New (Low-Res) Images Of Batman And Bane From THE DARK KNIGHT RISES

What does the mask do, specifically? I wonder. If it filters the air, couldn't Batman just splash some paint or rubber cement on it?

I've come to the conclusion that because I'm so absolutely underwhelmed and unexcited for TDKR, that I'm going to end up loving it. Thrill me!

@gillri - Who knows? Haven't seen the movie yet. And the trailers have been yawners.

I agree with ggoblin31 in feeling underwhelmed and unexcited. However, I'm doubting whether I'll end up loving the film. So far, it comes across as pretentious and degrading. Bane looks terrible and is definitely too small compared to the comics. The fact that Nolan goes against the comics so much is also a point on contention. I can handle changes that suit the movie, but completely redoing the character and villains is not okay for me.

I think I'm also a little more upset just because I really like the Bane character and have wanted to see him in a film for a long time. I hate what I've seen so far. They could have easily given him a good mask.

Finally, the fact that Bale looks scrawny does not make me feel any bit of confidence. This is a Nolan movie. Not a Batman movie. Let's make this point clear.

Upon seeing the Avengers for the third time and watching the TDKR trailer roll out, I have a personal theory on why (in addition to a Joker-less Batman sequel there might be less excitement for this one than TDK.

Movies are cyclical. Themes are cyclical. Audiences are cyclical. TDK came out at a time when our country was in a dark spot (and I'm not saying we're that much further along, just hear me out), and TDK embodied the darkness and delivered just the kind of movie the populace needed at that moment. It was cinematically relatable while being fantastical.

I feel like our country in particular has reached a breaking point with wanting to get out of the dark and have some damn fun at the movies. The Avengers is just that movie. Pure unadulterated fun without heavy themes. You know you're going to have a good time, and not be reminded of our broken economy, government and whatever else is arguably sending the world into an abyss.

Now you watch TDKR trailer and you're sucked right back into that world; quiet, dour, we see title cards that say HOPE IS LOST, we get the 9/11 imagery and terrorist actions against major metropolitan areas... and hardly any Batman. It's depressing. Granted, I think it's brilliant and I'll be there opening day, but it's still a whole other mood that I think moviegoers are just sick of being thrust into.

I'm not saying Batman should be fun, because he's not. Batman should be what Nolan has envisioned, or else completely on the gonzo spectrum of comic book mayhem. I don't need Batman to be 'fun'. But maybe moviegoers just want to ease off the drama with their superheroes for now and go on a ride. And in a couple years it will all revert again. Cyclical.

Anyway, love Marvel and DC, and this summer is a historic win for all of us.

Has the public's mood for 'dark and gritty' waned after the pure fun of the Avengers? Will this suffer the "third movie curse"? Will this be Nolan's triumph or the first major blemish on his record?

Time will tell, but I have to say my own anticipation levels are much lower for this than they were for TDK.

Some personal observations:

That ain't Bane. Catwoman looks out of place. The lack of colour makes it look very dour and depressing. Nothing I've yet seen makes me really want to see it, apart from the fact that it's Nolan and it's his last Batman film. Interested, not excited.

Bane and batman better have great fight scenes

8th batman movie meh.

is bane from the wwf.

do you guys know how nolan got into show biz. i quote -im 1997 nolan married emma thonis a long time movie producer-end quote.

did you guys know that nolan dont have one single award to himself.

the 32nd ann, saturn awards gave nolan and goyer best writing.this is this all the great nolan has, is one half of one award. so after hearing about all of nolans greatness on this site the last 2 yrs. i come to find out he dont even have 1 single award to himself what a let down and to find out how he got into show biz aaaauuuuugggg face plant lmao.

these are the facts and they cant be disputed.but im sure these FACTS wont sit here to well and ill be getting a ton of troll post,but these are the facts sorry,

ps it is good to see that batman made main tho congrats.

# action you do know heaths not in the movie dont you.so wheres this great acting coming from bale lmao,cat woman are you kidding me and bane dont even go there.so where is this great action going to come from.

@gillri.well you need to tell all the dvd/b ray dealers to quit putting the batman movies in the action section.you better get started its going to take you a very long time to get the whole rest of the world thinking your way gl.

nope never heard of him.but when people post the truth it will all sound the same facts are facts no matter who post them.

good idea to stay far far away from the facts and try and distract tho.

just fyi when a movie blows up a parking lot full of cars for no reason whats so ever (ala m. bay)you are watching an action movie just fyi dont be mad ok.

God, fanboys are retarded. Go refill your adderall shitheads.