The Dark Knight Rises TDKR Reviews/Reactions (SPOILERS/Read At Your Own Risk) (NO DISCUSSION!)

[DarthSkywalker]

Outside of a small period early in the film, which felt too short and needed a bit longer to breathe, I absolutely loved it. All the big moments were nailed. Bruce, Bane, Selina, Blake and Gordon were all terrific. Watching Bruce and Selina flirt was so much fun.

I remember reading someone saying that the Bane/Batman fights were underwhelming. I honestly don't understand that at all. Both fights had layers and stories to them, almost like a truly great boxing match. They were out of this world and are probably my two favorite fights I can remember on film right now, especially the first fight. Bane was a crazy beast and no wonder you-know-who didn't trust him.

The Bat blew me away. I didn't expect it to look as beautiful as it did on film.

All I can say against it is it probably needed to be a little longer and Bane's voice felt overdubbed a few times.

 

[ntbone]

my first impression of the film. its a great film. i don't think it's as good as Batman Begins, or The Dark Knight, but it is still a great film. I wholeheartedly agree with this review from /Film:

http://www.slashfilm.com/germains-review-the-dark-knight-rises-conclusion-classic-film-trilogy/

Also, I want to add my own two cents. Regarding John Blake,

Spoiler

I liked that he had been inspired by Batman, and I was even expecting him to become Batman by the end of the film (Bruce kept talking to him about Batman being a symbol that anyone could be, and to wear a mask... yeah, we get it), but the whole "Robin" thing, I thought was unnecessary and patronizing. Also, he wasn't a badass, and only got in one fight towards the end of the movie. It felt like they had potential, but didn't go very far with his character.

Regarding Bane,

Spoiler

He was a decent antagonist, and the fight scenes were hella awesome, but what was the motivation for destroying Gotham? Both him and Talia said that they were fulfilling Ras Al Guhl's legacy, but Gotham wasn't even corrupt or riddled with crime any more. They made it sound like the League of Shadows' only job was to destroy Gotham, and that's not the vibe I got from Batman Begins. In BB, Ras/Ducard wanted to destroy Gotham because of its corruption, which they made clear at the beginning of TDKR wasn't a problem in the city anymore. I just wasn't feeling the motive for destroying the city.

Oh, and a big thing: his death was VERY anti-climactic! He's terrorizing Gotham the whole movie, kicking Batman's ass, killing innocent people, and then he gets shot by the batpod. I didn't even think he was dead, I figured he'd come back or something. Pretty disappointed with that.

Regarding Selina,

Spoiler

I felt like this whole character was weak. Hathaway pulled it off nicely, but what was the point? A catburgler that time and time agains betrays Bruce Wayne, but he "sees something in her"? I think she was just eye candy, and they could have done better with her. She was a badass, and that was really her only strong point.

Gordon was a badass though. Loved his character in this one.

Loved the Bat. And I liked the ending, even though it was predictable.

So, upon first viewing (in Imax, back-to-back with the other movies) I don't think it's as good, but it was a fitting ending to the Bruce Wayne saga, as they promised.

 

[jb007]

Aaaahhhhh but, John Blake is a set up character for the series to contiune.

 

[Viciousjay]

Call me crazy and i like Nolan's work but it just seems that he took an iconic character and basically pulled the rug out from under him. Honestly i would have liked an ending like Begins....

 

[DarthSkywalker]

Call me crazy and i like Nolan's work but it just seems that he took an iconic character and basically pulled the rug out from under him. Honestly i would have liked an ending like Begins....

The ending was a direct reference to the entire reason why Bruce created Batman in the first place, so I don't really see how that makes sense. It was a nature conclusion.

 

[Viciousjay]

The ending was a direct reference to the entire reason why Bruce created Batman in the first place, so I don't really see how that makes sense. It was a nature conclusion.

to you it makes sense but really it goes further then that, hard to explain without discussion so i guess i have to stop here

 

[Grommers]

Amazing ending - I would love to have that batman statue in my back yard .

I understand the complaints, although I have to disagree. It's not like this movie was bad in any sort of way. The acting, story, and even the twists were good, they would have been better had I not known about them. (damn these forums and the spoilers we found out earlier on.)

Now - I never could understand the complaints about the joker not being in it, and I agree there was moments where his character could of really shined in a movie like this one. He was also the only main character that didnt make a cameo. However, I don't feel that took away from the movie, and his inclusions would of only added but it no way in hell took away from the movie.

