The Dark Knight Rises

UK Release: 20th July 2012

Watched in the Cinema: Wednesday 25th July 2012

Rating: 12A

Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller

Runtime: 2hrs 45mins

Tagline: The Legend Ends

IMDb Plot Synopsis: Despite his tarnished reputation after the events of The Dark Knight, in which he took the rap for Dent's crimes, Batman feels compelled to intervene to assist the city and its police force which is struggling to cope with Bane's plans to destroy the city.

My Review: Where do I begin? I’ve been on a Batman marathon this week, completely absorbed into the thrilling world of Gotham City. And The Dark Knight Rises is one of the best ways you could end the trilogy. 

You could feel the scope from the start. This was going to BIG.

It immediately felt different, a little more gritty and realistic. There were references to the recent class and economic issues - making the stakes feel bigger and higher as we could empathise more.

There’s so much that was excellent: the special effects, the music, the cinematography. But it was Tom Hardy as Bane which stood out as his presence, physically in his muscles and his acting prowess. I for one could hear him almost perfectly, sometimes better than the other actors to be honest!

It was an emotional workout, especially towards the end as there was twist after twist. Even twists on the twists themselves making me slightly confused at times but otherwise I adored the interlinking references from the previous two films - making it feel like a complete body of works. The scenes between Bruce Wayne and Alfred allowed a quiet break from the rest of the action and provided the emotional backbone to the film - returning in importance at the very end. 

As soon as I left the cinema I was just enraptured in the scale of it. Seeing it on the big screen really made a difference. And I imagine it would take a few more watches to pick up on the little nuances. But ultimately it is unmissable entertainment that lifts you up out of your everyday life and into this incredibly thrilling, funny, emotional and beautiful world of Batman. I think I’m a fan...

Score: 9/10