Film | The Dark Knight Rises

The Dark Knight Rises completes Christopher Nolan's trilogy focusing on socialite Bruce Wayne and his famous alter-ego Batman (Christian Bale). As the film begins Batman is no more and Bruce Wayne has become a recluse. The film is set eight years after the events of The Dark Knight in which Bruce took responsibility for the murders of Harvey Dent and Rachel - his great love - so that Dent would remain a symbol of hope for the city.

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Christopher Nolan does not fail us with his final portrayal of Batman. Where Avengers Assemble has the sensational action sequences The Dark Knight Rises also has emotional engagement and human drama. Elements which are often missing from the big summer blockbusters. The Dark Knight Rises offers something else to the audience beyond the action sequences - this is why I love Christopher Nolan's films. Christian Bale portrays Bruce Wayne as more vulnerable than ever and pushes into new emotional depths.

The Dark Knight Rises explores, more deeply than the previous films, the character of Bruce Wayne and also the relationship he shares with his faithful Butler Alfred (Michael Caine). Holed up in Wayne Manor is a hollow and frail Bruce Wayne. As Bruce and Alfred debate the return of Batman verses a new path through a series of tense exchanges we as the audience are hooked and that's before the battle begins!

There is also the introduction of Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway) an expert jewel thief (cat burglar) who wants to erase her past. The introduction of a strong female character is a good move for this film and offers the female audience a character to identify with. She is quirky, fun and glamorous. Can someone please point me in the direction of her personal trainer because she looks amazing throughout this film!

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The other stand out character for me is that of Blake (Joseph Gordon-Levitt). He is a young police officer who believes that trouble is on the horizon. He represents the idealism that Commissioner Gordon and Bruce Wayne once held, a theme which runs throughout the film. You may recognise Joseph Gordon-Levitt from Inception, Christopher Nolan is one of those directors who likes to use the same actors in several films if he can. He seems to like the talent he sees and makes full use of that talent.

Overall The Dark Knight Rises is the film of the summer for me -- I feel the need to return to Batman Begins and The Dark Knight -- if you haven't seen these two films and want to see The Dark Knight Rises I advise you do so!

On a side note did anyone else see the Superman teaser trailer? I cannot wait for that! 

I also recommend the following Christopher Nolan films if you haven't seen them:

The Prestige

Memento

What is your must see film for the summer?