Dark Knight Rises, The (12/04/2012)

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some sensuality and language.

Starring Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine

Directed by Christopher Nolan (Inception, The Dark Knight, The Prestige, Batman Begins, and Memento)

Thank you Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale.

It has been eight years since Batman vanished into the night, turning, in that instant, from hero to fugitive. Assuming the blame for the death of D.A. Harvey Dent, the Dark Knight sacrificed everything for what he and Commissioner Gordon both hoped was the greater good. For a time the lie worked, as criminal activity in Gotham City was crushed under the weight of the anti-crime Dent Act. But everything will change with the arrival of a cunning cat burglar with a mysterious agenda. Far more dangerous, however, is the emergence of Bane, a masked terrorist whose ruthless plans for Gotham drive Bruce out of his self-imposed exile. But even if he dons the cape and cowl again, Batman may be no match for Bane.

There was no doubt I had very high expectations as I walked into the theater with two of my best friends on the planet – Brent and Dave. We had watched Batman Begins earlier in the day and were so pumped when the theater went dark and we saw that darkened WB logo light up the screen. And for the next 165 Minutes, we were riveted to that screen.

Christopher Nolan is one of my top 5 favorite directors. He is extremely talented and knows how to deliver the goods. And deliver he does with The Dark Knight Rises from visually stunning cinematography to perfect timing and storytelling.

The cast, lead by Christian Bale, is strong and consistent throughout the film. In my opinion, there is no debate, no argument and no question; Christian Bale is the best Batman ever! And Tom Hardy as Bane was ridiculously good.

Then there are the special effects. What makes these special effects so mind blowing, is the fact that they look so real. Batman is a character that exists in a real world with real people and so much of what he does is believable. Oh to have a bazillion dollars and a Lucius Fox.

One last thing, Dave and I are both Pittsburgh Steelers fans and could not contain our excitement when the story took us to the Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA and many of the Steelers were given some screen time. Brent was less impressed, but he’s an Eagles’ fan, so his opinion doesn’t matter.

Can’t wait to see this one again, can’t wait to take my kids to see it and can’t wait to add it to my blu-ray collection…it’s “Worth Buying!”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
In one scene Bruce Wayne is seen with a woman embracing and kissing passionately. The scene cuts to both characters shirtless, covered by blankets, sex implied. No nudity shown.

Parents should also know that there are some frightening/intense scenes.

The villain is powerful and disturbing and kills constantly throughout the movie.

As far as profanity goes, there is 1 partially enunciated F-word, and a few other mild obscenities.

Conversation Starter:

1. What was a major theme in this final Batman movie?


2. What personal sacrifices have you ever made?


3. What sacrifices have been made for you by others?


4. Read John 3:16-17
   For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
   
   
5. How is Batman’s attitude (a willingness to sacrifice his body and life for the citizens of Gotham) similar to Jesus?


6. How is it the different?


7. What are some things you can do this week to live a sacrificial life?