"The Dark Knight Rises" review

Move Poster from Warner Bros

Just watched Dark Knight Rises. A good summary can be found on Rotten Tomatoes.

I want to follow the CPYU 3-D Review questions (FREE leader's guide available from CPYU):

• Discover: What is the message/worldview?
• Discern: How does it stand in the light of the biblical message/worldview?
• Decide: What do I do with it?

I liked the movie. I enjoyed the action and the development of the theme of sacrifice for the service of others. I also enjoyed the SFX. I did not like the love scene. It did not advance the plot. It was completely unnecessary (Brian Dedmon concurs).

One message revealed is class wars--where the rich and wealthy are targeted to lose everything so that the rest of the people get what they want. So anarchy ensues as the establishment is deconstructed. Yet the hero emerges from "poverty" by embracing the fear of death to overcome the evil.

I think the movie was good because it provides a window to share the Gospel with those who get to see the movie.  One can speak with those who would never darken a church door by bringing the Gospel to them through the window of this movie.  Or as Brian Dedmon purports the movie is a good discussion starter to engage someone to begin the journey toward the cross and to Christ.

Noteworthy reviews:

• You can read the full Unplugged Online review (beware of spoilers to open the window for the Gospel). The review overviews various aspects to think about and to talk about with your student. 
• Likewise, please read Brian Dedmon's review at hollywoodJesus. 
• Moreover, you can also read Daniel J Lewis' review from his blog and podcast.
• Another site posted the movie as an unfavorable family movie (Dove Foundation)
• Dare2Share with Greg Stier posted a review too.

Spoiler alert:

I may spoil the movie. But as I watched the movie, I discovered how Batman can be viewed as a type of Christ. Phillippians 2:7-9 says that Jesus emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.  Batman "died" for the people of Gotham. He sacrificed everything to save them.

Please also read Paul Assay's & Daniel J Lewis viewpoints where Batman can be seen as rising from the "dead." Read Paul Assay's review in the spiritual content portion. Or you can peruse Brian Dedmon's perspective that Batman takes on sin to save Gotham.

Please let me know what you think in the comments.