So I have watched this now.
If you enjoyed Batman Begins for the journey it took us on to explore the character of Bruce Wayne, you will not be disappointed.
It is undeniable that this is the most complete and most grand scale film Nolan has worked on, so far in his career. And the sheer level of fidelity in terms of visual splendour means Pfister is just as much responsible for this film as Nolan was. This was a gorgeous film.
I honestly believe that this is Nolan's best film, and I honestly don't think he will ever be able to top this. Sure you can say that you like TDK or BB begins more, but there is absolutely no denying that this one is the better work out of the three as a whole. This was the first Nolan film to have an actually good final act. Unlike TDK for instance, where you get a sense of detachment the moment the film gets to the Boat scene, TDKR provides a constant reason to be engrossed. This also had what I felt to be an appropriate run time to finish off such a great story. Absolutely great.
There is a huge array of characters, and all of them are handled well. The good ones get the right amount of screen time, the not so good ones are pushed back to the background. But the focus on Bruce Wayne as a character, was absolutely the best part here. The character of Batman starts to mean so much to the city and the world. You watch Bruce stand up get put down and rise again as something more than he previously was. What a way to explore a character.
There were so many great moments here. The only way it could have ended.
And yes, this is by far the best superhero film out there, and one of the best films to come out in recent years.
You can enjoy other Batman or other superhero flicks more for other reasons. But there is absolutely no denying that this is the most grandiose, well realised superhero adaptation to date.