The Official Rate/Review Thread for TDKR (TAG SPOILERS!!!) - Part 3

[Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by I Am The Knight

Agreed on all counts. In fact, I think the movie just sort of falls apart the minute Talia reveals herself

Meh. Only to fanboys who knew Tate was Talia about 8 months before the film was released.

From what I gather, the general movie going audience absolutely loved the reveal and the ending of the film.

I was just in a discussion about the ending with a bunch of family and friends (I have a ton of family and friends who all get together over the Holidays) on Thanksgiving and the reaction to the twist ending was very positive.

Now about 95% of this group are not comic genre fanboys and do not follow the Batman mythos like I do. They all loved the ending and I told them that I knew who Talia from the comics and I kinda knew she would be in this film about 4 months before production started.

One of my cousins said, "ohhh...so you knew who Talia was beforehand cause you follow the comics"?

Then him and a couple of others in the group, said that was a sweet or good way for Nolan to tie everything together with that twist ending.

It's all subjective fellas.

[The Joker]

Originally Posted by MAKAVELI25

IMO it's gotta be TDK.

I think the biggest problem I have with TDKR is how much potential the whole story had, it EASILY should've been the best movie in the trilogy and the conception was all fantastic, but the execution just wasn't great. The whole Batman returning to Gotham think and the cops vs. Bane's men should've been EPIC. Instead we're stuck with about 2/3 minutes of a battle that occurs awkwardly (mercenaries shooting with automatic weapons yet only hitting a couple of cops, Folies death, shoddy choreography) and then a cliche ticking bomb finale with the Bat flying it away. Then there's the unnecessary Robin thing and the even less necessary Bruce faking his death thing. Obviously this is all my opinion,but I actually liked the first act better than the last act.

With TDK, it upends superhero conventions by having the hero not ride away triumphantly at the end. The Joker's capture was where a lot of people (who weren't browsing SHH) thought the film would actually end. Then you get that sickening feeling when you find out Harvey and Rachel have been captured, hospitals start blowing up, Two Face arise, just UTTER CHAOS. I still think that Batman vs. Swat fight is the best scene in the whole trilogy and I love that the actual climax had Batman, Gordon, and Harvey, such a beautiful scene. I love EVERYTHING about the last 20 minutes of the movie, and that speech at the end still gives me goosebumps. I think TDK is not only the best 3rd act in superhero endings, but one of the best in ANY genre

- With TDKR everything was expected, it follows the action movie formula and is somewhat boring in its execution. I literally wasn't surprised or excited by anything that happened in that finale, that TDK ending is glorious though

This is an excellent post

Originally Posted by I Am The Knight

TDK's third act was just epic. It's full of tension, and you feel like anything can happen. Nolan keeps us in this constant state of dread, that TDKR tried to replicate during it's second act, unsuccesfully.

I wouldn't say it was all unsuccessful. When the siege kicks off is really great. Bane's speech outside Blackgate was good, too. But it didn't match the TDK scale in terms of excitement and tension for me.

Agreed on all counts. In fact, I think the movie just sort of falls apart the minute Talia reveals herself

Her existence in her Talia persona is short lived. The movie is practically over by the time she is revealed. Hence why it was impossible for me to even care about her character.

[Brain Damage]

Originally Posted by Anno_Domini

Lol.

Spider-Man 2's third act was AWESOME. Spidey coming back (with that awesome scene where he steals the suit from JJ's office), the train fight, Harry finding out Peter is Spider-Man and then discovering his father's lair, MJ finding out Peter is Spider-Man and then ending the movie with "Go get 'em tiger."

How could you not love it?!

Oh. And let's not forget.

AVVVEEEENGEEE MEEEEHH!!!!!

[Anno_Domini]

I believe Chris was speaking on TDKR being the best 3rd film.

[BlueLightning]

Originally Posted by The Joker

Her existence in her Talia persona is short lived. The movie is practically over by the time she is revealed. Hence why it was impossible for me to even care about her character.

Something similar happened to me, but then I realized they kept talking about "the child from the Pit" many times on the film, and realizing that Talia was her instead of Bane added a lot to her character.

Edit: Also there is that fabulous "Shoot them all" moment.

[I Am The Knight]

Originally Posted by The Joker

I wouldn't say it was all unsuccessful. When the siege kicks off is really great. Bane's speech outside Blackgate was good, too. But it didn't match the TDK scale in terms of excitement and tension for me.

True, I forgot about the speech / Gotham storming montage. That was really good. Too bad we didn't get more of that kind of intensity. Altough I still laugh at "The Peeeeople"

[Aesculapius]

The movie was pretty good, but now that it has been months since I have seen the movie and my view isn't skewed by hype, I can say I lost interest in seeing any more Nolan films after this one, so grats WB?