Bane was a monster - born and bred. Truly frightening from fight style to size. He truly seemed fearsome.

Now about the ending with

Spoiler

Robin - I never once felt he was going to become batman. That's the point hes a symbol. I'd have to imagine he'd be more like nightwing. Someone different, probably not as effective. Obviously he'd have a lot to work on, and wouldn't of had the same training as Bruce. But it's the symbol that mattered. And obviously batmans symbol would keep carrying on.

Overall honestly a 9.5/10. Hans Zimmer did an amazing stellar job.

My only issue was miranda Tate.

Spoiler

Bruce seemed to let her into his life no problem and almost fall in love immediately, I would of liked some sort of build up, or some "similarities" to rachel (whether genuine or not.) showing how manipulative tate could be.

 

[Batman137]

I LOVED how Hans Zimmer used a lot of Batman Begins music.

 

[Denver]

I can't believe Nolan gave what he did to those of who were looking forward to this movie for 4 years!!! I felt the same disgust I had when I watched Spider-man 3 again - it was nowhere near as bad as that, but we all came to expect much better from Nolan.
One plot hole, when Gordon etc. where walking on thin ice and Batman shows up, he chooses to light the flare on the ice?? And there were so many WTF moments I had even upon watching this once that I'm afraid to see it again... And to this day after seeing Batman Begins and TDK countless times I still get amazed at how much they crammed in those movies that was just mind-blowing.... took the day off to see this again on Imax in a couple hrs... but the JGL ending was the biggest F U to those of us who believed that Bruce Wayne's journey would end on a high note - he could have just been a skinny beat cop instead of being trained by Ra's al Ghul etc., travelling the world for almost a decade, and going through hell with the Joker... Gah this movie took a big giant dump in my brain last night. I hope it improves as I watch it more.
I did of course love the score, the scale of the movie was impressive on every level, and the acting was top notch, but the plot wasn't there for me after the first screening...

 

[Brem]

Well, that was enjoyable. If I had only one complaint about the film, I felt it went by a little too fast early on. This is the same problem I had with The Dark Knight, and a similar problem I had with Inception. It feels like there are a lot of short scenes with a short discussion, then we move on to the next scene and as quickly as that began we're moving on again.

Other than that, though, it was great. Brilliant ending, superb soundtrack and I was really excited during the first Bane vs. Batman fight.

I just wish, like some people have said, they needed to give things more time to sink in. But, it's the same problem I had with The Dark Knight and Inception, so I'm sure by a second viewing or a third I'll be fine with it. It probably didn't help the sound in my local cinema, again, made things difficult to hear. So you didn't hear every word being said.

 

[MagnarTheGreat]

[blackout]I can't believe Nolan gave what he did to those of who were looking forward to this movie for 4 years!!! I felt the same disgust I had when I watched Spider-man 3 again - it was nowhere near as bad as that, but we all came to expect much better from Nolan.
One plot hole, when Gordon etc. where walking on thin ice and Batman shows up, he chooses to light the flare on the ice?? And there were so many WTF moments I had even upon watching this once that I'm afraid to see it again... And to this day after seeing Batman Begins and TDK countless times I still get amazed at how much they crammed in those movies that was just mind-blowing.... took the day off to see this again on Imax in a couple hrs... but the JGL ending was the biggest F U to those of us who believed that Bruce Wayne's journey would end on a high note - he could have just been a skinny beat cop instead of being trained by Ra's al Ghul etc., travelling the world for almost a decade, and going through hell with the Joker... Gah this movie took a big giant dump in my brain last night. I hope it improves as I watch it more.
I did of course love the score, the scale of the movie was impressive on every level, and the acting was top notch, but the plot wasn't there for me after the first screening...[/blackout]

There were problems behind the scenes, I feel it in my bones. Maybe one day we'll get the dirt on what really happened during the pre-production and after. It's not as bad as Spider-Man 3...but overall not as good as Nolan's last 4 films.

 

[Yurka]

Loved alot of it, didn't like alot of it, especially parts of the ending. No where close to as good an ending as Inception or Dark Knight IMO, I didn't get choked up at all. More to come later when I have more time....

