Even with the blemish that will forever leave a dark mark on the film, “The Dark Knight Rises” rose to the occasion and fell nothing short of spectacular. And this weekend’s box office results have the numbers to prove it.

By Gregory Amir Colvin

Contributing Writer

To say that the last installment of the “Batman” series rose to expectations would be an understatement. Even with the blemish that will forever leave a dark mark on the film, “The Dark Knight Rises” rose to the occasion and fell nothing short of spectacular. And this weekend’s box office results have the numbers to prove it. Although nothing official has been released due to the heinous theater shooting at Friday night’s midnight showing of the film in Aurora, Colo. That left 12 dead and 58 injured, it is estimated to have raised $160.8 million dollars in ticket sales making it the biggest opening of a 2-D film ever.

But to get 2-D point of what makes it so worthwhile, let’s set you up with a quick synopsis. The movie opens with a battered Bruce Wayne sulking in the shadows of a Batman-less Gotham City eight years in the making. He and his caped crusading alter ego are now playing the background as Batman has disappeared since taking the blame for D.A. Harvey Dent's death. Bruce has isolated himself to his home, leaving the fight against crime to the Gotham City police. The retired beard-toting billionaire is at peace putting Batman behind him until... Along came Bane, the trilogy’s newest villain.

One of the League of Shadows' finest, this burly metal-mouthed criminal has vied to blow up the city with a nuclear device. With the city in disarray and Bruce Wayne with no where to go but up, it’s time for Batman to gas up the Bat mobile and take flight.

Courtesy of weapons specialist Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman), the dark knight rises and is ready for war. What he hasn’t prepared for is how rusty he’s gotten coupled with a few catty curveballs. Needless to say, Batman has his hands full. Bane is more than a formidable opponent. He physically imposes his will and definitely throws his weight (and Batman) around. 

The story will have the viewer at the edge of their seat wondering if the Dark Knight can rise up to save himself and ultimately save Gotham City or does Batman end with the trilogy.

The movie definitely gives “Dark Knight” fans the intense adrenaline-pumping action that they are looking for.

Movie fans worldwide wondered if Christopher Nolan could top 2008’s “Dark Knight.” That’s a question to be answered by the fans, but it is definitely a good debate.

Leading an all-star international cast, Oscar winner Christian Bale (“The Fighter”) again plays the dual role of Bruce Wayne/Batman. “The Dark Knight Rises” also stars Anne Hathaway, as Selina Kyle; Tom Hardy, as Bane; Oscar winner Marion Cotillard (“La Vie en Rose”), as Miranda Tate; and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, as John Blake.

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