• Without Ledger’s performance I think I’d grade Rises as the slightly superior film to 2008’s the dark knight. This is really hard because I also think Tom Hardy as Bane is absolutely wonderful here and between his physical presence and vocal work (he’s the best in the business right now in this category)—it’s an accomplishment for him and his career
  • It’s larger in scope and epic- Chris Nolan- size. There are more establishing shots, use of IMAX (the jaw-dropper of an opening is a set piece that rivals the best in Nolan’s career)
  • Bale is also superb as the prisoner and the howard hughes-type billionaire recluse in the beginning of the film
  • The lighting work here is superior to both the earlier batman films from Nolan- specifically at the charity ball it looks similar to eyes wide shut—but only for a second- it wasn’t sustained enough
  • There is some bad writing here- the cat puns I could absolutely do without- the “cat got your tongue?” stuff is just awful
  • Fantastic drum score with vocalizing/chanting
  • Nolan- as is his trademark now- is masterful at juggling the multiple narratives
  • The fatal flaw in the film is bane (hardy’s)’s death. He’s just a great character and he’s killed/defeated with a throwaway cheeseball boner of a line by catwoman. It lacks the gravitas of the situation/character and is really bad narrative form. It’s untrue to the film
  • Michael Caine also does his best work of the series in a few great scenes with Bale
  • Must-See top 5 of the year quality film