Wednesday 1 August 2012

Dark Knight Rises Review

The Dark Knight Rises Review.
by Jack Dean.


So, you're probably expecting that I'll be so far up Christopher Nolan's arse during this review that I'll be able to taste his prostate?  You'd be correct.  Also, you might be expecting a conventional review with all the correct film termonology jargon, well, not entirely, I talk a lot of shit too.
However, I will attempt to let you know just how brilliant this film was in as fewer words as I see fit.  Oh, and don't worry, there's no spoilers.

OK, did the film have it's flaws?  Not really.  My only fault would be that in the opening half hour, I felt the pace to be a little slow, and certain scenes perhaps a bit rushed. Especially during a stand-off between Gotham's police and Batman in which Batman endures no struggle, and gets away with ease, which came as an early anti-climax.   But once Nolan put his foot down, my God, did the film became a specular. 

The film opens with a brilliantly tense plane scene, which has nothing but incredibly witty dialogue and introduces a certain someone villain on par, or perhaps better than when we first set eyes on The Joker back in 2008.  Once the film gets going, everything is perfect.  Every scene is needed, and despite being 2 hours and 45 minutes long, I never felt like I wanted the film to wrap-up.  The usual Nolan techniques of bending film convention were intact, and no end was left loose when the film concluded.  Many expected a reference (however small) to that of The Joker, especially during the cities downfall, whilst in the hands of Bane. Which never came. Although this may disappoint the most hardened film critic, I feel it was a clever move by the director to leave what is an iconic performance by Heath Ledger to live forever in the film history books.

Now, the cast?  Were they as expected?  Yep.  Were they anything more?  Oh yes.  Spot on.  Everyone was nothing but perfect, and despite how much I personally dislike Christian Bale, of course, my palms were sweating for him through-out.  Despite still having that fucking annoying "bat-voice", Bale was obviously, pretty decent, as always.  The audience are sucked into the film almost unknowingly, and fall in love with practically everybody.  Anne Hathaway was again, beautiful as Catwoman, with a fantastic script, excellently performed.  Despite being a total bitch as usual, her witty quotes and cocky arrogance meant I couldn't help but love her - oh, and the skin-tight leather catsuit helped too, of course.  Michael Caine of course was nothing but charming.  His Cockney accent and wise words meant he was the same loveable Alfred that we have seen in the prequels.  Although this was hands-down, his best Batman performance to date with a slightly bigger part to play than usual.

My two stand out performances?  Tom Hardy as Bane.  I can't help but feel the script had a lot to do with this though, as Bane undoubtably has the best lines, and easily - the best role, as villains always do.  You could write a book with the amount of eerily yet fantastic lines Bane comes out with, including possibly the most notorious "I'm Gotham's Reckoning".
Although CGI was used to enhance Hardy's build, he portrayed, the psychotic mastermind slot with no faults.  You couldn't help but love his role, despite Bane being a total cunt.  Very reminiscent of a certain Mr. Ledger.  But who takes gold for me?
Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Officer Blake.  His usual charm was intact, but who knew he could play hero too?  Fantastic performance which is on par with his duty in Inception.

In all, this film was nothing but a masterpiece in which I will be seeing for the third time very shortly.  I could delve further into it much deeper than a Chilean Miner. But we've both been here a bit too long now, haven't we?  Some people are saying this film is the best film of 2012.  I'd say it's the best film this side of 2012.  Congratulations Chris Nolan, you God amongst men.
The Dark Knight Rises, 10/10.