Film review: 'The Dark Knight' does rise in an epic finale to see

That seems to be what Nolan was going for here, a film equal to the scale and messiness of the history we're living through. He's pro-Occupy Wall Street and anti-anarchy, pro police and against the "1 percent."

He takes this "Have it Both Ways" thing all the way to the climax, and beyond.

As summer entertainments go, Nolan and his co-writers have delivered one with a lot to chew on, and a lot more to see and hear. The effects put "2012" and even "The Avengers" to shame. The sound will overwhelm you, the huge set pieces — one at the beginning, another in the middle, a third at the end — are jaw-dropping.

And if you have any soft spot in your heart for this rich guy with a cape, a temper and a serious Messiah complex, you will be moved — maybe even to tears.

This is what summer popcorn movies were meant to be.

"Dark Knight Rises" is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some sensuality and language; running time: 164 minutes.