Out of darkness rises a figure prepared to take down the evil of Gotham.  And as many fans now hope, the evil of the world as well.  Premiering under a cloud of darkness, “The Dark Knight Rises,” is perhaps the right film for a tragic time.

The highly anticipated sequel debuted, on July 20, to one of the greatest tragedies on American soil – the Aurora shootings. Bringing fear to the lives of many movie goers, as a previously safe space became just another target in a long line of previously sacred places to be tarnished by devastation.

But as viewers watch Christian Bale, once again playing the dual role of Bruce Wayne/Batman, hopefully they recall that out of great sorrow heros can rise and ultimately the villain will pay for their crimes.

In the “Dark Knight Rises” Wayne has been in hiding for eight years.  A result of an agreement between the Dark Knight and Police Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman) involved Batman taking the blame for the death of D.A. Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) which concluded “The Dark Knight” and the disappearance of the hero within him.

Through the eyes of Commissioner Gordon and Batman, the sacrifice of the Dark Knight was made for the better.  While this lie reduced criminal activity in Gotham City for quite some time thanks to the anti-crime Dent Act, its effects were bound to wear off, as Gotham seems never safe for long.

The arrival of a sly cat burglar Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway) who at first disguises herself as a maid in the Bruce Wayne’s mansion, as well as the terrorist Bane (Tom Hardy) with a mask and cruel plans to ruin Gotham, leave Wayne with no choice but to emerge from his years spent in solitude, away from fighting crime.

Christopher Nolan has high hopes that anyone who has the opportunity to experience “The Dark Knight Rises” in IMAX theaters will do so.  Almost half of the picture was shot with large-format IMAX film cameras, which offer a tremendous amount of clarity and depth.

And as the audience wishes that the Dark Knight rise, and a dangerous Bane fall, the faith of Gotham again rests on the shoulders of Bruce Wayne.  It is hopeful by viewers that the streets of Gotham and theaters of the United States will become safe once again.