I saw this in the cinema only a couple of days ago and have to say I was a little worried because third movies in franchises tend to be worse than the previous two. However if anything to go by this is not better than the Dark Knight but it is definitely on parr with it.
So story, still a great story and Nolans team did very well to think about future developments of the Batman, such as his physical weakness now due to so much physical activity before the Batm,an retired. Introducing a lightning quick, full rolling tank of a villain called Bane was always going to be the best choice especially with the man who plays him (Tom Hardy). He proves to be one of the most memorable villains in the trilogy (just behind Heath Ledgers Joker). catwoman was always going to be a hard role to fill but Anne Hathaway pulls it off very very well, if anything she is the best catwoman portrayed in a movie, she provides Batman with both shocks and thrills and this is exatly the kind of catwoman needed in this movie, but also with her stories of why she came to be and as to why she does the deeds she does.
Each character has enough depth to back them up although I would have liked to have seen Robin but that would have proved too much for one film, however I could see Joeseph Gordon Levitt portraying Robin in a possibly spin off film? Please Nolan.
Both Oldman, Freeman and caine provide the best supporting roles obviously because they are their characters! Introducing the character Miranda Tate to the movie was very risky but it by the end of the movie you feel honoured she took part and that she does prove worthy to the story.
But based on enjoyment this movie is a war! Bane vs Batman! cops vs inmates! Rich vs poor! It has so many different action Scenes that the last hour or so is all out war between society. Yes it starts off a little slow in introducing Batman again but think realistically and understand why it starts slow and you'll get your spirit pumping. Many scenes will give you goosebumps and I will not spoil any of them! But the action is top quality, the story is top quality, the cast is top quality, and finally the franchise is down right legend! And the end is an amazing tribute to the legend that is Batman!
The ending scenes are AMAZING! How the story fits the ending scenes is very well thought out by Nolans team. But how everybody moves on leaves both answers but still offering so much more based on potential sequels (Nolan and Bale have stated they would be glad to make a 4th film, so who knows?), possible catwoman spin off film? And the best question is shown at the end end scene but I don't wish to spoil this as it's worth the look :) Thankfully they did not spoil this potential question with any added credit scenes as there were none so it still leaves the question rather than the answer.
Overall verdict:
Stunning piece of movie making, although not better than its predecessor it is definitely on parr with it, this provides more action thrills and introduces some memorable characters and performances. As well as the potential for so much more from Nolan and his team, this is a very very well made movie indeed. You will be entertained by this thrilling tribute of an end to one of the best legends ever made!
Batman Begins: 8/10
The Dark Knight: 10/10
The Dark Knight Rises: 9/10