FILM REVIEW: Batman: The Dark Knight Rises

London Art Scene from The Art Stop



The biggest film of the summer is here - that's right, The Dark Knight Rises was released on Friday and will be showing at cinemas all through the summer. But is it all just hype? Is it a good film? Is it better than the last? All valid questions... and we have the answers.

First - let's be honest, going to the cinema is rarely an event. Even more rare, is a cinema experience a full-blown spectacular of great film-making; made up of an explosive and surprising plot and an intelligent nod at the viewer.

Thankfully, the latest Batman flick, directed by Christopher Nolan, does not disappoint. In fact, knowing that this is the last in the Nolan trilogy adds to the suspense and wonder at the storyline.

The plot

The Dark Knight Rises resumes its story soon after The Dark Knight left off in 2008. Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) has now been publically held accountable for the death of District Attorney Harvey Dent - a verdict that has left him living life as a recluse. He spends his time in a dressing gown, in just one room of his mansion - talking only to his butler, confidante and best friend Alfred (Michael Cane).

Of course, that's all about to change thanks to a beautiful cat burglar (Anne Hathaway). Having found her up to no good in his own house, Bruce is intrigued by the woman who he founds perusing through his safe. But it's actually a stronger, uglier and bigger man who makes our hero come out of hiding and don his infamous cape - a nasty fella named Bane (Tom Hardy), who is planning resurrect an army of underground felons as warriors to destroy the city.

The verdict
This isn't a film you want to hear spoilers on, so we won't say much. What we will say is - this is one summer flick that shouldn't be missed.

There are a few points that we'd give thumbs down to - the City of Gotham looks much more like a Manhattan skyline throughout, and to some diehard fans this simply may not work.

A few ferocious critics have also commented that Bane's speech was unclear throughout the film; his voice fuzzed over by the mask he wears. It's true, he isn't completely clear - but as one on-the-ball writer, Catherine Bray, remarked, "That's obviously no accident - Nolan has cutting edge technology at his disposal; do we really think the sound mix was a Poundland job?"

Both Christian Bale and Anne Hathaway take their leading roles with grace and they firmly fit their characters. But for me, the 'outstanding contribution' prizes should go to Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Michael Caine. Both had varying on-screen times but their presence was always felt, even when they weren't taking centre stage. Michael Cane will bring tears to your eyes - in a great way.

A worthy watch, TDKR certainly is. But if I give you one piece of advice, it is this. See it in IMAX - it will make a world of difference.

The Dark Knight Rises is in cinemas now.

Posted Date
Jul 23, 2012 in London Art Scene from The Art Stop by The Art Stop