By Rene Rodriguez, McClatchy Newspapers –
THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (PG-13) Director Christopher Nolan brings his Batman trilogy to a triumphant close with this epic-length (nearly three hours) comic-book adventure that makes “The Avengers” and “The Amazing Spider-Man” seem like trinket toys. Christian Bale returns as millionaire Bruce Wayne, facing off against the villainous Bane (Tom Hardy), who wishes the hero great bodily harm. Series regulars Gary Oldman, Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman are back, joined by newcomers Anne Hathaway as Catwoman and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a young police officer. Prepare to be gobsmacked.