As tightly structured and laser focused as the screenplay for "The Dark Knights" was, is about how unwieldy this sequel feels. While it may lack the thematic cohesion of its predecessor, "The Dark Knight Rises" does find success by honing in on the character of Bruce Wayne, with Christian Bale delivering his finest work in the series.

As always, pride comes before the fall - and here we find Wayne at his most arrogant and yet vulnerable before his collision course with Bane. Although "Batman Begins" is my least favorite entry in the trilogy, there is satisfaction in seeing the League of Shadows subplot come full circle.