This movie was cut all wrong. If nothing else it at least needed a better introduction to Bane. I mean when Batman immediately recognizes bane as a crazy threat without really knowing anything about him made no sense at all. They tried to lampshade this when Alfred points out what a complete mess he made, but it really didn't work for me and that is when my suspended disbelief broke so early in the movie. I think that is the most glaring flaw I saw in the movie. Batman loosing his cool just because a guy with a mask showed up seemed... uncharacteristic to say the least.

Also they didn't toy with the morally grey like they did the previous two movies. In the first two the villains stood for something. Ra's was about bringing judgement to the wicked with brutality and rebooting society. A relatable motive that crosses lines most sane people would not. Made him a compelling villain. The Joker also was also a character that struck a chord with the rebellious type. As we all know he represented the idea that life is a joke, and who hasn't wondered that at some point or another? In both, Batman not only overcame the physical threats, but battled these ideologies. In TDKR we have none of that. Bane didn't really stand for anything and Talia was just the things her father stood for plus revenge. I mean yeah, the movie told us that he was a false revolutionary who in the end couldn't be trusted, but it wasn't really shown much. In the end, it only felt like Batman overcame same old same old and some physical challenges. there was no deeper feel to the movie that made the other two movies so great. I think that is what bugs me most.

That said, the movie wasn't bad. In the end it was a good action move. It's just disappointing compared to the other two. If I ever want to watch the movies I'll more likely go for Batman Begins or TDK. I'm not even sure I'm going to buy a copy of TDKR.

[batfreakforever]

Everyone of my friends loved Rises. Nobody complained about not hearing Bane. Talia's death scene, the ending. Nothing. They are all non comic fans. But they do know what Batman is about. They don't know the other characters like bane and talia like we all do. They only get the info that is in the films. And they get the ending. They all know who Robin is. Gordon. Alfred. Why Bruce is Batman etc. Thats the point. Nolan is only giving us info that is for his storys. My Dad of all people loved Rises. Nolan made people who wouldnt give a hoot about comic book films care. And showed the people in my life why Batman/Bruce Wayne is my favorite character. I could'nt ask for anymore.

[spideyboy_1111]

i noticed more batman fans complain about the film, than people who really don't know much about the character.

to me.. this just basically means, they're great movies... but maybe not very perfect in terms of representing everything about the characters as we know them in the comics.

which.. i can actually agree to that

[BatLobsterRises]

Originally Posted by Aesculapius

This movie was cut all wrong. If nothing else it at least needed a better introduction to Bane. I mean when Batman immediately recognizes bane as a crazy threat without really knowing anything about him made no sense at all. They tried to lampshade this when Alfred points out what a complete mess he made, but it really didn't work for me and that is when my suspended disbelief broke so early in the movie. I think that is the most glaring flaw I saw in the movie. Batman loosing his cool just because a guy with a mask showed up seemed... uncharacteristic to say the least.

What do you mean here? Alfred warns Bruce that Bane was mercenary who was trained by Ra's before he ever goes into action. And Bruce is aware that he's got an underground operation going on due to Blake and Gordon. Bruce had plenty of reasons to consider Bane a serious threat to Gotham. A man with Bane's skills and resources doesn't set up shop beneath the streets of Gotham without plans to eventually hit the surface with something big.

[BH/HHH]

There's only two things that bothered me in this film (aside from my opinions on whether it should gave been an end to the series) Matthew Modine as I thought he was terrible in it and Bane's voice just sounded stupid, sometimes really stupid but it's still an awesome film just isn't quite as good as the first two (Begins is still the best IMO). But it does manage to be the first 3rd superhero film to be great and not completely **** on the previous entries (Superman III, Spider-man) 3 etc or radically change (Batman Forever).

[JackWhite]

Originally Posted by spideyboy_1111

i noticed more batman fans complain about the film, than people who really don't know much about the character.

to me.. this just basically means, they're great movies... but maybe not very perfect in terms of representing everything about the characters as we know them in the comics.

which.. i can actually agree to that

I think it was mostly divided within the comic community, but over all well received by the casual movie fan.

Take a look at these "geeks":

VIDEO-CLick to Watch!:

as apposed to this "geek":

VIDEO-CLick to Watch!:

[Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by batfreakforever

Everyone of my friends loved Rises. Nobody complained about not hearing Bane. Talia's death scene, the ending. Nothing. They are all non comic fans. But they do know what Batman is about. They don't know the other characters like bane and talia like we all do. They only get the info that is in the films. And they get the ending. They all know who Robin is. Gordon. Alfred. Why Bruce is Batman etc. Thats the point. Nolan is only giving us info that is for his storys. My Dad of all people loved Rises. Nolan made people who wouldnt give a hoot about comic book films care. And showed the people in my life why Batman/Bruce Wayne is my favorite character. I could'nt ask for anymore.

