The Dark Knight Rises

Released: 2012
Action, Fantasy, Drama
Director: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Michael Caine
Running Time: 164 minutes
Rated:PG-13

The breakdown:  This movie takes place 8 years after the death of Harvey Dent and shows how Batman comes back to battle a new deadly threat to Gotham and himself, Bane.

Well, I've been looking forward to another Batman movie since the last one was over in theaters.  I knew no matter what this film would be like, it would be almost impossible to meet expectations because the bar was set so high with the last installment.
This last one is not better than The Dark Knight, but it is a very fine film in its own respect.

Eight years after the death of Harvey Dent, and Batman taking the fall to save Dent's reputation, the movie starts off by showing Bruce Wayne as a complete shut-in.  He's weak physically and mentally and still feels immensely depressed over losing Rachel, the love of his life.
Alfred tries to get him to go out, but Bruce refuses.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Gordon has done such a good job at fighting crime, there's really not too much to speak of, so there's also no need for Batman to come back.
Until, a new threat named Bane comes along and threatens the entire city.  Tom Hardy did some SERIOUS time in the gym to get as big as he is for this role, and he did a very good job.
Everyone did a good job, except for Anne Hathaway.  I was hoping Christopher Nolan could make her act a bit better, but it seems, no one can make her a good actress.  A much better choice would've been someone like Rachel Weisz or Charlize Theron, but we didn't get that lucky.  Unfortunately, for the film, you're only as good as your weakest link, and Hathaway as Catwoman just didn't cut it.  She is supposed to be in shape enough to fight in this movie, and I just can't buy it.  She's skinny and her boots were great, but she can't do fight scenes worth a crap, and just like her acting, she's not convincing.
I was also concerned watching the first 20 minutes of the film, as it seems, clunky and underwhelming.  The first 20 minutes should have been reworked before the release.  But, after that, the film greatly improves with solid acting, and an even more solid plot and ending.
I can't imagine why any critic gave this film a bad review, it's a very good film, and an absolute outstanding film compared to most others released today. 
The ending is a satisfying conclusion to the best superhero movies ever.  Christopher Nolan really made Batman relatable, and human to the rest of us.  I loved the realistic portrayal of the stories that we are all so familiar with, and the passion that is evident of the director's work.

I cannot say enough good things about the series as a whole, but my true adoration will stay with The Dark Knight.  Heath Ledger's performance as The Joker is in a class by itself, and was incredibly strong evidence of what greatness he had inside him.  Simply one of the best performances in a movie I have ever seen personally, and I feel so sad that he had to die just when he was starting to really blossom.  And that movie is not just filled with a great performance, but fantastic directing, and an unbelievably hypnotic story that draws you in and never lets you go for a second, until it's over.  And even then, you continue to think about it after you've left the theaters.
Not only is The Dark Knight the best superhero movie ever, it's one of the best films ever, due to things like rock solid directing, acting, script, special effects, film score, make-up, and plot.

I will miss Batman sure, but all good things must come to an end, and someday, someone will pick up the iconic superhero again and put their own spin on it.  We will just have to wait and see when that day comes along, but in my book, this series is unbeatable.  Though I'm always interested in seeing someone try.

4 1/2 out of 5 for an overall incredible movie.  I would've given it 5 but had to deduct for Anne Hathaway being in it, and the first wobbly 20 minutes.
GO SEE IT!!!!!!