The Dark Knight Rises - How Does It Hold Up?

[@BigBrueser]

“Make the climb…without the rope.” Changed my life forever. I was in a dark place in my life and going back and watching that scene, it gave me the motivation move away from my hometown for a job opportunity in a place I had never been to before and things changed for the better. Will always love this film.

[@BodyOpt]

Now THAT is a brilliant story to share with (the right) people! You must love this movie to bits then. Best of luck with your future! Deshi basara!

[@lonewolfgamingplus379]

And fear will find you again.

[@krispyasfk2567]

And I'm Jesus resurrected from the cross

[@pradeep1481]

Same to me, it was Motivation

[@streetlawyer]

I fucking love that story dude

[@selder_7]

Bane’s takedown of Batman is one of the best scenes of a hero losing. If you were a young kid who loved Batman you would be devastated seeing that

[@dr.s8972]

I saw in in theaters when I was 10 and it devastated ME lol

[@danielwander605]

Yea it's a brutal scene done really well. Theres no score at all which is telling and adds to the grittiness of the scene. Also, it's very obvious right away that he is completely over matched, so theres no hope in there. You just knew he was screwed and about to take a serious beating.

[@360.Tapestry]

they should've split the movie into two parts. the first part should've ended right after that scene. then the entire world would've been devastated

[@Omegaman18]

@@dr.s8972I was like 20 and it still hurt

[@bpowick]

I love the fact that Bale and Hardy did that whole fight sequence themselves. No stunt performers were swapped in. Both Bale and Hardy requested they perform the whole thing to make it more personal for the characters. There's also no score over the top. It's just the grunts and groans and sounds of the hits connecting to give the scene more impact.

[@fallenhero3130]

The scene when Alfred breaks up with Bruce Wayne is some of Michael Caine’s best acting of the entire trilogy.

[@TheMediaMutants]

I agree

[@LuisSierra42]

It's so heartbreaking

[@bamb0ostick]

The Alfred scene and Selena telling Bruce he doesn't owe Gotham any more, always gets me. Those scenes totally make up for the "So you came back to die with your city" line.

[@thetribalist6923]

@@bamb0ostickagreed but the “die with your city” line is good. It’s just Batman’s retort that’s lacking.

[@elevenseven-yq4vu]

Alfred was the best character in this film. The stand-out cop was alright, but it was mainly the actor who pulled it off; the writing was sloppy at best, with most all the other cops just acting like a swarm of dumb algorithm-controlled NPCs with no volition or motivation resembling humans, more like stringed up puppets, or ballet dancers in a musical comedy. 🤔 Nah, I did not like this movie, the script felt sketchy and sloppy, and the direction could not gloss that over, as hard as it tried.

[@jameskuhn432]

The Dark Knight Rises still hits me today as hard as it did back in 2012. To me, it's the perfect ending to a perfect trilogy. There's some great action. The film is very emotional. Not something you always expect when watching a comic book film.

[@biguy617]

I didn’t like Nolan’s decision to make Blake’s character a combination of the first three Robins: Grayson, Todd, and Drake. I wish he chose one Robin. I think he hates the idea of Batman having a sidekick.

[@ZemplinTemplar]

I think this was the first truly great superhero trilogy.

[@j10betty]

One of the best emotional scenes that hit hard in TDKR is when he's hooking the bomb to the bat. Gordon asks him who he is an Bruce says cleverly how Gordon put his coat over him when his parents died. Pulled on the heart strings for me.

[@spaceace4387]

There are many emotional scenes but for me it’s the cafe scene at the very end. It was a very emotional send off for the characters, Bruce came full circle and the fact that all they had to do was look at each other to know everything was going to be alright speaks volumes about these characters.

[@ajtaylor8750]

I'm going to see The Dark Knight this week in theaters before it's gone. One of the best cinematic experiences I've ever had in my time watching movies.

[@testing_something]

​@DontReadMyProfilePicture.57I wasn't planning on it

[@LightsCameraKonkle]

Mine too

[@ronthorn3]

It’s already over

[@excalibur2024guy]

It won't be gone. Classics always come back to theaters, and they're always on your media shelf.

[@jameswilliams-zr8co]

cinemark had batman day this past weekend.. nolan's batman flicks rule

[@LoganScottY]

I've never cared about the plotholes in this movie. Every time I watch the trilogy from start to finish, I am always fully engaged with the dark knight rises. Yes I understand it has flaws. Yes it's also not my favourite of the trilogy, but it's still leagues above plenty of other movies that try and take on the same challenge and there's just so much to love about the film that it's easy for me to put aside the weakpoints and just enjoy it.

[@_CoasterNinja]

Exactly. I never think of my favourite really. I just think of the 3 movies as a whole. And it’s just an incredible cinematic achievement, a joy to watch.

[@elevenseven-yq4vu]

So, what are its main strengths to you; I don't mean things that are merely competently done and solid, but what makes it be above average or uniquely good? Because I don't get it, and would like to re-arrange my expectations before a re-watch, so I can (maybe) appreciate it a bit more. Not gonna lie, I don't expect to suddenly love it, but as I enjoyed the first two films, it feels like an "incomplete" experience to just go out with feeling a bit let down.

[@ToxicTurquoise454]

And yet when I enjoy the most hated trilogy of the history of cinema, I am forced to defend myself and am treated like a complete psychopath just for loving something. Like Stuckmann with this movie, I have to EXPLAIN MYSELF for liking my favourite trilogy and enjoying it despite the existence of plot holes. And you all know exactly what that trilogy is. I can put aside the weak points AND JUST ENJOY IT. This is impossible to process for those who hate it.

[@elevenseven-yq4vu]

@@ToxicTurquoise454???

[@VVVY777]

Good for you. You tolerate stupidity and incompetence.

[@ztommm6440]

The first Batman and Bane fight will always be iconic. I saw this at midnight on release and the whole audience was dead silent while Bane put in work. It was amazing

[@kerry-j4m]

Yeah,Bane was a-BEAST.Bane's first beat-down of-BATS-reminds me of Thanos's smack down of the -HULK-in Infinity war. LOL. But,the-HULK-never struck back. LOL. Thanos is so-MEAN.

[@jaycp6055]

Watched the trilogy a few days ago with a friend on the big screen. I have to say I did notice a few cheesy lines that I didn‘t before but I also noticed how entertaining these movies were. We were in there for almost 8 hours and they basically flew by. That‘s how well crafted these films are.

