This is a tough one. I really want to love this movie. Really want to. Chris Nolan's previous two Batman films, Batman Begins & The Dark Knight (TDK), are essentially perfect. How can one possibly go into The Dark Knight Rises (TDKR) screening without thinking about all that previous cinematic Batman goodness? Expectations can kill a movie-going experience. That is why I tried to keep my expectations low going into TDKR. What helped was a handful of negative reviews I skimmed over (without spoiling myself) before watching the movie. I knew this wasn't going to meet TDK standards, and that was okay. I only hoped for a good Batman film (problem is, I secretly wished for a great one). I liked TDKR, but it is a flawed movie. It's almost unfair that it had to follow the greatness that is TDK, instead of the other way around, otherwise I may have liked it much more. It is simply impossible not to compare it to it's predecessor.
The writing and performances of the supporting characters Alfred, Fox, and Gordon which are so strong in the previous films, filled with purpose, humor, and heart, is largely lacking in those essential qualities here. Selina Kyle aka Catwoman was also less potent than her presence should have been. I liked her when she was playing the part of cat burglar, but the chemistry was off anytime she shared the screen with Bruce Wayne or Batman. I feel there was a poor approach to the audio mixing of the villain Bane's voice, making his words feel disconnected from the onscreen performance, hurting that character's presence. (spoiler alert) I am still so puzzled over the ending with Blake. So, he's Robin, but we seem to be led to believe that he may become the new Batman?? If not, and since Bruce can't return because he is supposed to be dead, it's just Robin by himself - no Batman? Or if Bruce does return as Batman, but not as Bruce Wayne --- it's not really Batman. Any way you look at it there's no sense to be made, since each possible scenario breaks from the original mythology of the character in such a big way. (end spoiler)
When Batman finally arrives I really felt the fun that is inherent to this superhero. It's a good thing too, because unlike the preceding movies, Bruce is never seen having any fun in this one. It's a darker story, so having Batman show up to lighten the mood saves the movie. The new flying 'Bat' is also fun and used often throughout the action.
As with most Chris Nolan films, including his previous Batman movies, it takes multiple viewings for me to fully absorb and appreciate the story in all of it's details, and that's not a bad thing. I look forward to seeing TDKR again, very soon. Maybe I'll like it even more on the next viewing, maybe in IMAX.
Until then, The Dark Knight Rises is entertaining but doesn't fly up to the heights of it's predecessors...
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
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