The epic conclusion to the newly revamped Batman trilogy, “The Dark Knight Rises” was recently released. These movies, directed by Christopher Nolan, have received high praise from people all over the country.

The movie takes place eight years after the Joker and former “white knight” Harvey “Two Face,” had terrorized Gotham. Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) has become a shut-in. The new Harvey-Dent act has almost purged Gotham completely and left the streets free for law abiding citizens to roam without fear of crime. However, a storm is brewing, one that threatens to tear Gotham apart and make the city the target of the military and the world.

There are no spoilers in this review, so feel free to keep reading. The plot of the movie is fantastic. Another villain, Bane, comes to Gotham in order to liberate those whom have been, according to him, “wrongfully” imprisoned due to the Dent Act.

With a dynamic cast, “The Dark Knight Rises’” ability to draw viewers in is surreal. I’ll admit that when I heard Anne Hathaway was Catwoman, I thought Christopher Nolan was out of his mind. We are talking about the “Princess Diaries” star, after all. She is so wholesome and innocent. Those thoughts quickly withered and died the first ten minutes into the movie. Her performance as Catwoman is exhilarating to say the least.

However, one of the huge issues I had with the casting is the repeat of characters in Nolan films. Joseph Gordon-Levitt starred in “Inception” as Arthur, and John Blake in “The Dark Knight Rises.” Tom Hardy has starred in “Inception” as Eames and is Bane in “The Dark Knight Rises,” Cillian Murphy played Robert Fischer in “Inception” and is Dr. Jonathan Crane/Scarecrow in “The Dark Knight.” Not to mention Michael Caine who played Miles in “Inception,” and Alfred in “The Dark Knight Rises.” These actors are phenomenal, but with the reputation that Christopher Nolan has, he could virtually have had any actor in Hollywood.

This is my biggest complaint throughout the movie. It just seemed lazy on Nolan’s part. But that’s neither here, nor there. Overall, this movie is worth every penny to rent or buy. It will make a perfect Christmas gift or stocking stuffer. But don’t watch it alone. A movie of this magnitude, of this hype, deserves more than just one person appreciating it.

Adam McDonald, Co-Editor