Bravo!

[jonk]

Originally Posted by Dark Knight

Bravo!

The only things that annoyed me with TDKR were only tiny little annoyances:

1. After such a big build up of Bane being an unstoppable machine, his death was way too quick.

2. The reveal of John Blakes birth name being Robin...I actually enjoyed this, especially considering the approach of him carrying on the Batman mantle. But...shouldn't his name have been Dick Grayson? This felt like it had been dumbed down for the general movie going public.

Other than that, I think the post above says it perfectly. We should all be thankful for what's been achieved through this trilogy.

[Anno_Domini]

Originally Posted by jonk

The only things that annoyed me with TDKR were only tiny little annoyances:

1. After such a big build up of Bane being an unstoppable machine, his death was way too quick.

But it took a canon missile shot right into the chest to stop this unstoppable machine, who was still human.

2. The reveal of John Blakes birth name being Robin...I actually enjoyed this, especially considering the approach of him carrying on the Batman mantle. But...shouldn't his name have been Dick Grayson? This felt like it had been dumbed down for the general movie going public.

Other than that, I think the post above says it perfectly. We should all be thankful for what's been achieved through this trilogy.

Nolan's Robin was this combination of all three of the first Robins(Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake) by giving nods and references to all three, so that's why his name was simply Robin.

[TheSymbol]

Great film 10/10

[Fudgie]

Originally Posted by Aesculapius

The movie was pretty good, but now that it has been months since I have seen the movie and my view isn't skewed by hype, I can say I lost interest in seeing any more Nolan films after this one, so grats WB?

This movie was cut all wrong. If nothing else it at least needed a better introduction to Bane. I mean when Batman immediately recognizes bane as a crazy threat without really knowing anything about him made no sense at all. They tried to lampshade this when Alfred points out what a complete mess he made, but it really didn't work for me and that is when my suspended disbelief broke so early in the movie. I think that is the most glaring flaw I saw in the movie. Batman loosing his cool just because a guy with a mask showed up seemed... uncharacteristic to say the least.

Also they didn't toy with the morally grey like they did the previous two movies. In the first two the villains stood for something. Ra's was about bringing judgement to the wicked with brutality and rebooting society. A relatable motive that crosses lines most sane people would not. Made him a compelling villain. The Joker also was also a character that struck a chord with the rebellious type. As we all know he represented the idea that life is a joke, and who hasn't wondered that at some point or another? In both, Batman not only overcame the physical threats, but battled these ideologies. In TDKR we have none of that. Bane didn't really stand for anything and Talia was just the things her father stood for plus revenge. I mean yeah, the movie told us that he was a false revolutionary who in the end couldn't be trusted, but it wasn't really shown much. In the end, it only felt like Batman overcame same old same old and some physical challenges. there was no deeper feel to the movie that made the other two movies so great. I think that is what bugs me most.

That said, the movie wasn't bad. In the end it was a good action move. It's just disappointing compared to the other two. If I ever want to watch the movies I'll more likely go for Batman Begins or TDK. I'm not even sure I'm going to buy a copy of TDKR.

Love this review.

[C. Lee]

I got to watch TDKR for the first time this morning. I can't say I hate it, there were good things in it.....but I can't say I like it either. There were several major things that just turned me off. For me, it was a disappointment.

[The Joker]

Originally Posted by C. Lee

I got to watch TDKR for the first time this morning. I can't say I hate it, there were good things in it.....but I can't say I like it either. There were several major things that just turned me off. For me, it was a disappointment.

Hey Lee, I'm interested to know what are some of the major things that turned you off?

[webs]

After all these months saw it again.. Loved it..!! Looking forward to the next interpretation of Batman..!!

[Bane Cook]

Originally Posted by Aesculapius

The movie was pretty good, but now that it has been months since I have seen the movie and my view isn't skewed by hype, I can say I lost interest in seeing any more Nolan films after this one, so grats WB?

This movie was cut all wrong. If nothing else it at least needed a better introduction to Bane. I mean when Batman immediately recognizes bane as a crazy threat without really knowing anything about him made no sense at all. They tried to lampshade this when Alfred points out what a complete mess he made, but it really didn't work for me and that is when my suspended disbelief broke so early in the movie. I think that is the most glaring flaw I saw in the movie. Batman loosing his cool just because a guy with a mask showed up seemed... uncharacteristic to say the least.