[@isaiahyinko7182]

It's my favorite trilogy of all time. The dark knight trilogy was everything during my childhood.

[@TheTriskit4]

Saw The Dark Knight last night, and have to say, it has the best 2nd act of any thriller of the 21st century. Specifically once Harvey turns himself in …all the way to the credits. It just takes off and never slows down and it’s incredible.

[@evanpaluch6190]

For the first time?

[@frankzappa9148]

If you just saw it for the first time I’m genuinely jealous

[@FirstLast-yc9lq]

Really? Because I think that's when the movie actually dips.

[@Stormertheboy]

I really wish Matt Reeves kept that same kind of pacing in his movie.. The Batman felt slow and long.

[@M2Mil7er]

@@Stormertheboy The Batman worked for me, and I have ADHD lol.

[@WildGuyWiley]

The ending of this film was truly masterful. Robin’s discovery of the batcave, the bat signal rebuilt for Gordon, Auto Pilot fixed, Alfred seeing Bruce leading a normal life.. such great payoff for characters we were all invested in for so many years. Bravo to the Nolan brothers, I hope they collaborate on another screenplay in the future

[@krpyton7368]

Booo

[@MATDMixes]

@@krpyton7368 booo what?

[@tombystander]

So him surviving that blast is just who cares?

[@SherlockHoles2012]

Masterful? Naw it's a Shrek ending

[@Ekolop]

Yes! I always wondered why people wanted a sad endings I liked that everything worked out for the better they all deserved a good ending

[@louisbogli1804]

The one thing I cannot stop loving in this awesome movie is Bane. While being very creepy and badass, the guy cracks me up every time he speaks. His voice and behavior are so insanely funny, like when he is on the plane facing Lord Baelish while saying : « Crashing this plane ! » 😂😂😂

[@ClinicalDecisionYikesYT]

Bartley Gorman

[@nicholasaustin9435]

It would be extremely painful......................................for you.

[@louisbogli1804]

@@nicholasaustin9435 Now what’s the next step of your master plan ?

[@nicholasaustin9435]

@@louisbogli1804 Crashing this plane...............................with no survivors!

[@jkcrawl]

I agree with this mostly, except for the scene when he places his hand on Daggett's shoulder and says "Do you feel in control?"

[@Christopher-yc5py]

The Dark knight rises has one of the most satisfying endings to any super hero movie I’ve seen. The exchange between Bruce and Alfred was subtle but said so much. And Robin finding the cave in the end was a nice cherry on top

[@mrevilducky]

🤔🤔

[@Vic-Vega]

Pathetic cash grab. Also: his name ain't even "Robin." Sheesh!

[@queenb2450]

Yeah I don't care what people say about the ending, it was DESERVED because we have seen Bruce go through sooooooooo much throughout the trilogy so if he had a "sad/death" ending, it wouldn't have been narratively fulfilling. Nolan is also a big softie

[@HugoStiglitz88]

FACTS It was a perfect end to the trilogy considering what happened.

[@HugoStiglitz88]

@@queenb2450 also people claiming batman couldn't escape the blast even after hearing that he fixed the autopilot is hilariously dumb LOL

[@Bruester]

I've never loved this movie as much as others do, but I think the last 15 or so minutes are some of the best filmmaking in the entire trilogy. What an ending!

[@darianharman9193]

I will never forget seeing the opening scene of this film for the first time. It was an IMAX showing. Say whatever you want about Nolan as a filmmaker, but the man knows how to fasten your eyeballs to the screen with the permanence of a flux-cored welding machine. Astonishing scene.

[@silkbutter]

Seriously though! Like one of the most amazing opening scenes of any movie ever.

[@RealBabuFrik]

It is so ordinary what you all on about??

[@silkbutter]

@@RealBabuFrik ordinary? Dismantling a real plane and crashing it to the ground from thousands of feet in the air is ordinary? You know that was real…right…

[@RealBabuFrik]

@@silkbutter I see... You are one of those people who love to see destruction on big screen. Lemme tell you, big things go bum bum isn't the candidate for amazing opening scene. It has absolutely no depth like good dialogue openings

[@silkbutter]

@@RealBabuFrik so I’m not gonna be a judgmental prick like you and just say that there’s more than one kind of amazing opening scene 🤯…shocking right? The technical prowess that went into making this opening is certainly impressive, it would be stupid to deny that. Are dialogue driven movies equally stunning and worthy of praise? Absolutely. They aren’t mutually exclusive…

[@BatAmerica]

Due to the strong performances, well-founded ending, and great spectacle, I would argue it has aged quite well.

[@AssembleAA]

W take.

[@MicahMane]

You forgot to mention the use of practical effects! They could have easily CGI'd that last outing but the CGI wasn't overused at all!

[@BatAmerica]

@@MicahMane True. Nolan very tactfully balances on practical effects with CGI.

[@AssembleAA]

@@BatAmerica Can we also talk about the presence of Bane? From Tom's performance , to the design, script, & his theme? Truly amazing.

[@sunnycheong41]

I also like that Nolan doesn’t try to match or outdo The Dark Knight but instead chooses to use The Dark Knight Rises to bookend & resolve the story thread from Batman Begins; thus tying up the whole trilogy satisfactorily. Brilliant move.

[@myenemysenemy1043]

And that's exactly why it's my favourite. Dark Knight is a phenomenal second act, but Rises ties everything up across the trilogy.

[@oldhollywoodangels]

Marion kinda ruined it imo@@buttsbuttsbutts68

[@jkcrawl]

@@buttsbuttsbutts68 From 3? I agree Talia's death was bad, Bane's performance is subjective - especially when you consider that he was modeled on a real life bare knuckle boxer named Bartley Gorman - I'm not sure who the third is that you could possibly talking about. Also, he didn't rewrite the script, the script wasn't written at all until a couple years later. Also, none of that contradicts the op. It does resolve the story, Bruce Wayne finally learns to cope and move on from Batman while someone else takes up the mantle and becomes a symbol, a theme that was established in Begins.

[@purefoldnz3070]

I dont think satisfactorily means what you think it means.

[@purefoldnz3070]

@@buttsbuttsbutts68 her death scene was one of the most hilarious death scenes put to film period.

