[Originally posted on http://obsessive-geek.blogspot.com/]

Okay, this poster makes me think Batman's going to become a Black Lantern. Again. 

Alright, I've only seen this movie once. Midnight showing at the Menomonee Falls Marcus Theatre.  During its 2:45 minute running time, I went to the bathroom at least twice. But give all that, I can say that I love The Dark Knight Rises. If I find myself changing my opinion, I'll write a a retraction or something.

(Also, we will not talk about the Aurora shootings in this review. I can't give you any unique insight into the tragedy and I can't really do anything to help the families of the deceased other than keeping them in my prayers. I'd suggest you do the same.)

The film is actually more of a sequel to Batman Begins than The Dark Knight. The League of Shadows is back, led by Tom Hardy's Bane, and they want to make Bruce Wayne suffer like no one has ever suffered before. Bruce, retired from being the night, has to come back to form (through  one fakeout and one excursion to a hole in the ground in the desert) Bruce, having lost basically everything that gave his life meaning, must rise up and be The Dark Knight once again.

That's the main plot, but this is an ensemble piece through and though. Gordon, Lucius Fox, Joseph Gordon-Levitt's Det. Lake and the entire city of Gotham get something to do in this one. Plot threads from Begins and Dark Knight are tied up and the story, for the first time ever in Batman's 70 year existence, comes to a close. Anne Hathaway's Catwoman rubs me the wrong way (and I'll probably be writing a short article on that) and a last minute villain reveal kills the pace for a bit. But for all it's flaws, it's a wonderful film.

(And on the Dark Knight comparison, no, it's not as good. That doesn't mean it's bad, or a betrayal, or any of that other malarkey. It's still a great film.  )

Like I said in my first reactions, this is the first time I came close to crying at a superhero movie. It's a powerful film. Go see it if you haven't already.

Farewell, hero. Farewell.