Batman Begins
“The Dark Knight Trilogy” - I cannot review TDK without taking into account the other two pieces of the puzzle. This series has more to say in light of recent events. In memory, it exists as something maybe overhyped, but when you pop in the BR, ur reminded, it’s kino. [A]+
Batman Begins - The direction of superhero movies shift forever. The name Nolan signals that your comic book story is going to be realistic, dark and filthy. Superb world building, tone and a perfect “prequel” which turned out to be part of one whole.
The Dark Knight - oof Joker killed a lot of black people. He dominates the afterglow in the decade post release. This is why the academy boosted best picture to 9 from 5. The socio-ethical dilemmas Joker pushes, the constant rising action, the boat scene, always makes me weep.
The Dark Knight Rises - Always has been a complete picture for me, but will more especially have a different take in the ACAB world and the poor rising to throw the rich in the streets. Bane crushing a cop with his knee. A perfect ending to a perfect trilogy.
It’s a trap to rank movies sequentially. If time is a flat circle so can a trilogy. Why does Empire have to be the best one when it can be one part of the mosaic. Same with TDK. It’s easy to say hero movies peaked with TDK and Endgame, but it’s not a mountain, it’s a planet.