[@MitchellLea]

As someone who rewatched this before Oppenheimer and was scared to see how it would hold up after not watching it for a while…couldn’t have said it better myself. You get so sucked in that you forget all the CinemaSins-esque complaints and fall in love with it

[@beatrizmello8248]

It holds up as a great movie today as it did in 2012. The Nolan Trilogy is untouchable

[@jacobcooper1088]

I’ve dreamt of Chris re-reviewing this movie. This is personally my favorite Batman film…ever. Chris Stuckmann will always be beloved by his fans and I am truly thankful to be one of them.

[@bionicleanime]

The thing I appreciate most about this movie is that it answers a question regarding Batman's crusade against crime: "what happens when he completes his mission?" We get to see Bruce Wayne leave not just Gotham but also Batman behind, finally able to live a normal happy life. No longer bound by the constraints he placed on himself, he can finally just be Bruce Wayne.

[@gaelofariandel6747]

Sadly he was depressed as fkk over his lady love dying & had a fkkd up knee.

[@meganega123]

He was Batman for about 3 months in these movies

[@dr.s8972]

​@@meganega123ehhhhh I'd say about a year and a half

[@thedarkemissary]

Nah, he went back the next week. Pretending to be Bruce Wayne left him miserable for almost a year.

[@VFXShawn]

Unfortunately that is the problem with the movie; the very nature of the Batman is two tragic facts; 1. There will always be more crime to stop 2. As long as crime exists, Batman's mission is not finished. Bruce Wayne is condemned to be Batman forever until the day he dies, that is the tragedy of the Batman that this film simply sweeps under the rug. What happened to the line from the first movie "you are not the devil, you are just practice." Bruce Wayne was hell bent on fighting evil, until Satan himself was beaten, bloody and broken before him. That is justice, vengeance, righteous indignation that Batman crusades for and can never stop until he sees finished.

[@danielwest3087]

Chris I can’t thank you enough for this video. I’ve always been a champion of this movie; and because you talked about this I searched the web and found a screening of TDK at a local theatre tonight!!! I’ve always wanted to see TDK in theatres and it’s thanks to you I’m now able to see it! Thank you Chris!

[@BrookeInProgress]

I'll never forget seeing this movie the day after opening night with my big group of friends in high school. We were all on the edge of our seats the entire time (part of that was definitely due to fears of a gunman like the one in Aurora coming in our theatre, but still). There were a few moments where we turned to each other like "No way!!!" We had such a good time, and for that alone I will always love this movie.

[@jackwitcombe765]

I’d give anything to experience all the great movies in 2012 for the first time again. But I’ll never get the hate for TDKR, I love this movie. I think it wrapped up the trilogy perfectly. I remember seeing it opening night in Australia, The theatre was absolutely packed. I watch this trilogy once a year at least and enjoy it every single time more and more.

[@RafidW9]

TDKR is my favorite of the 3 movies. It's infinitely inspirational and Bruce's journey is emotional af. It's an incredible piece of cinema.

[@beartrap3400]

A lot of people love to hate this movie but I think it was the most perfect ending to a legendary trilogy.

[@Joakim-Buht-Focker]

Agreed, and to me, it is the most emotional one also. The ending with Gary Oldman's speech and the score from Zimmer is truly a special ending to an amazing franchise. Not a perfect movie, but it doesn't need to be, to be one of the best. It just needs to resonate with me and make me feel, like always with Nolan, it did.

[@firstlast9846]

Idk - I love the movie - but they messed up in the third act.. plus a Batman that feels happy to retire isn’t really Batman to me 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@JDdr86]

​@@Joakim-Buht-FockerYeah, I just wish it a little less fond of the 🫅🏼rich, and their licenced👮🏼‍♂️ assassins.

[@nickwohrer1283]

I think there wasn’t enough Batman but other than that I loved it

[@beartrap3400]

@@firstlast9846 are you kidding me? I loved that part. Alfred said earlier in the film that he never moved on from being Batman and after he symbolically (and literally) sacrifices the mantel to save Gotham, I thought it beautiful to see Bruce Wayne seemingly happy and to have finally been able to officially move. I might be in the minority here but I don't really like the idea of a Batman who is Batman for so long he becomes old and is still Batman. I like stories that have beginnings and endings and this one had a great one for me.

[@TrentPruitt1997]

I saw The Dark Knight Rises 4 times in the theater when it came out when I was almost 15, twice in IMAX and twice in a normal theater, and I enjoyed it tremendously. But for Batman Day (once on Friday and once on Saturday cause my theater is showing them all week), my brother and I went and saw Batman Begins (Friday afternoon, with no one there except us and one other guy) and The Dark Knight (Saturday night with a packed theater) for the first time in theaters. It was just fantastic to see these two that I grew up with when I was a kid finally in the theater. Especially last night with the ending scene of The Dark Knight. I had always got chills down my spine when watching it at home, and I always wondered what it would be like in the theater. Boy, was I not disappointed in the slightest. The music, the sound, and the second the credits rolled, everyone clapped and cheered, and I had the biggest grin on my face. I finally felt whole when it came to this trilogy. Now if only Sony can do this for the original Spider-Man trilogy, I could die a happy man.

[@krpyton7368]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 this movie sucks . I like Matt reeves

[@Geohillierneo]

​@@krpyton7368Are you a bit special? Are you incapable of liking more than one thing at a time? Get this, are you ready?..... The Batman is great.... The Dark Knight Trilogy is .... ALSO great! 😱 Isn't that crazy!!?

[@TrentPruitt1997]

@@Geohillierneo bingo. That’s how I view it. I like both.

[@rylan_reviews6493]

Right behind it’s predecessor, The Dark Knight Rises is my second favorite Batman film!

[@maxpower1100]

I thought you said predator

[@roach19pr]

Bane/Batman's first fight is by far the best scene of the movie. Absolutely stunning filmmaking.

[@biguy617]

I wish Nolan Bane was more like comic book bane. This Bane doesn’t get super strength from a steroid.

[@frostb1041]

It's still one of the best experience and endings I experienced in the theater, a reminder why I love going to cinema

[@gzz8551]

Really? 😂 Wow.