 

[Denver]

I've been thinking about this - this movie reminds me of Blade 3!! It has the laziness that David Goyer showed in that smeered all over it - could it be he was too focused on Superman much like he was on BB during Blade 3??
I loved that Nolan's world allowed us to see some really unbelievable things in a real world setting, and part of why the first 2 succeeded greatly was because that's the part that we as fans enjoyed the most - but this one just stretches that to unacceptable levels - and this is only on a first screening reaction on my part.
I'm still shocked and disgusted at that whole "Robin" fiasco - I really those a gent like Nolan would have had more class than slinging something so half-baked at those of us who waited so long for this - and to use that as a final ending scene makes me very disappointed to say the least. It should have ended at least with the scene with Bruce and Alfred because it is the culmination their collective journey.
Speaking of Alfred, I absolutely love Michael Caine's Alfred - but where the F did he go and why didn't he express concern knowing Gotham was in ruins?? And did he think became of Bruce?? It totally ruined the caring father figure role they built for him in the first 2 for me - after one argument he washes his hands of Bruce for good?? Rubbish. And for the love of anything that's good, why again did Bruce hand over the mantle to a skinny beat cop when he didn't want imposters, for good reason, in TDK??

 

[WiseBrook]

There were problems behind the scenes, I feel it in my bones. Maybe one day we'll get the dirt on what really happened during the pre-production and after. It's not as bad as Spider-Man 3...but overall not as good as Nolan's last 4 films.

I had a strange feeling watching it, something like this would make sense. It felt like some parts were great, then others were just thrown together.

 

[Denver]

BTW I want to apologize for venting to those of you who enjoyed this on the first screening - I myself hope I change my mind after seeing this again and again which I will do - but I just didn't leave the theater feeling satisfied the way I did with the first 2.
Too many plot holes for my liking - I appreciate they wanted to circle back to all of the plot threads they started but they really didn't - Coleman Reese, the imposter Batmen, Ra's and the League weren't properly addressed (they went from being ninjas to mercenaries??), the way Alfred told Bruce about Rachel was completely unsatisfying to me after the iconic scene in TDK "when people need to have their faith rewarded"... and Alfred himself in effect destroys the only thing Bruce now has faith in?? Gah.

 

[batbax]

Yeah.. I said after seeing it that it was meant to be either two movies or a lot of it ended up in the cutting room floor. The original script was 400 pages. Something tells me this movie may have been served by including most of it. Something strang was done to the script I'm certain of it. Somewhere in this film is an absolute masterpiece.

 

[wootbaby]

It's 5:55 in the morning, I'm not sure what to think of this movie right now and first and foremost...that's utterly sad considering the high amount of hope I had for this film.


Let me start this off by saying, I REALLY think I need more viewings of this movie...perhaps to let some parts that rubbed me the wrong way soak in better and me have a clearer vison. I liked it but it all really comes down to this...

Spoiler

I REALLY disliked John Blake and how things ended up. I think it's a really piss on the franchise to have the possibility of Blake's character taking up the role of the Bat..which DOES NOT make sense with the marketing of the film with the "legend ending."

What was really the point of having Blake come into the Batcave at all? I felt that his character was in the movie WAY too much and could have benefited the film more with being completely written off, giving the Bruce Wayne struggle to deal with Bane's fight so much more compelling...

PLEASE, someone explain why this works for you at all so you can help me better understand it. Cause I've been in a four hour discussion with my brother about it...and we're still not digging it.

I didn't like Blake either but Batman needed a successor. He couldn't have left if the city still needed him. In this Nolan was handcuffed... either Batman had to DIE or he had to leave the city in someone's hands. In fact because of the autopilot nonsense and the fact that Blake existed, I realized immediately that Batman didn't die. The only reason Nolan would have to kill him is to allow him to exit Gotham

At first glance I thought that fact that Robin exist kind of made the entire trilogy useless. I mean what did Batman accomplish? There's still crime all those years later and it's like Batman never existed if the city needs another Batman.

But a lot of critics talked about how the entire trilogy was one long movie and taken in that context it makes sense.

The first hint is the ferry scene in the 2nd movie when Deebo steps up to take responsibility and refuse to let the ferries blow up. The second hint is the end of the movie when Batman takes the fall for Dent.

First is the idea that Bruce was WRONG. He isn't as unique as he thought. Individuals will stand up as protectors. Even if Batman leaves, brave individuals will continue the fight. Even in a place like a prison barge individual men will stand up. Second is how a LIE cannot in fact heal the city. The 3 movies are Bruce trying different things, in the first he tries to use himself as a symbol but that fails... all that does is create freaks in hockey pads shooting up criminals. In the 2nd he tries to use Dent as a symbol but that fails as well... because it's based on a lie. In this movie Bruce realizes that he's just a link in the chain... it's not to become a symbol to emulate or to hold up a false symbol but to inspire in that ONE INDIVIDUAL the courage and means to be the next link in the chain.

