At the heart of "The Dark Knight Rises" beats a story of people who are haunted. These are people who, for whatever reason, are tarnished; they are scarred. "The Dark Knight Rises" traces their thematic journey as they work to create legacy; not for their singular, personal redemption, but for the so-called good of the many.

Surrounding that thematic core, is a confidently assembled cinematic spectacle. The cinematography, score, action-editing, and performances are uniformly excellent. The film, overall, is tense, emotional, and gripping. Moreover, the narrative brings us full-circle, not only wrapping up a single film's story, but that of a three-film cycle. "The Dark Knight Rises" is full-bore, grand-scale entertainment.