The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

DVD CASE/SIDE

Length of film:  164 Minutes

Rated: 14-A

Genre: Action, Thriller

Director: Christopher Nolan

Starring: Christian Bale, Micheal Cane, Gary Oldman, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy

IMDB Rank: 8.4/10

Part 1 Time: 76 Minutes

Part 2 Time: 88 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Batman (Christian Bale) pursues the villain Bane (Tom Hardy) into the underground with the assistance of Catwoman (Anne Hathaway). Batman is defeated by Bane.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: Bane to Batman after fight “Oh yes, I was wondering what would break first, your spirit, or your body?”

First line of dialogue on the second part: Blake speaking to the Gotham City Police dispatch “Give me commissioner Gordon, I got a line on the Congressman’s kidnapping.”  

How jarring is it when the first part ends?  Jarring, this is the darkest moment in the Dark knight series. Batman is outmatched by Bane, with both being trained in the dark art of Ra al Gual, Bane quickly demonstrates superiority over Batman, leaving Gotham unprotected. What will happen in Gotham now that Batman is indisposed.

Which part is better?  Part two becomes Gotham Cities rejuvenating moment. With Ra’s al Gual’s Army having complete control over the city, Batman recovers from his injuries, escapes the underground prison, and begins to fight back against the forces of Bane and Ra’s al Gual’s Army.

Academy Awards: None