[@frostb1041]

@@gzz8551 what can I say? I had a good time, I can't lie about it

[@prateekbhanushali1956]

It was when the GCPD was chasing Batman instead of Bane, holding him at gunpoint, with immense pride to get him to justice, that was a goosebump moment for me. It was because I knew what he did for Gotham and its people. Of how much he was in love with them, and it was because of him Gotham was stable and at peace. And then there he was, enduring an immense animosity coming from those same people that he loved... That was truly a superpower that no ordinary human could possess.

[@coletrainhetrick]

Meanwhile i saw that and thought it was stupid and awful. Different strokes

[@jesseowenvillamor6348]

​@@coletrainhetrickNah it's a good moment.

[@coletrainhetrick]

@jesseowenvillamor6348 fully derailed the film for me. When I first watched the film I specifically cite it as when I realized the film was going to be bad for me. And I just saw it in theaters last night and honestly, still dumb to me

[@jesseowenvillamor6348]

@@coletrainhetrick You're the problem, then

[@coletrainhetrick]

@jesseowenvillamor6348 not my fault the movie is bad, opinions exist, and you only reinforce how true it is

[@chance_ondriezek99]

In my opinion, it absolutely holds up. Just as great as the other two films. I never understood the hate it gets from some people.

[@zachsutton6195]

​@DontReadMyProfilePicture.57don't read deez nuts

[@WL1264]

Remember Talias death?

[@Ar1AnX1x]

yea its not as good as Dark Knight but its still pretty good and that's what's important criticism is great but hate is so stupid, specially when people hate something for not being perfect rather than being bad

[@NK-uu2vt]

I know right? It's a masterpiece. I'm watching it at least once a year, every year since it got released. Listening to its masterful soundtrack every now and then.

[@Greendalewitch]

Well, I can't speak for other people, and hate is a really strong word, but I find the movie to be overrated because of there are a looooot of scenes in it that, when you think about it, makes no sense. - like when Batman lights a fuse and lights up the bat signal on the golden state bridge, like he spent days painting it with oil so he could light it up later. - Or how Joseph Gordon Lewitt figured out that Bruce was batman because of the 'look in his eyes' - Or how Bruce flew the bomb out into the bay and let it explode there, but the movie ignores the effect of radiation and how it spreads. If it exploded over the bay, the radiation would make its way to gotham nonetheless. - How he managed to hide a giant ass aircraft in a allyway without no one noticing, only to surprise the police with it when they were chasing him. - And if memory serves, the movie never explains how Bruce got back to gotham. He is just in the desert one moment and in Gotham the next, like he either teleported or walked back there. So many scenes that make no sense. That is just my opinion though, don't come for me. If you like the movie fine. I'm not taking that away from you.

[@ShauryaChawla]

I absolutely love this movie even today. Takes some massive swings that still definitely hold up. Honestly, every word you said is why I love the movie. Just revisited it earlier too and still get so swept up by it. That final act is still so tense on repeat viewing. Great stuff.

[@VVVY777]

Good for you. Dumb script and all.

[@Vic-Vega]

​@@VVVY777Extremely dumb. Who would wanna rewatch this one over & over again??

[@josephaseven8461]

I’ve always loved the emotional core of this movie. Sure you can tear it apart on technicalities and legitimately so, but at its heart it delivers very authentically. Great re-view.

[@banditadi]

I never really understood why this film was hated. I have watched and re watched it soooo many times. And like all Nolan films, there's some new revelation every time. I absolutely love how he handled the old man Bruce part so realistically.

[@benjaminlazaro344]

It was the bat&cat kiss that was so cheesy for me. “We got to save the city, let’s kiss first”

[@kityhawk2000]

Ok if you want to understand why people hate it here's my take. I watched it in cinema and hated. A couple of years ago I thought maybe Id been too harsh and watched it again. Nope still hate it. Talia is a terrible final villain and having Bane defeated so easily makes Bruce look incredibly silly for getting beaten by him the first time. Sending all the police into the sewers was sooo dumb, as was the "clean slate". Also hated Hathaway as Catwoman she can across as cold unfeeling and. Catwoman should be a fun rougish character not a heartless b*tch. There was also zero chemistry between her and Bale

[@benjaminlazaro344]

@@kityhawk2000 yeh poor choice for catwoman. Batman has so many good characters and villians its a bit of a shame.

[@spencermalley10]

​@kityhawk2000 Hathaway was no more "cold/unfeeling" than Kravitz was in the Batman. They didn't send all the cops into the sewers either. There's quite a few top side.

[@pacorka9943]

Before I watch this, I literally just remembered that that shooting happened on opening night of this movie and I saw it on opening day. I was terrified to see this in theatres after that. It was the first time I didn't think of a movie theatre as a safe space.

[@BrookeInProgress]

My best friend drove with me and my other friends to the movie theatre but decided last-minute not to actually come in with us to see the movie because she was terrified of possible shooters. She sat outside in the car for three hours instead, and I totally understood her fears. Every time someone left our theatre to go to the bathroom/concession stand, I tensed up.

[@nickfield1569]

I've been a 'The Dark Knight Rises' defender from Day 1 and I always felt that the tragic opening night shooting cast a pall over the movie and its legacy (similar to how COVID would later overshadow Tenet). Nolan was also somewhat the victim of his own success as, by 2012, audiences and critics were starting to tire of the gritty, realistic tone that fellow blockbusters were adopting. That's one reason why The Avengers was such a breakout hit that year, but now that the MCU has long been the dominant franchise, things are starting to come back around and people are more welcoming of ambitious and serious blockbusters like The Dark Knight Rises

[@simplegenericname]

Right? TENET is a terrific movie.

[@DemonKnight85]

Kind of true actually. The thing is other comic book tried to follow suit with what Nolan did, but most of them actually failed. You are correct though that the wind then went the other way and people were much more receptive to the family friendly and comedic route the Marvel movies went. But then after 10 years of that..........we saw how this eventually went as these formulas got watered down to the point where any quality was pretty much null and void. So yes, people are now starting to see things differently again........The pendulum is always swinging...

[@graysonrules117]

Tenet is a horrible movie

[@Dinkywinkyxo]

Tenet is only Nolan movie I don't like

[@chopperharris32]

The great thing about this movie is simply that it puts you on the edge of your seat throughout, building to an incredible climax. Nolan is a master craftsman of cinema

[@ahmadalmaiman8600]

100% agree. Just came out of a special Screening here in the Irish Film Institute. Still holds up for me immensely. The film came out 12 years ago at a very special time in my life and it never disappointed me. The more people talk about 'plot holes', the less justifiable it is, because there is so much else to appreciate in this entry of Nolan's trilogy. Its the most emotional. I cried twice, when Alfred leaves Bruce, and again when Bruce tells Gordon who he really is. Still emotional and sends chills.

