Batman 3 Becomes The Dark Knight Rises and We Weigh In

Thanks to HeroComplex over at the LA Times, the cat is finally out of the bag:

Christopher Nolan's third Batman movie will be called The Dark Knight Rises. Also, the Riddler won't be making an appearance (but hey, I'm sure there will be plenty of other opportunities for Joseph Gordon-Levitt to wear a three piece suit, so don't fret JGL fans).

What do we think?

Jordan Hoffman and myself put on our fanboy hats and went to town with the new pieces of the puzzle...

@JHoffman6: The Dark Knight Rises!

@misterpatches: To be blunt: I like it

@misterpatches: I would have loathed Gotham City

@JHoffman6: What's wrong with Gotham City.  I woulda liked that, and it would have helped tourism.  The Dark Knight Rises is smart, though, because to mainstream folks, this is a sequel to The Dark Knight, not part three of Batman Begins, ya dig?

@misterpatches: It speaks directly to what I always thought the third film had to be a story about Batman becoming the hero again. I want another movie about Batman. The Dark Knight, to me, was about the villains, I thought Bale took a backseat I enjoy Batman Begins because it's Bruce Wayne-centric and I want this movie to do that - the title informs this possibility.

@JHoffman6: Yes.  It all comes down to what Homer Simpson once made so clear.  "Batman's a Scientist."  I'd like to see the star of Detective Comics detecting.  Maybe the true title will be even longer.  The Dark Knight Rises:  Batman Has Begun.

@misterpatches: And now we know who *isn't* the villain

@JHoffman6: No Riddler - you called that a while back!

@misterpatches: Another obvious choice and not a big enough foe for Batman. Riddler would have worked in The Dark Knight, as a tamer version of Joker. This time, Batman has to take on a foe larger than life, some one (or something?) foreboding to become a hero again who that should be, I have no idea

@JHoffman6: THE STATE

@JHoffman6: (not the comedy troupe.)

@JHoffman6: But, you know, Society at large.

@JHoffman6: And, I dunno, Clayface.

@JHoffman6: I kinda like Clayface.

@misterpatches: So do I - but can it be done in the Nolan-verse?

@JHoffman6: If you leave the superpower element out and just leave him master of disguise.  Real question, though:  will this movie have chicks?  Talia al Ghul?  Selena Kyle?  A female Robin? (as there have been a few times.)

@misterpatches: It needs to.

@misterpatches: The franchise needs a woman to replace Rachel and really, needs a strong woman for the first time

@misterpatches: The people that criticize Nolan are correct: he doesn't create strong women characters.

@JHoffman6: Yes. And hopefully a real dish in a latex suit.

@misterpatches: OK, perv.

@misterpatches: So my real thoughts on any Batman 3/Dark Knight Rises news? How can Nolan make a movie that lives up to Dark Knight.

@JHoffman6: Funny you should say that, Patches, because if you recall we gave Chris Nolan some unsolicited notes not that long ago.  In short - he's got to mix it up a bit.  It can't just be a continuation.  It has to be a little different.  By first focusing back on Bruce Wayne and then some alterations with the city, the look, the music.  Nolan is in danger of become TOO recognizable a filmmaker, especially after Inception.

@misterpatches: I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. Dark Knight was a tonal shift from Batman Begins and I'm crossing my fingers this film will be too. We loved Dark Knight because it was experimental while staying true to grand Hollywood moviemaking. I want to chomp on popcorn while being left awestruck by his ability to get away with cinematic murder.

@misterpatches: Oh, and I'm voting for Killer Croc.

@misterpatches: Actual murder!

@JHoffman6: In conclusion:  The Dark Knight Rises shan't get much of a rise out of people.  It is an agreeable title for fans and studio marketers alike.

@misterpatches: Yar, just give me more Batman.