The Dark Knight Rises (2012) - A Review

This world needs heroes. In the wake of the events of Aurora, Colorado, I don't think there would be anyone who could argue that. But I think that the point of Christopher Nolan's Batman movies is very simple: heroes are inside of ourselves and it is up to each of us as individuals to let them loose. Inevitably, when chaos strikes and when bad men like that fuck who killed all of those people yesterday rear their ugly heads it is up to the everyday Joe Schmo to do what he can to protect those who cannot protect themselves. If that means giving it all then we give it all.

Though we may be hopelessly outmatched and outgunned, we've got to try and give it everything we've got.

Of course, that is all easier said than done. Being a hero sure isn't for pussies. But, then again, neither is life where we constantly have the promise of death staring at our faces. I don't think just living is what it takes to be a hero, but living certainly helps. Not too many zombie types are out there...

I rarely watch films on opening day, mostly because I've never had the money and because it is normally chaos.

But I went to the movies because these Batman movies were important to me. Not just the movies in terms of the characters, but what the movies meant and represented was important and it is a message that cannot ever be delivered enough.

I also went because I decided that I could deal with a crowded parking lot. Nothing like a tragedy to make us appreciate the everyday inconveniences of life... Sad to say.

The Dark Knight Rises is one of the best movies I have ever seen and it makes Nolan's Batman Trilogy into probably the most successful trilogy next the original Star Wars movies. But I think these movies are better because I think they have much more meaning.

Eight years after the events of The Dark Knight, Bruce Wayne is in a self-imposed exile and Batman is practically dead and gone. Commissioner Gordon is haunted much like Bruce by the events of the previous movie, the death of Harvey Dent and the cover-up of what he did. Of course, Bruce is also haunted by the death of Rachel.

These two tortured characters are the bare bones of the movie. It is a time of relative peace, but these two just cannot shake the past.

Then Bane enters the picture and the past comes back one more time.

I'm honestly not going to say much more about the movie. I don't want to spoil a shred of this movie.

Instead there are other matters...

Anyone with sense knows that Batman is not to blame for what happened in Aurora. Neither is the Joker. They are only symbols that are supposed to represent ourselves in the best of times and in the darkest of times. We can only blame the people who do bad things and curse ourselves that we could not do more.

These films are about rebuilding ourselves once we have been torn down. We have to get up again after every single blow, whether we are afraid or not.

Very much a post-9/11 sentiment and I applaud Chris Nolan for his vision. Don't let this movie suffer because of a crazy man's actions. This message is important and it is the very thing that people like that stand against.

Remember those that were lost and remember that it is okay to still try to enjoy yourself. Don't be afraid to watch this movie because of his actions.

I believe in the power of film to move audiences and inspire awe. This film will do that to you. Please see it. Honor those victims and see this movie.

P.S. - Anne Hathaway is not as terrible as I thought she would be.