The Dark Knight Rises

First, before I proceed to write my review of this highly anticipated final sequel of the Batman series, my heart is so heavy! I am in shock at the atrocity in Aurora, Colorado. The fact that someone could have the audacity to open fire and start shooting at innocent people in a movie theater is unimaginable! Theater's are a place of refuge and a place to escape the realities of life. So, I wish to express my condolences to all of the people whose lives have forever been changed by this senseless tragedy. God bless them all!!!

PG-13
Starring:  Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman, Marion Cotillard, Morgan Freeman, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Running Time: 2 Hours and 45 Minutes

This movie begins where "The Dark Knight" ends. Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) decides it would be better for him to be the fall guy and isolate himself inside the Wayne Manor, than to divulge to the citizens of Gotham City that their beloved hero Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), had turned into a madman after the Joker's insidious rampage. Batman is also grieving the loss of his beloved Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhaal). He has grown weak with inactivity and arthritis. When his fortune disappears, and the new villain Bane (Tom Hardy) appears and he is determined to destroy Gotham City, Batman must come out of isolation and become "The Batman" again! His love for Gotham City is super strong and he will go to the ends of the earth to save Gotham.
He encounters the conniving Selina aka Catwoman (Anne Hathaway) working as a waitress at a memoral honoring Harvey Dent at his Manor when she is stealing his mothers pearls.
This movie is filled with all kinds of twists and turns. It seems as if everyone is out to destroy Batman. The character Bane was as evil and sinister as you can possibly imagine. He has no soul whatsoever! I had a real issue with trying to hear what Bane was saying. He has a mask over his face, and his voice is very difficult to understand, so that was disappointing to me. I also had some issues with trying to understand Batman with his gravely voice.
The character Blake (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) was a sweet young police officer turned detective who adored Batman and helped save the people too.
The ending was heart-pounding and amazing!
The story was long at 2 hours and 45 minutes, but it kept you on the edge of your seat! You will see that Batman has a real heart and he is willing to risk himself to save everyone else.
 The special effects were stunning and well worth seeing!
Parents be advised that Bane is very scary and intimidating. Some scenes are very intense.
I would recommend this for children 13 and over.
I am giving "The Dark Knight Rises" three bags of popcorn!