5. The Plot Holes
Ah yes, the plot holes, theyre undoubtedly there and they have been highlighted by many detractors (many on this site), but how much do they really matter? Whilst a plot hole isnt usually intended, whether they are a criticism or not is another matter and could potentially be underlying of a larger issue. One of the most commonly cited plot holes (dont worry, Im not going to go through them all) is the idea that Batman was not only transported to a mythical prison in a far away land, but that he, after pushing his spine back into place and escaping, manages to get back to and enter Gotham, but the audience is left dumbfounded as to how. Guess what kids? Hes fucking Batman. Is The Shawshank Redemption bad because clearly his cell is in the middle yet spoiler alert when he digs through the wall his cell is at the end of a row? Its one thing for plot holes to be cited as a criticism against a film, but its a damn cheek for those lamenting the plot holes to also suggest that theres too much expositional dialogue. Would TDKR have been made any better if this were explained? Absolutely not. As stated above, this is just one of many, so why then are they brought up at all? One theory on this is that if youre sitting there and instead of becoming absorbed in Nolans Batmans final outing youre thinking about the logistics behind Bane knowing where Bruce Waynes lair is located, the movie has already lost you, which is a shame. Maybe it didnt even have you to begin with. This theory could be completely wide of the mark but to my mind ties in with the more discerning fans and their expectations. To some, TDKR couldnt win. Expectations had been blown with Batman Begins. Leading up to TDK they became insurmountable yet somehow Nolan pulled the rabbit out of the hat, to please everyone a third time was almost impossible. However good it is, TDKR suffers for being last out of the blocks. TDK is far from a perfect film yet largely due to Heath Ledgers show stopping performance, its so damn immediate and iconic that whatever follows either goes bigger (which TDKR thankfully didnt) or pales in comparison. When looking back on these films in years to come Id wager the todays naysayers realise that TDKR isnt Nolans Return of the Jedi but his Return of the King.