place through the streets of Gotham after an armed robbery (graphic novel)/kidnapping (film).
-During the chase, two police officers, one older, the other possibly a rookie are shocked when "The Batman" suddenly reappears and joins in the chase. In disbelief the younger officer desperately wants to pursue both Batman and the criminals. However, the older officer SLOWS DOWN and says, "Heh, we're in for a SHOW, kid."
- Despite being a "walking hospital", Batman initially believes his return will help restore Gotham to the "peace" of the previous 8 years. However, things are much more serious than he or anyone else realizes.
- There's yet another incarnation of Catwoman (Anne Hathaway I wasn't impressed at all) , but you won't kick her ass in a fight, and she and Batman can't get enough of each other. "That's all I have to say about that" (in my best Forrest Gump voice).
- Finally Bane exposes himself as the mastermind behind the chaos that has suddenly returned to Gotham.
-Even after observing a younger and stronger opponent in action, Batman lets his pride override his better judgment and confronts the "Young Thundercat" (everyone knows how much I use THAT quote-lol). In both the comics and the film, Batman underestimates the bad guy and gets KO'd (and nearly killed). In the graphic novel the bad guy is the leader of the Mutants.
- After getting "whupped", Bruce Wayne/Batman is broken mentally as well as physically. In other words, "shook". He's now forced to re-evaluate who he really is as well as his motivation for living.
Yes, the movie is dark and gritty, but it also takes the story and characters seriously. We get a thoughtful, mature view of Bruce and Alfred's relationship. Michael Cain's portrayal of Alfred was difficult to watch at times because through Alfred we could now see how becoming Batman was slowly disintegrating Bruce's relationships with those closest to him. It was also interesting how both Commissioner Gordon and Bruce Wayne struggled with the false truth they'd created 8 years earlier. The strain eventually became too much to bear; and both characters suffer physically and mentally before finally admitting to themselves (and others) that their public personas were frauds.
After 3 months of healing, and a steady diet of humble pie, a determined and pissed off Batman goes looking for a rematch. This time Batman outthinks the bad guy/Bane and gets some "get-back". This ain't the cheesy Batman from the 60s t.v. show or from the "Superfriends" of the 70s either. THIS Batman is vicious; and you realize that he's now thinking/fighting like a typical villain. Cold, calculating and without remorse.
Though I admire how Nolan was able to thread little bits of nerdiness from the comics into the script, I have to say that I liked the subtle changes made for the movie as well. For example, the fact that Tom Hardy's Bane wasn't dependent on venom for his strength made him much more formidable. You couldn't just cut the cord and wait for Bane to deflate. The other changes fit into the plot perfectly, such as the big twist near the end of the battle in the streets. ALSO, it's rare to find a supporting cast (too many to name here) as impressive as this group.
One thing that wasn't changed significantly was the "death" of Batman. All good things must come to an end.....maybe.
SO, after seeing The Dark Knight Rises twice and re-reading a bunch of Batman comics and graphic novels, Ade gave this one 4 out of 5 crowns. BUT I'm still waiting for Hollywood to turn Frank Miller's graphic novel into the next Dark Knight film. You don't even understand .....my family wouldn't be able to put up with me until the movie was released. As a matter of fact, NO ONE would be able to put up with me.
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