5- BANE’S PLAN (THE DARK KNIGHT RISES)
Our introduction to Gotham’s latest reckoning is during a mid-air escape. A group of terrorists captured by the CIA are being extradited. As the agents question the prisoners it becomes apparent that their capture was intended. The group’s leader is unmasked revealing the masked menace Bane. With a voice that can only be described as robotic Sean Connery, one look at his muzzled mug demanded respect and induced fear. As his plan comes together it becomes clear that Bane would be the ultimate foe for The Dark Knight. The fire had begun to rise.
4- BROKEN BAT (THE DARK KNIGHT RISES)
It was inevitable. We were all anticipating it. And Nolan delivered! Their fight beneath the streets of Gotham ends with Bats hoisted above the head of the enigmatic madman known only as Bane. With ease the massive, menacing, mercenary sent The Dark Knight crashing down upon his knee. Nolan had broken the bat mentally, spiritually and now physically. Nolan’s take was more of an amalgam of the traditional, comic version of the character and The Mutant Leader from Frank Miller’s seminal graphic novel ‘The Dark Knight Returns’. That mixture made bane a cerebral assassin worthy of sidelining the caped crusader.
3- CALLING CARD (BATMAN BEGINS)
“Batman Begins” was an innovative take on the classic tale. With an all-star cast, stellar script and visionary direction by Christopher Nolan it exceeded my expectations on every level. However, the events of the film were eclipsed by the last scene in which Batman’s new ally, Jim Gordon, presented the city’s newest dilemma in the form of a single playing card. Fans were frothing at the mouth at the thought of Batman doing battle with the crown prince of crime in the next installment!
2- JOKER’S HEIST (THE DARK KNIGHT)
The prologue to “The Dark Knight” was a taut, gritty thrill ride that keeps the audience guessing up until we ultimately meet the ominous Joker. The mastermind criminal, played with blistering intensity by the late Heath Ledger, brings an archaic disdain and frightening edge to the famous villain. Although I initially scoffed at the thought of Ledger playing Batman’s arch nemesis I could not imagine anyone playing the part after his performance. Raw, terrifying and unrelenting, The Joker was redefined.
1-HAPPILY EVER AFTER (THE DARK KNIGHT RISES)
In my opinion this is the way that the series had to end. Batman had given everything to Gotham. He deserved to disappear and enjoy the rest of his days. Many make the argument that Batman wouldn’t leave his city in devastation. It is my opinion that Bruce left the Batcave and all of his resources to John “Robin” Blake to continue what he had started and be Gotham’s new savior. It may sound a bit sappy but I thought that the scene where Alfred nods to Bruce, sitting across from Selina was the perfect ending to the saga. Having him give his life in the explosion would have been a real bummer. I actually began to well up during this scene. Yeah I know I’m a loser.
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