[@shhimwatching]

Really love how you discussed how a love of a film pays no mind to small things like minor continuity etc. it’s about pace and feeling and totally agree.

[@jerichosmith7716]

Me and my friend are big DC fans. When it comes to this film, we are like Ebert and Siskel. I really like it for how extremely well-made it is and he dislikes for its comic inaccuracies and plot holes. Goes to show how divisive it is. Great video, Chris!

[@IMXLegedaryBard]

This movie made me love Bane and the actor Tom Hardy. The line of"Oh, so you think darkness is your ally?" Still gives me goose bumps to this day.

[@Rogge73]

Ally..

[@michealvega1373]

Bruce telling Gordon who he is still makes me cry to this day.

[@OakBuzzard22]

Same that scene always gets me especially when they show the flashbacks to that scene from Batman Begins. It's amazing how one act of kindness sometimes goes a long way and maybe that person thanks you later on

[@KahlessTheUnforgettable]

😂

[@spacemanchriss]

Same

[@dogman6687]

Best scene

[@xxcrysad3000xx]

Does it hold up? Yes. Very much. More even than when it came out in my opinion. There are wonderful scenes but also incredibly character relevant dialogue that really elevate this film to A-tier in my book, Nolan's always impeccable directing notwithstanding.

[@Bubba_1776]

Dark knight rises improved over time for me. I actually like it almost as much as the dark knight. Almost.

[@ClinicalDecisionYikesYT]

Knight sucks

[@mrawesome7175]

it holds up so well. i remember seeing it in cinema. still one of the best superhero movies of all time and better than a lot of superhero movies out today.

[@SoyboyPeter]

Plot holes, character assassinations, and awful fight choreography aside?

[@samf.s.7731]

This is actually...funny. I've had the cinematic experience that would have made this a favorite. Opening night at 12 am, everyone in cosplay (except me and other normies), was in the U.S. when I watched it and it was during a very noteworthy trip where I had amazing people escorting me to the theater. I didn't like it and I can't say that has changed since. Yes it's beautifully shot and acted, has a great score and cinematography, as well as beautiful practical VFX work. Top tier stuff in all those categories, as expected from a Nolan feature film. The writing is where it really is a letdown, and I think Nolan maybe didn't want to come back but felt Iike he had to in order to give the "trilogy" a proper ending... which ironically didn't happen. I think when a director has no interest in returning, his opinion should be respected. Plus, he'd really already made WB a ton of money, I have no idea why they insisted on making him do a third movie.

[@sureshraghul2715]

​@@SoyboyPeteryeah after seeing the avengers trilogy and other DC movies, definitely tdkr is light years ahead in terms of story, characters and logic, except for the fight choreography

[@JB-vv1xc]

Dark knight and dark knight rises are the best 2 superhero movies

[@dr.s8972]

The story doesn't blow itself up infinitely and undermine it's own legacy. How many superhero franchises can we say that about?

[@kylearking8918]

I really love what you said about letting the movie just sweep over you. I have felt the same way about Rises and many other movies. The ending is truly moving imo.

[@NateFischer]

I am loving the direction this channel has taken. Super positive, informative, and fun. A couple years ago, Chris seemed a little uninspired, but now, the videos seem to have new life. I don't know if it's Shelby Oaks or the new structure. Either way, it's great. Keep up the great work, Chris. You rule!

[@tescobag5704]

Seems to me its because he's more careful about what he reviews, choosing only films he cares about enough instead of choosing every release

[@sebastiangonzales46]

​@@tescobag5704i couldn't imagine him reviewing a film that he's not interested

[@tescobag5704]

@@sebastiangonzales46 he used to do it a lot. You could really tell too sometimes

[@chipnizzle7956]

Still one of the more emotional movies for me personally. It's the most 'comic book' movie of the trilogy but it also hits in a special way. The way Bruce battles and overcomes his personal demons whilst inspiring and saving the city of Gotham as the symbol of Batman like he set out to do. Then wrapping it up with nothing but a solitary nod to his father figure and mentor that he had finally 'made it'. Incredible film.

[@geminisneverlie]

That’s what I’m saying I can connect with the overall theme the most out of any of the other Batman films. Hitting rock bottom and having to climb your way out literally and metaphorically just hits different.

[@memecity9849]

It has a couple of nitpicks but TDKR is still top tier film making, storytelling, and acting

[@Ligmaballin]

Storytelling? Ha ha... ha ha ha ha ha ha ah ha hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

[@mijanhoque1740]

@@LigmaballinYes, stay salty kiddo

[@Ligmaballin]

@@mijanhoque1740 Salty? The movie's story telling literally made no sense, how can you fix a broken back by getting punched? Why are there random TV's in a prison? How did Batman save himself? He swam across the ocean while injured? Why did Bane's armed men stop shooting the police and instead started a fist fight? How did some random scientist magically enrich a nuclear bomb? How did Bane's plane heist plan succeed? He could've literally just been killed on the spot, why put Batman inside a prison with zero security and a hole you can escape trough? Why would bane put a 6 month timer on the bomb? This movie literally makes no sense, but stay biased kiddo

[@liezinc]

@@Ligmaballinyou just missed the entire point of this review if you’re still commenting this

[@samf.s.7731]

Explain to me why this movie needed Talia to be in it, that's off the top of my head... Why

[@joaquinjfernandez1528]

I saw it yesterday too with my family who hadn’t seen it and it definitely holds up. It has a lot of flaws like u mentioned but I still love it to this day. Peak trilogy and I hope Matt Reeves can come close if not better than this one.

[@reidanderson6953]

Love this movie. Always wished it would have been a 2 part film. I could watch an infinite amount of Nolan’s Batman Movies. Love the vision he had.

[@TheMediaMutants]

I agree

[@joshuaortiz2031]

Honestly another 30 min of exposition would have been enough to make the movie much stronger. I wanted more back story to that prison place and Raz Agul

[@ChristopherStandardTime]

People have nostalgia for the Burton films and while they DEFINITELY set the stage for the subsequent successes of the franchise, the Nolan trilogy still reigns supreme for me. These movies aren't about Batman, anyway - they're about Bruce Wayne, despite the "mask" narrative. I love each of these three films equally.

