Dark Knight: Batman goes up against Bane in the last instalment of the trilogy

The Dark Knight Rises gives a dignified finale to one of the most acclaimed comic book adaptations of the past decade.

The Dark Knight elevated superhero films to unparalleled heights with a taut script bearing the hallmarks of a Greek tragedy and a signature performance by Heath Ledger as the Joker.

For the last instalment of his trilogy, British director Christopher Nolan takes Batman to the underground sewers of Gotham, from which rises a new menace, anarchy, and its ruthless embodiment Bane.

Tom Hardy is convincing as the muscular fiend intent on bringing terror and doom to the city but his straight-forward character simply does not have the brilliant madness Ledger could give the part in his memorable, Oscar-winning performance.

Nolan detonates a new salvo of surprises and manages to amaze Batman fans on many fronts.

At 2hrs and 45min the Dark Knight Rises is an enjoyable ride with incredible set pieces – the collapse of the soccer stadium featured in the film trailer springs to mind.

The Inception director also skilfully goes off his own beaten track by portraying Bruce Wayne/Batman, played by Christian Bale, no longer as a millionaire playboy but a broken man who finally gets a taste of defeat.

Catwoman, played by Anne Hathaway, is equally impressive as the treacherous burglar who is stripped down without superhero qualities or feline mannerisms.

Nolan remains on top of his game with a new tale full of intrigue characterised by grandeur and style.

He once again manages to turn the plot upside down and let it go to hell but he can only do so by going over a formula he experimented with in his breakthrough the Dark Knight.

The film still has plenty of gadgetery and popcorn Hollywood action, led primarily by the aerial stunts of Bruce Wayne’s latest addition to his armoury - a flying machine simply called the Bat.

The last chapter retains the visual savvy of the predecessors but lacks some of the delicate music James Newton Howard had provided as a counterpoint to the formidable soundscapes of composer Hans Zimmer in the first two films.

Penned by Nolan with his brother Jonathan and scriptwriter David Goyer, the Dark Knight Rises skillfully harks back to Batman Begins thereby nicely rounding off the trilogy.

At its heart one sees a willingness to leave a legacy, tie up the loose ends and leave the fans satisfied.

The farewell is a fitting story of hope and glory suggesting Nolan still has plenty of dark secrets to dazzle our minds, amaze and entertain. The Dark Knight Rises goes on general release on Friday.