With any superhero movie, you always run the risk of the movie being a little hokey and contrived. Like grownups getting dressed up for Halloween. Frankly, that’s how I feel about The Avengers, in theaters this Friday. I hope it exceeds my expectations.
When Christopher Nolan released [amazon_link id=”B001GZ6QEC” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]The Dark Knight[/amazon_link] in 2008, however, it made me realize that superhero movies don’t have to be hokey. They can be dramatic, intense, well acted, and buffered with good special effects. It’s hard to pack all that into a superhero movie and make it work, but Nolan did.
It appears that he’s doing it again with The Dark Knight Rises, in theaters July 20, 2012. The third trailer was just released, and it’s quiet, explosive and intense, achieved partly by the fact that it begins with no sound as various perils rip through the country. You can feel the tension building, and Batman is not available to help right the wrongs.
Nolan has a good cast with which to work. As Batman, Christian Bale practically screams inner turmoil, especially since eight years prior, he took the fall for Two Face’s crimes and the city now brands him as an enemy. And with her ability to pull off comedy, drama and physical prowess, Anne Hathaway is the perfect choice for Catwoman.
Tom Hardy (is there any role this guy can’t play?) is the villain Bane, a terrorist who lords over Gotham. Returning are Gary Oldman as Jim Gordon, Michael Caine as Alfred, and Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox. Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Juno Temple and Liam Neeson are just a few of the other stars.
Yep, judging by the trailer, there’s something for everyone in The Dark Knight Rises.
Images: Warner Bros.
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