[@bradleythornock8627]

What made me appreciate Rises more was reading A Tale of Two Cities and then re-watching it. While Rises plot is not entirely based on the novel, it’s still a very interesting adaptation. Understanding that Rises is supposed to be heightened and Dickensian helps.

[@gevorkbabayan]

Can you explain please

[@rockytopbritt]

That's exactly right. It is a really cool quasi adaptation.

[@MitchellTeeRapz]

Extremely unpopular opinion this is my favorite of the trilogy

[@ForceGhostAnakin]

I’d just like to say Chris that your videos have always had an incredibly zen effect on me, perhaps due to how brilliantly you’re able to articulate your points. You’ve brought me down from many panic attacks, through high school, college, and now through the Air Force. Thanks for your videos man ❤

[@inri_lee]

❤this for so many reasons Thank you for sharing 🙏🏾

[@Leprutz]

Cause it's too fucking long and boring. Some parts of the movie are really great, no doubt but in all, it did not catch me to be honest.

[@seancorrigan7448]

Personal opinion but Tom Hardy gave one of the greatest performances of all time in this film. This was still one of the best cinema experiences I've ever had.

[@OrionInSpace]

It's without a doubt one of the best comicbook performances ever. I agree I don't think his voice was as bad as people say but man does he hold his weight.

[@dwoodstwin]

He did his best but is was miscasted as bane and that voice choice was ridiculous.

[@bamb0ostick]

Everyone seemed to have forgotten how much they imitated all his Bane lines from the movie. So many of my friends loved to imitate his voice and growl "I am Gotham's reckoning." "Your punishment must be more severe!" or "No one cared who I was until I put on the mask..."

[@_CoasterNinja]

Agreed. It was a bold choice for the voice. I wouldn’t have gone with it myself, but it’s anything but forgettable that’s for sure! It brought a quirky aspect to the role that was very James Bond villan-esque. I grew up with those early Bond films and so I never found it distracting or found it taking me out of the movie at all. All the other aspects of the character were great so overall big fan of Hardy’s Bane. Looking forward to another actor taking on the role in the future. Will be interesting to see the differences and how much more faithful they’ll be to the comics.

[@elevenseven-yq4vu]

Muzzled Tom Hardy worked better in Mad Max: Fury Road for me.

[@garrettdoolgd]

Great video! The Alfred/Bruce nod with the music swelling and those drums gives me goosebumps every time!

[@daveg4036]

Just got back from watching the trilogy at the cinema in 2024. And I’ve got to say, this hit so much harder when you watch them back to back. A perfect ending to an incredible trilogy 🦇

[@nikunjdixit3225]

It’s an awesome film. There are a few weird edits but it dramatically holds up fantastically well.

[@chistake7585]

One thing that's easy to look over is that Nolan doesn't bother with giving the audience a feeling that time has passed between this plot point and the next. He just shows you the significant moments that happen over the course of however much time. Also, Tom Hardy's Bane gets better with each viewing.

[@sureshraghul2715]

This movie still legitly holds up good till date, no other mcu or dc movies till date had made me feel like the tdk and tdkr.. the writing, the dialogues, the characters and the world and it's philosophy are just masterful...both the movies are way ahead in time.... one of the most immersive superhero movies i have seen

[@dwoodstwin]

The writing of that movie is absolutely not masterful. I’d go so far as to say it’s the worst writing of Nolan’s catalog

[@sureshraghul2715]

@@dwoodstwin i would say tenet is the worst and this is the second worst, but still it's light years ahead of any other superhero movies I have seen so far except a few like Logan

[@dwoodstwin]

@@sureshraghul2715 I was gonna say Tenet was the 2nd worst so we’re not far off each other. TDKR is just such a weirdly structured movie. I loved it when it came out but as time goes on I like it less and less

[@Awesomelastus]

I love this look back, Chris. I watch this movie every year and wish it had a sequel. Thanks.

[@austinclark007]

I love The Dark Knight Rises - can't believe it's been eleven years since its release.

[@nicholasaustin9435]

I actually think this one is my fav of the three and i can't really say why. I love the scope, atmosphere, the cinematography, Bane, Cat Women. I watched it a lot later than most though so i didnt really think of it as having to hit the highs of DK. I can see why most people don't like this as much as the others but for me, i love it

[@andrewsaba81]

I watched this one in theaters for Batman day last night. I always felt it was perfect as a concluding chapter for the trilogy. It’s a long epic about a people and their savior rescuing them from the hands of a devil. I’ve always loved how this movie was so much more about Bruce and his personal journey. Immensely satisfying. I always get goosebumps watching the third act of this movie.

[@elevenseven-yq4vu]

So, in what way does it illuminate Bruce's character, and what would you say does he learn along his journey in that story? I cannot find a narrative thread that justifies all the plot and playtime (yet). Please help!

[@andrewsaba81]

​@@elevenseven-yq4vu the film shows Bruce's progression from calloused, apathetic, and bitter at the beginning of the film to resurrecting within himself the drive to reclaim his city. The Joker destroyed Batman, and all that was left was the shadow of Bruce Wayne. This movie is about Bruce Wayne's emerging from that shadow. I find it incredibly moving. So to answer your question specifically, I would say Bruce finally learns how to do what Alfred told him to do in The Dark Knight, "Endure, Master Wayne." Sorry it doesn't work as well for you.

[@elevenseven-yq4vu]

@@andrewsaba81 Thanks, that was very well explained. I can get behind that. Up until the ending where he abandons the city he "reclaimed" to its own devices amidst a crisis (remember what the Gotham people did last time around when that happened in Begins?), he just "endures" he just killed a man the first time in his life, wearing the very cape that should protect him against having to face a death at his hand again? Maybe that ending was a rewrite forced in at short notice. I don't know. It just seems to go against anything Batman was in parts 1 & 2 - to me at least.

[@andrewsaba81]

⁠@@elevenseven-yq4vu I’m not sure I remember who Batman kills at the end of this so I won’t be able to address that part of your comment. As for the way he leaves the city at the end of this movie, I felt like it was made pretty clear that order had been restored. We see all of Bane’s followers in surrender to the police force after the bomb is taken away from Gotham. So I would argue that it is unfair to compare Gotham’s state at the end of Rises to where it was at the start of Begins. In fact, this was one of the big points, I think, of the whole trilogy. The people of Gotham have been saved, and they know who saved them, as Gordon reminds Blake at the end of the film. Will Gotham return to its old ways? Who knows. But the point is the story is over. Gotham is saved, and so is Bruce, from falling into the abyss.