The message of the TRILOGY which I don't think anyone has realized on this entire messageboard is that these Batman movies are NOT ABOUT BATMAN. It's not about Batman saving Gotham and getting rid of crime and the end. It's about BRUCE WAYNE finding peace with his parents' deaths. It is ONE JOURNEY with a beginning, middle and end. Bruce tries to solve his own pain by trying to heal the city and save the entire world. But he realizes that not only can he not do that it's not his duty to do that. He learns to do what he can do when he can do it but realize that he cannot "avenge" their deaths that way. He can do it by living his life as his father would have wanted.

This brings up a point about Talia's motivations. With classical structure she is the mirror of Bruce. Like him her parent was murdered. Like Bruce she tries to take revenge. But in the end while echoing his pathology she cannot move past it, as Bruce can and she fails.

 

[WiseBrook]

BTW I want to apologize for venting to those of you who enjoyed this on the first screening - I myself hope I change my mind after seeing this again and again which I will do - but I just didn't leave the theater feeling satisfied the way I did with the first 2.
Too many plot holes for my liking - I appreciate they wanted to circle back to all of the plot threads they started but they really didn't - Coleman Reese, the imposter Batmen, Ra's and the League weren't properly addressed (they went from being ninjas to mercenaries??), the way Alfred told Bruce about Rachel was completely unsatisfying to me after the iconic scene in TDK "when people need to have their faith rewarded"... and Alfred himself in effect destroys the only thing Bruce now has faith in?? Gah.

Dont apologize, there were times when I wanted to walk out of the theater I waited 10 hours to get into. I heard another person afterwords say the same thing. I literally said F--- You out loud when Blakes name was Robin.

 

[wootbaby]

BTW I want to apologize for venting to those of you who enjoyed this on the first screening - I myself hope I change my mind after seeing this again and again which I will do - but I just didn't leave the theater feeling satisfied the way I did with the first 2.
Too many plot holes for my liking - I appreciate they wanted to circle back to all of the plot threads they started but they really didn't - Coleman Reese, the imposter Batmen, Ra's and the League weren't properly addressed (they went from being ninjas to mercenaries??), the way Alfred told Bruce about Rachel was completely unsatisfying to me after the iconic scene in TDK "when people need to have their faith rewarded"... and Alfred himself in effect destroys the only thing Bruce now has faith in?? Gah.

That's easy. The league that Bane runs isn't really the league. Ra's league were ninjas and activists. Bane uses the name but he was excommunicated and Ras died. He probably collected some of the stragglers after Ras died and the league fell apart and hired even more mercs. He calls it the league but really it's a far cry. He probably can't even train them the way that Ras did. Ras had actual ninjas. Banes guys just run around with machine guns shooting **** up.

I imagine that after Ras died they lost most of their power influence and funding. Bane has them working for scumbags as mercs to keep them afloat.

Much like in olden times when a ruler fell his generals would become bandits and mercs to keep their men fed and under his control.

 

[DeaDheaD]

I didn't like Blake either but Batman needed a successor. He couldn't have left if the city still needed him. In this Nolan was handcuffed... either Batman had to DIE or he had to leave the city in someone's hands. In fact because of the autopilot nonsense and the fact that Blake existed, I realized immediately that Batman didn't die. The only reason Nolan would have to kill him is to allow him to exit Gotham

At first glance I thought that fact that Robin exist kind of made the entire trilogy useless. I mean what did Batman accomplish? There's still crime all those years later and it's like Batman never existed if the city needs another Batman.

But a lot of critics talked about how the entire trilogy was one long movie and taken in that context it makes sense.

The first hint is the ferry scene in the 2nd movie when Deebo steps up to take responsibility and refuse to let the ferries blow up. The second hint is the end of the movie when Batman takes the fall for Dent.

First is the idea that Bruce was WRONG. He isn't as unique as he thought. Individuals will stand up as protectors. Even if Batman leaves, brave individuals will continue the fight. Even in a place like a prison barge individual men will stand up. Second is how a LIE cannot in fact heal the city. The 3 movies are Bruce trying different things, in the first he tries to use himself as a symbol but that fails... all that does is create freaks in hockey pads shooting up criminals. In the 2nd he tries to use Dent as a symbol but that fails as well... because it's based on a lie. In this movie Bruce realizes that he's just a link in the chain... that after him another will come and carry on the fight.

