The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

A fire will rise. The monumental conclusion to the stunning and box-office smash series "The Dark Knight", ends here. The franchise has been an utter sensation since it first debuted in 2005. And now, it goes all out on trying to be the best of the series, topping the prior installment "The Dark Knight". It's fantastic, maybe not as much as the first film however, it does an excellent job at wrapping up the story of the Batman in a marvelous and action packed way.

He's dealt with Jokers, the mafia, Ra's Al Ghoul and now the sinister masked Bane. What makes Bales performance in this film unique beyond all measures, is his relentless efforts to portray the batman as a flawed yet determined character.

Nolan out does himself for the third and final who-rah. It's amazing because themes of severe pain and brokenness makes this film even more interesting. He also adds even more action than the first two films.

Once again, Hans Zimmer makes another gripping score to grab at audiences. It's fast paced, just like the film, and it has the consistency of getting more and more chaotic as the film progresses.

Newbies for this final chapter: Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy-plays a psychotic Bane, and  Marion Cotillard define the franchise as it stands once the films credits roll. Their performances are phenomenal and special.

Perhaps it's the most successful franchise of its kind, "The Dark Knight", has been an iconic and revolutionary piece of cinema that fans of all kinds of film, even superhero films, will love. But be forewarned, this trilogy isn't your average superhero tale. This film presents an amazing and chilling end to an iconic saga of an iconic superhero.

Poster courtesy of Lengendary Pictures and Syncopy

Rate: A 

Director: Christopher Nolan 

Starring: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Marion Cotillard, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Gary Oldman, with Joseph Gordon-Levett and Morgan Freeman

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for intense sequences of violence and action, some sensuality and language)

Runtime: 2 Hours and 25 Minutes 

Synopsis: It has been eight years since Batman vanished into the night, turning, in that instant, from hero to fugitive. Assuming the blame for the death of D.A. Harvey Dent, the Dark Knight sacrificed everything for what he and Commissioner Gordon both hoped was the greater good. For a time the lie worked, as criminal activity in Gotham City was crushed under the weight of the anti-crime Dent Act. But everything will change with the arrival of a cunning cat burglar with a mysterious agenda. Far more dangerous, however, is the emergence of Bane, a masked terrorist whose ruthless plans for Gotham drive Bruce out of his self-imposed exile. But even if he dons the cape and cowl again, Batman may be no match for Bane. 

Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022)

For over a decade, the "Despicable Me" series has been a global phenomenon for audiences. The most significant part of the iconic film series is the minions. The henchmen of Steve Carrell's eponymous character, Gru, are back in this sequel to the 2015s "Minions".  This new film shows once again that the infectiousness of these films are still alive and well. Unlike its predecessor, this sequel has what that film did not have, and that's consistency. With this film being delayed multiple times throughout the past few years, this was worth the wait. 

The humor in this film is just as you would expect from the crew at "Illumination", as funny as ever! Though the previous installment was not as nearly as entertaining as this sequel is. This film is the reason why myself and audiences everywhere are so entertained by these funny characters. The antics from the minions are just as goofy as they have ever been and this film reiterates the fact that these films are comedy gold. 

Steve Carell returns as Gru in this sequel that details the origins of how the character became a villain. His voice work as a young Gru is similar to that of the original one but it's just as effective as it has been in the rest of the franchise. His talents in the films have proven to rank among my personal favorite animated film franchises of all time. Starring alongside him are Alan Arkin, Julie Andrews (reprising her role as Grus mom), Taraji P. Henson and Michelle Yeoh. They add just as much entertaining fun as much as Carell does and that chemistry is on full display. 

What a film like this without the minions? They are the best part of the film and that goes without saying. The humor among them is the best yet! I think that much like I did, audiences will get a kick out of their shenanigans. On top of the mischief of the minions, is the soundtrack. Compiled with hits from the 1970s, this film remains an entertaining delight. Now, the action is great with the high standards of the franchise. It keeps the film exciting throughout the whole thing. 

Ever since the first "Despicable Me" came out in 2010, who knew that it would go on to become one of cinemas biggest animated franchises of all time? This film shows once again that the love and enjoyment of these films won't go away. This film is yet another great example of an entertaining animated film. The franchise has been beloved by audiences of all ages and I don't see that love dying anytime soon. This film is proof of that. 

Poster courtesy of Illumination and Universal 

Rate: A

Director: Kyle Balda

Starring: Steve Carell, Julie Andrews, Pierre Coffin, Taraji P. Henson, Alan Arkin and Michelle Yeoh

MPAA Rating: PG (for some action, violence and rude humor) 

Runtime: 1 Hour and 27 Minutes

Synopsis: In the heart of the 1970s, amid a flurry of feathered hair and flared jeans, Gru (Oscar® nominee Steve Carell) is growing up in the suburbs. A fanboy of a supervillain supergroup known as the Vicious 6, Gru hatches a plan to become evil enough to join them. Luckily, he gets some mayhem-making backup from his loyal followers, the Minions. Together, Kevin, Stuart, Bob, and Otto--a new Minion sporting braces and a desperate need to please--deploy their skills as they and Gru build their first lair, experiment with their first weapons and pull off their first missions. When the Vicious 6 oust their leader, legendary fighter Wild Knuckles (Oscar® winner Alan Arkin), Gru interviews to become their newest member. It doesn't go well (to say the least), and only gets worse after Gru outsmarts them and suddenly finds himself the mortal enemy of the apex of evil. On the run, Gru will turn to an unlikely source for guidance, Wild Knuckles himself, and discover that even bad guys need a little help from their friends.