FILM REVIEW: "The Dark Knight Rises"

[Rachel Galvin]

By Cinema Dave Montalbano

www.AdventuresofCinemaDave.com

There was no denying the edgy anticipation for the first showing of **The Dark Knight Rises** at the Museum of Discovery IMAX Theater last Friday afternoon.  After the horrendous news from Aurora, Colorado, management and ushers were serious - but happy to see everyone show up for their sold-out screening.  They acknowledged the police officers and they also mentioned that there were undercover police officers in the audience. Audience safety was paramount concern. 

Marketing & Communications Director Marlene Janetos then asked for a moment of silence before the film began. Thus when the film began, the elephant was out of the auditorium and the audience felt safe to enjoy the most anticipated film of the year. Guilt free.

Like Marvel’s The Avengers, Christopher Nolan’s "The Dark Knight Rises" managed to live up to unrealistic expectations.  With new characters like Bane (Tom Hardy) and Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway) added to the mix, this Dark Knight film stands on its own.  Yet a review of "Batman Begins" will provide extra pleasure which broadens character motivations.

There is a human element that director Christopher Nolan has captured in this comic book mythology.  It is also worth noting that in the end credits, actor Christian Bale is listed as Bruce Wayne, not Batman.  Unlike the campy Adam West "Batman" from 46 years ago, this Bruce Wayne is closer to John Wayne realism.

A man seasoned by violence since childhood, Bruce Wayne is weary from his previous battles.  Peace has come to Gotham City, but at the cost of the souls of Bruce Wayne and Police Commissioner Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman), who thought it was better to glorify a false legend than to face the truth. 

Reality kicks back when Master Terrorist Bane arrives. A mastermind and first class monster, Bane organizes his army of criminals and unleashes inferno upon the citizens of Gotham.  Unlike the mentally unbalanced adversaries of the previous movies, Bruce Wayne faces his most dangerous and disciplined challenge yet.   

The themes about politics, violence and criminology are deep with well balanced arguments. However this is not a doctorate dissertation, this film is a human story behind the masks. Clocking in at two and three-quarter hours, "The Dark Knight Rises" is pure cinematic popcorn eating escapism best seen on the big screen.