The message of the TRILOGY which I don't think anyone has realized on this entire messageboard is that these Batman movies are NOT ABOUT BATMAN. It's not about Batman saving Gotham and getting rid of crime and the end. It's about BRUCE WAYNE finding peace with his parents' deaths. It is ONE JOURNEY with a beginning, middle and end. Bruce tries to solve his own pain by trying to heal the city and save the entire world. But he realizes that not only can he not do that it's not his duty to do that. He learns to do what he can do when he can do it but realize that he cannot "avenge" their deaths that way. He can do it by living his life as his father would have wanted.

This brings up a point about Talia's motivations. With classical structure she is the mirror of Bruce. Like him her parent was murdered. Like Bruce she tries to take revenge. But in the end while echoing his pathology she cannot move past it, as Bruce can and she fails.

This is great point....well said.

My opinion only differs in that I believe this is about both Bruce moving on and Gotham being able to survive without him. Batman is what facilitates them both happening.

 

[wootbaby]

This is great point....well said.

My opinion only differs in that I believe this is about both Bruce moving on and Gotham being able to survive without him. Batman is what facilitates them both happening.

yup I agree with that. Batman does "save" the city in a way in that he is the first link in that chain.

you assume that it WILL get better, just not in Bruce's lifetime. for example Blake doesn't believe hiding behind a mask and as demonstrated with those kids, he's more of a leader and an open person.

maybe his techniques as Robin (nightwing) moves the chain forward in a way that Bruce with his issues could not.

 

[twostep]

Very good film. Don't think it quite lived up to expectations, but since my expectations were for it to be the most amazing greatest film of all time that's not necessarily a bad thing.

I thought that Hathaway and JGL were the best performances. Tom Hardy was good but he was so limited by the mask. His voice was weird too - like it was projected from a intercom in whatever room he was in. But the severity and intensity of his fights were awesome. The beat down he puts on Batman the first time is frightening - when he keeps pounding on his broken skull.

Hathaway was tremendous IMO. I loved how they made her a "clever" fighter and the bar scene was very cool. I thought it was a bit of a plothole that we never got to learn how she got her equip or where she learned to fight like she did.

JGL was great. I think that one glaring aspect of the difference between this Robin and Batman is that Officer Blake actually killed a few people in the film. So as he takes up the mantle, he'll have a much different set of rules to play by. Plus he's a trained cop and not ninja. But his performance was great I thought and ther was something very real and believable about how he carried that shotgun.

I think my disappointment was that there were no surprises really. Sure, the Talia reveal with Bane as her 'protector' was a twist, as was "Robin John Blake" but I really wanted a Batpod eject from the tumbler moment. The Bat pretty much did exactly what the commercials show and nothing more. The emp gun turned off some lights.

lastly, I think I spoiled the movie for myself a bit by reading these forums for the last year. There wasn't much I hadn't figured out or assumed already.

 

[Denver]

That's easy. The league that Bane runs isn't really the league. Ra's league were ninjas and activists. Bane uses the name but he was excommunicated and Ras died. He probably collected some of the stragglers after Ras died and the league fell apart and hired even more mercs. He calls it the league but really it's a far cry. He probably can't even train them the way that Ras did. Ras had actual ninjas. Banes guys just run around with machine guns shooting **** up.

I imagine that after Ras died they lost most of their power influence and funding. Bane has them working for scumbags as mercs to keep them afloat.

Much like in olden times when a ruler fell his generals would become bandits and mercs to keep their men fed and under his control.

Yeah thats what I thought last night as well - then when Talia showed up I thought that this is the same League that Ra's had? But more important than that - who the F were Alfred's sources about Bane and the League??
And why did the cops let Bane and his men languish in the sewers for months without doing a thing about it after they attempted to kill the police commissioner especially??? Gah! Sorry, there were things that seemed borderline unintelligible to me - I expected so much more from the creative team. If another team did it, it would have been great, but for this team... everything from Alfred to Commissioner Gordon acting like a bumbling moron at times (I honestly thought he secretly knew Bruce was Batman especially after the Lamborghini scene in TDK), to that Robin fiasco - gah. They should have shifted the scene with Bruce and Alfred to the very end at least.

 

[munchie64]

The cops thought Jim was crazy. Talking about a "masked man".

 

[AvengeME]

The Dark Knight Rises was probably the best film I have ever seen. Definitely the best of the genre and the best in the past decade or so. The only bad part is it is now over and there is nothing to look forward too. Like anything else that has a beginning.