The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

2 Responses

  1. Jon-Luc Aragon says:

    Good review. I like this one too, but I can’t help but think that it’s the weakest one of the trilogy, although it’s close and I go back and forth about it. I feel like from a narrative standpoint Christopher Nolan bit off a bit more than he could chew, possibly to make up for the loss of Heath Ledger, who was supposed to be back for this one. There are so many characters introduced and re-introduced, so many plot threads, some of which don’t make a whole lot of sense or strain credibility (Catwoman’s “clean slate” thing or whatever, the giant hole where Bruce Wayne is held prisoner and must escape from, the plot twist you mentioned). Also you pointed out the stoicism, which is something that has always been a criticism of mine when I watch Nolan’s movies, even though I enjoy most of them. It’s more a personal preference, as I tend to prefer movies that make me feel and laugh more than think, especially in the superhero genre.

    I believe that if this were a film from a different franchise or one that wasn’t coming off the heels of The Dark Knight, people would’ve been less forgiving, as it is overstuffed and perhaps overlong. But as you said, it’s still better than most superhero movies out there, and has plenty of great scenes and performances, so I still think it’s worthy of an A, perhaps a close call between that and an A- as opposed to an A+.

  2. Jon-Luc Aragon says:

    Solid review. I think that this is a very good superhero film. I actually like Bane a lot: his character has grown on me, as some of his dialogue is quite memorable and his comical but menacing voice is unique and gives him a different feel from other villains.

    The problem I have with The Dark Knight Rises is that is feels like too much plot crammed into one film, with many of the developments not holding up to scrutiny: Bane’s desert prison defies any logic as to how or why it exists, as does his plan to hold Gotham hostage for months before destroying it and Commissioner Gordon sending every cop in the city into the sewers is an insanely stupid decision. Not to mention other smaller flaws, like brutal but clunky fight choreography (Captain America: The Winter Soldier this is not), cool but unnecessary characters (John Blake) and as you mentioned an emotional disconnect between the audience and the characters. Nolan’s tendency to make every single thing grounded and gritty, downplaying the superhero elements as much as possible also bugs me a bit, though it is a different stylistic choice that I can still respect.

    I still really enjoy the film, but this time I think the flaws are too prominent to not affect one’s viewing experience. Thus, I believe Rises is the weakest of the trilogy, an A- probably (I’d give Begins an A and The Dark Knight an A or an A+, it’s a close call for me).

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