Saw the movie again. Have to say, I am Team Graham. I found more answers to the common questions when I starting listening to the dialogue more. Plus, the acting was terrific, I got more out of what people didn't say as well. Such an emotional and compelling movie, loved it.

Of course I am team Graham on the topic at hand. After hearing the podcast this week, and also hearing Mike Schmidt ask him if he was too close because he was getting a bit too excited, well that’s me in a nutshell. Thanks guys for taking the time to put that episode together for us all to listen to.

I could write about this forever but who needs to. Anyone who knows me on here can ask me anytime and I would be happy to correspond back and forth until we are out of breath on this. I have been reading Batman comics almost my whole life and honestly this was very fulfilling to me. I think if you are an avid comic book reader this movie in particular can be much more rewarding and emotional. It doesn’t matter how many times I see it I know I will be sobbing by the end of it. It is the culmination of many years of waiting and I am happy to see it completed the way it has been.

I just want to make a few points... SPOILERS from here on so please just go watch this movie.

Good points Sean. Each one of the villains in the Batman universe are different because they come from different places wanting to cause pain. Not only that but many of them do so because they think they are right in their ways. It makes them who they are. They all equally mirror Batman in different respects as well. The Scarecrow’s insatiable lusting for fear should have showed Bruce his own attachment to justice as an addiction, which was addressed by Alfred in this film, as Ra’s Al Ghul’s need for balance defines Bruce’s need for justice. The Joker showed Bruce his own insanity and Bane shows him his own internal self destruction. Each important by showing Bruce something about himself and hopefully teaching him to grow, and each is worthy of praise by the actors who play them all.

Favorite things to notice in this movie. Many references early on to Howard Hughes. The jars and finger nail comments, as well as the scaring, were all very telling. Nice choice I think
A reference to Killer Croc. Drake says Gordon was being laughed at talking about Bane in the sewers and asked if he saw large Crocs down there. Think about it. (They made a reference to Joker in Begins, and Cats in Dark Knight. If there is another movie after this there might be a mutated sewer man nicknamed Killer Croc)
Plus a great cameo by the amazing Scarecrow, Dr. Crane, sitting atop many stacked desks.

Plus I just wanted to comment on why I think Batman "ran away" from Bane on the rooftop. He obviously cares for Selina and doesn't want to take responsibility for someone fighting with him so he hightails it out of there knowing she will follow with no weapon to return fire. He even comments that he "saved her life" once he drops her off on the rooftop. He wouldn't have ran if she wasn't there. Plus at this point, maybe he's still a little unsure of himself. This was just a practice round of fighting. Just my thoughts.

So much is said and not said in this movie, as Alexis pointed out. It deserves multiple viewings. I was completely onboard with everything done within the movie and honestly if something seemed a little weird I am sure there is a reason. Nolan has been very good about being particular in this universe (and I thank him for that)!

Excellent point about Batman running away with Selina Kyle on the rooftop. He probably would not want her to be harm, especially given that she doesn't have an intricate suit like Batman. I also think script wise, it made the first fight shocking and scary.

Firstly: loved it like everyone. And I'm also on Team Graham where I thought it was absolutely amazing. I of course noticed it's flaws or where people would be persnickety but I could look past that with exception for one thing which I've heard nobody mention and I'll get to in a minute.

But to the rooftop runaway comment, I'd say other than Batman caring for Selina he was also being strategic and they were in an open environment being fired from on high by one of Bane's henchmen. And Bane wasn't revealed until after Batman had jumped off the roof so he wasn't aware of his presence, or so it can be said by the editing. So it was less him being afraid of Bane but he didn't have the upper hand and couldn't exactly throw a batarang without standing still long enough to get shot.

I also liked Bane's voice and ever since yesterday I've been impersonating him which creeps out my girlfriend to no end, and not just because of how accurate it is. I also read that his accent was inspired by an Irish gypsy bare knuckle boxer which is why it sounds so strange but is probably more effective. Although in the speech outside the prison it could've been toned down a little.

But one of my favorite things in the movie is the sewer fight, specifically on how there's absolutely no music which makes the whole thing even more jarring and effective. By just hearing the sounds you feel the pain more and draws you in. And when I went to the midnight showing when Bane breaks Batman's back there was genuine applause by people.

However the one thing that kinda bothers me is at the end when Batman tells Gordon about how he put his coat around him after his parents died and after thinking it over in 14 seconds figured out it was Bruce. As smart and clever as Gordon and everyone else is that I find kinda hard to believe that he did a quick search in Google Brain for "child + coat" and that's the top result. To remember something that quick is a trait that people with OCD and autism have. Especially because he's in a bit of a state of panic so your brain tends to be in pants-shitting mode and often can't operate in National Treasure mode where you think the back of the dollar bill tells you where Atlantis is and if there is a magic bullet. Again, this is the one thing I took real issue with, everything else I can look past.

But lastly to go off of what Graham said about Bane's commitment to Talia, you absolutely see it because the second time I saw it during that last scene of his where she is telling how he was her protector he is actually crying tears of passion for her. When I saw those tears I almost started to cry because it gave that character depth and humanity, that even though he's doing these terrible things he has one thing he truly cares about and will do anything to protect her and do anything for her including wiping a city off the face of the earth.

Two screenings down, way more to go.

It's funny, I got so wrapped up in that one line, I could care less how fast Gordon figured out. Just the thought that ever since he was a kid, Bruce Wayne saw Gordon as a hero, so sweet *tear*.

Oh it was a great line but I couldn't help fixate myself on how quick he figured it out given the kinda obtuse clue.