“The Dark Knight Rises (2012)” Review

Your punishment must be more severe.

Why did I watch it?

Because I’m an incurable completist. And a masochist.

Did it meet expectations?

It’s actually better than the other two Nolan/Bale Batman films. It’s better paced and better structured; every plot twist is well signposted and while there are no surprises it’s more satisfying when the groundwork is thorough. There’s a better balance, too, between the serious tone and the actual story. I can forgive it borrowing its opening from Licence to Kill.

There’s an effort to tie in plot points from the two previous films, and to more or less wrap things up. I almost feel it’s a pity this is the last film, just as they are getting the hang of it.

Almost, but not quite.

You should watch it if…

  • You’re going to watch any of the Nolan Batmans.

You shouldn’t watch it if…

  • You’re hoping for something of the quality of Inception, Nolan’s previous film to this.

Up next: Bridge of Spies (2015)

About Simon Wood

Lecturer in medical education, lapsed mathematician, Doctor Who fan and garden railway builder. See simonwood.info for more...

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