More_Badass
Member
For the longest time, I considered The Dark Knight to be the best of the Nolan Batman films. Rewatched TDKR last night, hadn't watched it since seeing the movie in theaters, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed. In fact, I'd go as far as to see it's the best of the three.
I think the reason why I liked it so much was that it didn't feel like a superhero movie. It was such a break from the superhero formula that even Batman Begins subscribed to, that it gives the film a unique tone and atmosphere. The Dark Knight didn't feel like a superhero film either, but TDKR definitely felt even further divorced from the superhero formula. Gotham relatively crime-free. Bruce a recluse and retired. An insidious enemy working in secret, whose plans actually succeeds this time. Bane, working not only as a villain that can challenge Bruce both physically and mentally but also continuing the League of Shadows plot from Begins. The dystopian, almost apocalyptic Gotham of the middle and final act.
Heath's Joker was the more memorable villain, but in retrospect, felt less like a tangible threat and more like a force to drive the plot IMO, a Mephistopheles in a sense, a corrupting influence on the characters. Bane had a backstory, had motivations, had an imposing presence that felt ever present even when he wasn't onscreen. On a rewatch, I found the voice didn't bother me as much and it gave the character a larger-than-life aura with the cultured yet otherworldly tone.
I disliked Hathaway's Kyle on first watch, but thought her character was well done now. The subtle ways she was able to change her personality to blend in and adapt to the situation was a nice touch. Both she and Bane was interesting foils to Bruce; Bane as the ex-League of Shadows member who returned to Gotham to continue his mentor's legacy, and Kyle as the costumed individual living a double life, pretending to be one person to hide their secret persona and blend in with the social scene.
The Talia reveal felt jarring before, but with the knowledge of Miranda was, you notice the subtle hints of her motivations and true identity throughout the film
While TDK had the more memorable moments, between the Tumblr chase, snatching Lau in Hong Kong, all the Joker moments, I felt TDKR's best moments were equally memorable. The brutal brawl between Bruce and Bane in the sewers was probably the best fight in the series IMO. The opening plane scene was thrilling and the practical effects and stunts only added to the intensity. Hardy was great as Bane every time he was onscreen.
Not to say that movie was without its shortcomings. The whole notion of the attack on the stock exchange to drive Wayne Enterprises bankrupt was ridiculous. Sending all or most of the cops underground was equally ridiculous. And let's not forget this masterclass of acting:
I think the reason why I liked it so much was that it didn't feel like a superhero movie. It was such a break from the superhero formula that even Batman Begins subscribed to, that it gives the film a unique tone and atmosphere. The Dark Knight didn't feel like a superhero film either, but TDKR definitely felt even further divorced from the superhero formula. Gotham relatively crime-free. Bruce a recluse and retired. An insidious enemy working in secret, whose plans actually succeeds this time. Bane, working not only as a villain that can challenge Bruce both physically and mentally but also continuing the League of Shadows plot from Begins. The dystopian, almost apocalyptic Gotham of the middle and final act.
Heath's Joker was the more memorable villain, but in retrospect, felt less like a tangible threat and more like a force to drive the plot IMO, a Mephistopheles in a sense, a corrupting influence on the characters. Bane had a backstory, had motivations, had an imposing presence that felt ever present even when he wasn't onscreen. On a rewatch, I found the voice didn't bother me as much and it gave the character a larger-than-life aura with the cultured yet otherworldly tone.
I disliked Hathaway's Kyle on first watch, but thought her character was well done now. The subtle ways she was able to change her personality to blend in and adapt to the situation was a nice touch. Both she and Bane was interesting foils to Bruce; Bane as the ex-League of Shadows member who returned to Gotham to continue his mentor's legacy, and Kyle as the costumed individual living a double life, pretending to be one person to hide their secret persona and blend in with the social scene.
The Talia reveal felt jarring before, but with the knowledge of Miranda was, you notice the subtle hints of her motivations and true identity throughout the film
While TDK had the more memorable moments, between the Tumblr chase, snatching Lau in Hong Kong, all the Joker moments, I felt TDKR's best moments were equally memorable. The brutal brawl between Bruce and Bane in the sewers was probably the best fight in the series IMO. The opening plane scene was thrilling and the practical effects and stunts only added to the intensity. Hardy was great as Bane every time he was onscreen.
Not to say that movie was without its shortcomings. The whole notion of the attack on the stock exchange to drive Wayne Enterprises bankrupt was ridiculous. Sending all or most of the cops underground was equally ridiculous. And let's not forget this masterclass of acting:
