Warning: Some readers may find this post monumentally nerdy

Please Forgive Me Batman

It’s quite possible that what I’m about to write may result in my subsequent stoning by Caped Crusader loving teenaged boys, but I’m going to make my point anyway. The Dark Knight Rises was ultimately one of the most underwhelming films of 2012. Please put your stones down for one moment and allow me to explain.

Yes, the film provided a satisfying sense of closure to Christopher Nolan’s trilogy, and rumors surrounding Joseph Gordon Levitt’s role as Batman in the Justice League film will only serve to re-enforce that success. However, The Dark Knight Rises also presented a paradox that had remained previously unseen in cinema; never had a film given the impression that it was both too long and could also have done with a greater running time.  You see, the film’s beefy length made it hard for me to enjoy it twice, even in the cinema, while one can also clearly see that massive swathes of potential scenes had to be cut in order to reduce the film to an enjoyable size. How does either Bruce Wayne or Bane get back into Gotham for example? Even worse are the numerous illogical plot developments which litter the film. Most memorable is the fact that Blake discovers Batman’s true identity based on a “look” of orphanistic (I made that word up) anger that Wayne gave him as a child, something which Levitt’s character understood because he too is an orphan. Surely that means that every orphan in Gotham should know who Batman is?

Another aspect of The Dark Knight Rises that disappointed me was its general silliness. Why did the police department think that it would be a good idea to send every man they had into a cramped sewer? For what reason did Bane keep them alive down there for five months (and also supply them with razors judging by their clean cut look following their escape). To top it off, which brilliant tactician decided that running in a huddle straight at Bane’s gun toting goons would be a good idea? Much of what happens in The Dark Knight Rises feels like it has been done to streamline the plot. These discrepancies are easily accepted in any other blockbuster, but become much more noticeable in the more grounded depiction of a superhero that Nolan’s trilogy attempts to give.

Heath Ledger’s unfortunate death left the series’ final installment in a critical position. Deprived of both a brilliant actor and ultimate villain, it is understandable that The Dark Knight Rises would not be able to provide an enemy that lived up to the legacy of its predecessor.  However, there are many other characters that should have been considered before resorting to Bane, who, to be brutally honest, is just a strong man with an indie alternative to the balaclava. Surely the Riddler, Zsasz, Hugo Strange or almost any other nemesis would have been a far more interesting character. To make matters worse, the film barely even made the best of Bane, choosing instead to destroy any sense of influence that the character might exert by making him a mere subordinate of Talia. Played by Marion Cotillard, Talia was equally ill-suited to the film thanks to the actress’ obvious lack of experience in an action heavy role.

Now here’s the part where I save some of my own skin by contradicting half of what I just said. Despite its flaws The Dark Knight Rises is still a fitting conclusion to Christopher Nolan’s trilogy, and was thankfully graced by stellar performances from Christian Bale, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Gary Oldman, and last but certainly not least, Anne Hathaway. Furthermore, the film still encapsulated the trilogy’s gritty atmosphere, slick style, and was host to several brilliant action sequences. If you pressed me for a star rating, I would probably come up with three and a half.

After all the criticisms I made I think it’s important to remember something. Why do we fall? So that we might learn to pick ourselves up. With Alfred Pennyworth’s words in mind, perhaps the Justice League film will do exactly that and surpass The Dark Knight Rises.