[@M_k-zi3tn]

I really love this movie. I don't understand the hate it gets sometimes

[@twmax6525]

People didn’t like it because Batman isn’t in it enough.

[@simplegenericname]

Also, because goes after The Dark Knight and the people compares them instead of enjoy them.

[@maxzillajr3627]

Bro what hate, almost everyone still praises them apart from the 3rd one which does seem to get the most criticism

[@4dstellatedhypercube558]

@@maxzillajr3627 I can see why, Heath ledger passed away and im sure that derailed the whole plan they had for the 3rd film and Nolan was grief stricken and wasn't as passionate about the franchise anymore, it showed

[@M_k-zi3tn]

@@maxzillajr3627 yeah I was talking about the 3rd one

[@frankschloss2355]

Still gives me chills at the end

[@worthy7834]

Definitely an all-time favorite, Hans Zimmers music, throughout, amazing.

[@RyanNJ]

The way Batman tells Gordon who he is always got me. Loved that

[@BabysitterSky]

Right? Thank God Gordon only help one child in his life and can immediately remember it 20 years after the fact.

[@vishwasshankar3929]

​@@BabysitterSkybruh😅

[@uugand]

Thank you Chris!! That’s what I always try to say to those “critical thinkers” when they come to Nolan movies. Yeah, there could be some plot holes, but the immersiveness and getting into the movie is the best. Tenet was not the best Nolan movie, but definitely not some average cinema.

[@theinvertedprotagonist]

Tenet is better than Inception, Dunkirk, The Prestige.

[@le_maxarus]

Rises is particularly symbolic. Almost every aspect of the movie can be interpreted as symbolism of something else. The best example of this is the pit, which is related to Bruce's origin accident, the overcome of his trauma, the rise of a new man. The idea of "Batman can be anyone", with the final twist of Alfred looking directly to the camera (therefore to us, the audience). Meaning we all can take part of making the world a better place. The ending, with its fantasy elements, elastic time and impossible events, works in favour of making this movie an experience in which things mean more than they seem. I think Rises is an absolutely brilliant movie. Perfect ending for the trilogy, at the same level to the other two. I love it. Nolan worked on it with the same passion and commitment, respect for the characters and cinema. As always.

[@DinDagaw]

I agree with you, it's Dark knight, Batman begins and Dark knight rises. I have a friend who believes that dark knight rises is by far the best of 3 and I think his kinda crazy

[@MattMamba24]

I was thinking about The Dark Knight Trilogy. I just love the thought put into the villains and obstacles both Batman and Bruce face. Batman faces a villain that attacks his Mental Strength in Batman Begins Batman faces a villain the attacks his Morality in The Dark Knight Batman faces a villain that attacks his Physicality in The Dark Knight Rises and each villain from Scarecrow and Ras Al Goul, to The Joker and Two Face, to Bane and Talia...they seem to build off of each other. Taking what obstacles Batman already overcame, and raising it. Even Bruce has his own obstacles to overcome. In Batman Begins he has to let go of the past to find his purpose today. In The Dark Knight he has his purpose...but now he feels trapped by it In The Dark Knight Rises its as if Rachel and Harvey's deaths reset any progress Bruce made, so he once again has to let go of the past, rediscover his purpose, and look to find reason and happiness for his future. Batman/Bruce's partners even showcase this with Gordon helping him find his purpose, Rachel helping Bruce find Happiness, and Catwoman helping Bruce move on. With Alfred helping Bruce find all 3. For those doing a surface level dig to nitpick plot holes, I ask you dig a little deeper if you want to find enjoyment and artistry in these films!

[@nateds7326]

This is such a well beaten dead horse, but it really does bare repeating: Tom Hardy's Ban is such an incredible villain. He made so much out of a character who previously(in films atleast) was just a generic strong guy. His vocal performance, his presence, the fact that he can be entertaining, hilarious and intimidating all at once. In a film series that got the first ever acting Oscar for someone playing a comic book character, Bane still stands out as a fantastic final foe.

[@christofferjenzen78]

He is not the final foe,in fact the worst part about him is how he is handled;The second he's revealed to not be the big kahuna,only muscle,he is killed and catwoman drops a shitty pun to boot. Complete undoes Hardys hard work to me.

[@adrianscorch]

On top of that, we needed subtitles to understand what he was saying.

[@cormano64]

> "who previously(in films atleast) was just a generic strong guy" Gotta hate how movies sometimes ruin characters' reputations for not respecting the source material. Bane was psychotic and brilliant in his debut in the comics. And to this day (including The Dark Knight Rises) it was barely used.

[@zinicim]

This movie was actually my favorite of the trilogy when it came out. I just rewatched them last week and it was still my favorite. Absolutely love it!

[@Cinemahguy]

Same.

[@Schizm1]

Still better than pretty much any MCU movie

[@smc2232]

Yo Chris i’ve been watching your channel since the 2010s. This might be my favorite video from you. The commentary, the editing, the perspective. Awesome work man and I can’t wait for Shelby Oaks!

[@MrJustforkicks]

Two scenes that do it for me 1. When the Batman comes out on his bat bike and the junior cop fires his gun at him and the senior cop gives him a look and tells him to put away his gun before he hurts someone. 2. Bane puts his hand palm facing up on the shoulder of the guy financing Bane's operation, and asks him "do you feel in charge?" I swear I felt the guy's bowels move even while shooting.

[@FATE522]

I struggled with The Dark Knight Rises at first because I was thinking of Batman as a whole and his character in general and I didn't sit well with Alfred leaving him, or with Batman quitting/retiring. It also felt like the Robin reveal felt cheapened. But you have to think of this as Nolan's idea for a trilogy that doesn't branch off to other stories in the future. I really love the concept overall of the film that Batman loses all his resources to Bane and that his resources bring Gotham to its knees and on the brink of destruction. And when I watch the film now I don't think about all the missed potential of what could have been going forward for the series and it closes the trilogy exactly the way it needs to. It's such a behemoth film that really is satisfying upon rewatch after rewatch.

