[Brutus]

I'll go on record as saying I expected a miserable failure out of this film after the performance of Heath Ledger in the previous movie, and trying to live up to one of the better movies of all-time (IMHO). That said, I was shocked and awed at the drama of this movie. I almost didn't let myself watch it for fear it wouldn't remotely live up to my hope for it, but it far surpassed expectations so much that I was blown away.

However, I didn't like a few minor things (spoiler alert)....



For starters, I didn't care for the lack of explanation for the Joker. While I realize Nolan didn't want this to be about the Joker, his presence (or lack thereof) should be wholly relevant to Gotham's progress. And when the criminals were let loose, we should certainly expect some mention of the Joker... assuming he's still alive. My theory is that the Joker wouldn't have been compelled to enter back into the fray without Batman around when he got out, as by his own admission, he a) didn't care for common criminals or their actions and b) considered Batman his only rival. Still, it would have been nice for some sort of closure on that. Apparently, though, there is a novelization of the movie that is being released, and it explains that the Joker was left as Arkham Asylum's lone tenant, so while the prisoners were released by Bane, the Joker would not have been.

I'm also not sure what to make of the cliffhanger at the end. It gives the impression that Bruce survived, showing him being seen by Alfred. However, that also mimics Alfred's fantasy, which may have merely been Alfred visualizing Bruce being alive. It seems they are suggesting he did survive, but I can't seem to feel certain about it.