The Dark Knight Rises Poster

The hype machine for this summer's blockbuster conclusion to Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy is in full swing.  With The Avengers obliterating box office records every day, many are wondering if The Dark Knight Rises will be able to compete. 

It's really a moot point.  Regardless of how the movie performs at the box office (it'll make a ton of money, but will likely trail The Avengers), it will almost certainly be the better, rightfully more respected movie.  The two superhero flicks represent different breeds of the same animal: one, colorful, loud, witty, and fun; the other, dark, brooding, thoughtful, and poetic.  There's no need to choose one or the other.  I'm glad to be seeing a year that includes both (and The Amazing Spider-Man, to boot).

In case you've forgotten, The Dark Knight Rises stars Christian Bale, Michael Cane, Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Anne Hathway, and Morgan Freeman, and opens July 20.