The Dark Knight Rises - teaser trailer review Directed by: Christopher Nolan Starring: Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway Rating: Not Yet Rated Release Date: July 20, 2012
TRAILER SCORE: 9/10
Thoughts by TSR: It’s hard to believe it’s already been three years since Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight was released. A long wait like the one we’ve had between films puts the first teaser in a difficult position where it’s tough to win. I’ve heard a handful of complaints of “that’s it?” but I’m thrilled with this first look at The Dark Knight Rises.
I wouldn’t say it’s quite as effective as the excellent first teaser for 2008’s The Dark Knight (which showed no new footage, only the voices of Christian Bale, Michael Caine and Heath Ledger as the Joker), but for being assembled from just a few weeks of shooting, it’s great. An aspect I particularly like isn’t even the new footage. It’s the callback to Batman Begins, which is actually my favorite of the two, with Liam Neeson’s voiceover as Ra’s al Ghul. I love that Nolan is tying this final picture back to the first, and if some things I’ve been hearing are true it could be stunning.
As far as the new footage, the first time I watched the teaser in theaters I had a bit of trouble understanding what Gordon (Gary Oldman) was saying while in the hospital bed. Subsequent viewings made it clear, and while the dialogue might come off as a bit cheesy, it gets the point across that Gotham is being threatened by a very formidable foe. Which brings me to my favorite moment, and the one that gives me hope that Nolan could really be going for it with this final film. The final shot of Batman looking tired and backing away as Bane (Tom Hardy) walks into frame is amazing. I was unsure of Bane being used as the villain (especially following Ledger’s Joker), but it appears he’s going to be a real threat to Batman, and that gets me very excited moving forward.
Not a whole lot is shown – no Anne Hathaway, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, or Marion Cotillard – and that is perfectly fine. For me, less is more at this point. All I know is where I’ll be on July 20, 2012, and that is in the theater seeing if Nolan pulls it off. Less than a year away!