[@Nick370Crabtree]

I really didn't appreciate the film the first time I saw it, but with repeated viewings the film has grown on me a lot! A lot of the things that used to bother me, doesn't really bother me much any more. Every time I rewatch the film, I kinda just forget about the stuff I don't love and focus on the stuff I do love. It's not perfect, but it definitely is a lot better than I initially gave it credit for.

[@elevenseven-yq4vu]

So what is the stuff you do love (best) about it?

[@Redsnowman04]

I’m glad you made this video. I remember back in 2012 you were my first review I’ve watched for the dark knight rises because I was obsessed with this film because I loved it. So it felt nice coming back to it again as if I went back in time. I remember watching your gag skit you did for the mtv movie awards trailer (which was one of the best trailers of this film) I never got a chance to see it in theaters this past weekend because I was dealing with the loss of my grandpa but I saw it 3 times in theaters when it came out and I still have all 3 tickets in a display so I can still cherish that forever. Thank you for this Chris 🙏

[@moviescenes6838]

One of the best trilogies of all time! And my personal favourite!

[@mosesruperto7128]

The end of this movie lives rent free in my head. The platform raising Robin in sync with the music is awesome!

[@Pentaholic88]

I saw them all last night and the first time seeing them on the big screen. I didn’t realize how much bigger a role Gordon’s partner played in Begins, didn’t know Lao stuck around for longer and died while on top of the burning money in The Dark Knight, and I still wish there was a more obvious way of telling time passing like fade outs or something in Dark Knight Rises

[@TheRAINMan059]

Gordon's partner played by Mark Boone Jr? Fun fact, the character heavily resembles Lt Eckhardt from Batman 1989 in both appearance and plot role.

[@elevenseven-yq4vu]

​@@TheRAINMan059Isn't the money burning scene out of either "Batman: Year One" or "The Long Halloween"? I am pretty sure it must have been of those two. Anyway, it was much stronger an impact on me in the comics, as it was really hitting the opponent where it most hurt, when I least expected it. 😂

[@mysticalmaniac2]

I absolutely adore this film. My favorite in the trilogy.

[@elevenseven-yq4vu]

Why?

[@gzz8551]

That’s bonkers to me but each to their own I guess.

[@fr3ddy1461]

It’s mine as well

[@IronmanMK85]

Surprised you didn't mention Anne Hathaway as Catwoman who I think owned that role. Batman getting from point A to point B without explanation hasn't ever bothered me, the only time it bothered me was how did he get to Gotham from that prison that was in the middle of nowhere? That one was a bit of a leap. Lastly, Return of the Jedi is my favourite Star Wars movie, arguably my favourite movie of all time 😂 I concede it's not the 'best', that probably goes to Empire Strikes Back but it is my favourite 😂

[@TheWayfarerFamily]

You are totally right about Nolan’s editing. Didn’t care about the plot holes. Though I’m aware of them… The emotion gets me every time. And actually I really don’t separate the 3 films. They are ‘The Dark Knight Trilogy’ to me.

[@road3557]

Rises honestly has done better over time. Dark Knight had the Joker and probably the greatest villain performance. But the Dark Knight Rises is a better movie.

[@SDfan2002]

I’ve always seen this movie as a masterpiece along with the first two. Also, Batman Forever is legitimately fantastic.

[@billkennedy407]

Best Batman series hands down! What I love most about Batman is the villains and how fleshed out they are. Batman is secondary and the villains are someone you can sympathize with (though they are crazy, you can understand how, and why they came to be why they are, who they are)

[@isaiahyinko7182]

The dark knight trilogy was my batman of my childhood. The trilogy was all during my childhood.

[@LAGarza-zk9pg]

The wife & I went to see “the dark knight” for Batman Day……having seen this film countless times, and now, seeing it again on the big screen …. We still stayed glued to the screen and applauded at the end. The emotion the dark knight left us in was so good that we bought tickets for “rises” and had a blast watching it again.

[@NeilYoungHorne]

I'm so glad that you made this video defending the Dark Knight Rises! You said pretty much everything I've been feeling for years. DKR is one of three movies that I feel like I constantly have to defend, even though I don't think I really should have to because they're of really high quality and really entertaining. Yet, each constantly gets attacked on a few grounds, ironically, by so called old school "fans." The other two movies are Star Trek Into Darkness and Godzilla 2014.

[@Lfcsweden-n5m]

I’m usually insanely picky and demand a lot. The Batman trilogy from Nolan is almost perfection and in my world it’s actually is. One of the best movies ever done. The writing, the cast and the acting is of so hard standard. I love it ❤

[@ChrisMeadows1992]

I still to this day think that TDKR is a cinematic masterpiece that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with TDK. The structure, the editing, the score, the ending, the stakes. Distance from 2012 has given people time to process it and separate it from their previous expectations, giving them a newfound appreciation. It's a lot like The Lost World: Jurassic Park in that sense. I think it's one of the best blockbuster films of the 2010s, absolutely.

[@TheRAINMan059]

While we're throwing out hot takes - I actually like Batman Begins the most out of the trilogy; imo it's the perfect origin story. But it's so hard to rank the three because each is legendary

[@ChrisMeadows1992]

Absolutely valid. They're all very good films.@@TheRAINMan059

[@Meltymorty]

Nolan trilogy is a masterpiece to me

[@lakernation26]

The action sucked ass

[@jamesbounds]

I love the Nolan trilogy especially the second film.

[@Twinsfan1992]

You articulated how this movie makes me feel. I hate the nitpicking critique, but for me I got swept up in this and all three of the Nolan Trilogy I will never say no to rewatching

[@tornadochaser2457]

"not"? What does that mean?

[@Twinsfan1992]

@@tornadochaser2457 *no

[@tornadochaser2457]

@@Twinsfan1992 "no"?... What does that mean? "Yes" perhaps?

[@coloradoing9172]

​@@tornadochaser2457Do you have a brain?

[@TrevTendo88]

Thank you! Signs is CRIMINALLY underrated! As is Contact which I just noticed on your VHS shelf to your left shoulder. ;)

[@undone14]

Batman Begins: 10/10 The Dark Knight: 11/10 The Dark Knight Rises: 12/10 (my favorite in the series)

[@d.k.borelli8267]

I to think the dark knight rises is just as good as the dark knight. they all have their special flavor