Review: The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

It isn't definitely the best movie of 2012 till date but it is not far from it either. I know it sounds confusing but that is how you are left with when you want to decide how the movie is.

Christopher Nolan, probably an upcoming legend, has masterfully created the end of the series in The Dark Knight Rises (TDKR) so that the fans do not get upset. However, if it wasn't for the way certain scenes were shot or if it wasn't for Tom Hardy or even Hans Zimmer, TDKR would have been a serious letdown.

Most of the premiere/first day watchers went gaga about TDKR in the social networks which naturally and intentionally yet unintentionally created a hype. A hype which took the expectations to another level because after The Dark Knight, Nolan gave a different and dark dimension to a comic book series. I knew if I went in with the same high, I wouldn't get satisfied. So I chose to see an average flick.

Hans Zimmer's music was THE thing that made a difference. Even though, at most places it was just the looped score running, it pumped up the adrenaline and took you to the edge of the seat. The "Deshi Deshi..Basarah Basarah" (meaning of which is explained in the movie) was made heard in all frames. It sure brought Goosebumps.

Tom Hardy, one of the many Inception artistes who make a comeback in TDKR, also adds weight to the difference. His voice, which was supposedly made unhearable only to bring audiences back to the theatres, was very clear whenever he addressed the public. A wanted initiative maybe. He plays Bane, the toughest opponent of Batman till date. He's muscular and scary, scary enough for Batman to fear.

The one thing which I never understand why is that characters who know to converse well in English start by speaking in some random language and then towards the end of the movie switch to english all of a sudden just to energize the  hero. Please make me understand why.

The movie's got most of the navarasas of cinema. There is plenty of drama and emotions.

Few minutes into the movie and you ask yourself, "Did I pay so much to watch this?" and that is precisely when Nolan starts answering your question. At the end of the movie, you get bowled over by his narration of the end of the Batman saga. There could not be a better and fitting end to this version of Bruce Wayne.

There are many impossible situations and sequences but since it is a superhero (like) movie, you can overlook them but no one makes a perfect movie, come on!

Marion Cotillard is deadly and hot. Coming from her eccentric role in Inception, a welcome change in TDKR is enough to entice you. Anne Hathaway is stylish as catwoman. Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine support Bale throughout just like in the previous installements. Gary Oldman does a decent job too.

Christopher Nolan's Inception could be called one of the best movies he's made but definitely not TDKR, even TDK but not TDKR. No.

Somewhere, and also as my friend quoted, the ending seemed like Angels and Demons. I know it is difficult to agree. But even in a different perpective, the ending was quite predictable. No innovation here. It does lead to an anti-climax. But it does makes you say "Wow" when the credits start rolling out.

A long movie this, but for Nolan fans it is nothing new. It grips you to your seat, yes but not always. Nothing that could be made different. It is after all Nolan's cinema and I'm sure there is a reason for everything. Watch TDKR and get baffled. Watch the legend come to an end.

Rating: 3.5/5

The Dark Knight Rises: And falls!