Also they didn't toy with the morally grey like they did the previous two movies. In the first two the villains stood for something. Ra's was about bringing judgement to the wicked with brutality and rebooting society. A relatable motive that crosses lines most sane people would not. Made him a compelling villain. The Joker also was also a character that struck a chord with the rebellious type. As we all know he represented the idea that life is a joke, and who hasn't wondered that at some point or another? In both, Batman not only overcame the physical threats, but battled these ideologies. In TDKR we have none of that. Bane didn't really stand for anything and Talia was just the things her father stood for plus revenge. I mean yeah, the movie told us that he was a false revolutionary who in the end couldn't be trusted, but it wasn't really shown much. In the end, it only felt like Batman overcame same old same old and some physical challenges. there was no deeper feel to the movie that made the other two movies so great. I think that is what bugs me most.

That said, the movie wasn't bad. In the end it was a good action move. It's just disappointing compared to the other two. If I ever want to watch the movies I'll more likely go for Batman Begins or TDK. I'm not even sure I'm going to buy a copy of TDKR.

Bruce did know what a threat Bane was. He found out his background with the League and saw him fight on camera and saw how good he was. He knew he was going to have to step it up. "I'll fight harder. I always have." But of course Bruce thinks he can beat Bane because Bruce has never been beaten. And one more quote, "If this man is everything you say he is, then this city needs me." That sounds like a guy who knows it's serious.

Originally Posted by Anno_Domini

But it took a canon missile shot right into the chest to stop this unstoppable machine, who was still human.

Yea, isn't it a compliment to what a force he is when it takes a CANON to stop him? lol

Originally Posted by Dark Knight

Meh. Only to fanboys who knew Tate was Talia about 8 months before the film was released.

From what I gather, the general movie going audience absolutely loved the reveal and the ending of the film.

I was just in a discussion about the ending with a bunch of family and friends (I have a ton of family and friends who all get together over the Holidays) on Thanksgiving and the reaction to the twist ending was very positive.

Now about 95% of this group are not comic genre fanboys and do not follow the Batman mythos like I do. They all loved the ending and I told them that I knew who Talia from the comics and I kinda knew she would be in this film about 4 months before production started.

One of my cousins said, "ohhh...so you knew who Talia was beforehand cause you follow the comics"?

Then him and a couple of others in the group, said that was a sweet or good way for Nolan to tie everything together with that twist ending.

It's all subjective fellas.

Every single one of my friends, family, and people I know in person has said they really like it. Literally the only place I hear people complain and say they didn't like it is people on forums and on youtube. And of the 4 times I've seen it in theaters everybody was leaving hyped and with a smile on their face from what I could see.

Originally Posted by The Joker

I wouldn't say it was all unsuccessful. When the siege kicks off is really great. Bane's speech outside Blackgate was good, too. But it didn't match the TDK scale in terms of excitement and tension for me.

Oddly enough, I thought the exact opposite thing about TDK. The last bit of that movie I was thinking, "This is long and should have been over already." With the TDKR I was on the edge of my chair at the end. In TDK the only spots I felt that were unpredictable and let me on the edge of my seat were pretty much the early scenes with the Joker(not the last one). They were creepy as hell. The whole swat team in the building/Ferries/Harvey Dent didn't do much for me. When Bane and Batman started to fight the second time, and Bane throws a combination to start off the fight knocking Batman back and forth violently, I remember thinking, "He's going to get f***ed up." I remember being so, "there," or "present" during the last act. When Batman starts to gain the advantage in the second fight and kicks Bane through the glass door I got such a huge adrenaline spike. I probably would have stood up if I wasn't in public. lol

[The Joker]

That is odd considering a common complaint for Rises is that it's too long and drawn out.

https://www.google.ie/#hl=en&tbo=d&s...w=1600&bih=754

Whereas with TDK, it was just right, IMO.

[JackWhite]

Eh, there were still complaints that TDK was a little too long also - Kermode and Roeper to name a few. I remember a few weeks before TDKR was released, during the early screenings; people said it flew by extremely fast.

It's funny though, because I wish TDKR was a little longer to flesh out some minor details/plot points.

I'm a sucker for long winded films though.

[The Joker]

Any complaints about TDK being too long were few and far between.

Btw Roeper never said it was too long;

http://www.richardroeper.com/reviews/thedarkknight.aspx

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdADVQltYpM

In fact he said the total opposite. He said it was the fastest 2 and half hours ever, and he never felt once that they could cut anything out of it.

[JackWhite]

I could have sworn he mentioned it being a little long, very well then.