NB: This will be where I will be collating links to the reviews as the come

The reviews are beginning to trickle in, and the first official one (at least by my count) out of the gate comes from The Toronto Sun’s Brian Kirkland: ‘Dark Knight’ rises to perfect ending (Don’t worry it’s spoiler free). Critical money-shot:

This trilogy is now the best of its kind. Regardless of the number of installments, no other comic book franchise can boast being this great, so consistently, and for so long.

I’ll update here with new reviews as they come.

UPDATE: For the sake of fairness London based Timeout.com had their 4/5 review out first but I deemed it in my opinion a less respected voice so I called it for Brian Kirkland. Feel free to (vocally) disagree and read it at the link above.

UPDATE 2: The Hollywood Reporter’s Todd McCarthy’s review is next and looking nicely positive whilst noting this is a strong ensemble effort; no Ledger/Joker level performances. (NOTE: spoilery-ish)

Non spoiling Hightlights:

Batman’s mask hides his entire face except for his mouth, the very part of Bane which is covered. This is just one of the motifs the Nolans have used to ingeniously plot out the resolution to their three-part saga, which involves at least one major, superbly hidden surprise.

and:

One knows going in that this film will mark the end of Batman, at least for now and as rendered by Bale and Nolan, but for the first time there is the sense that it could also really be the end for Batman, that he might be sacrificed, or sacrifice himself, for the greater good.

UPDATE 3: Online nerd hub IGN is next on board, link in the quote (spoilers):

It has its notable flaws, but Nolan ends his Batman saga with class

At this point, unless a big reviewer, I’m not going to be reading just posting links so spoilers possibly abound. continue at your own peril.

UPDATE 4: Trade paper Variety now. Justin Chang Reviews 

UPDATE 5: Movie magazine/website (I believe this will be a serparate review to it’s print edition) Empire is next with the second 5 STAR review I’ve recorded.

UPDATE 6: Drew McWeeny of HitFix.com and Todd Gilchrist of The Playlist both sound off with A ratings.

UPDATE 7: Total Film throws 5 STARS TDKR way.

UPDATE 8: That’s as much as I am going to do today (it’s my bedtime). Tomorrow’s #coundowntoTDKR will have a round-up of any new reviews.

On a side note anyone who is waiting for Roger Ebert’s review; he has confirmed via his twitter that Chicago reviewers aren’t being shown a TDKR screening until 1pm Tuesday Chicago time, so no review until then.

Go on, follow me on twitter: @dane_mclean

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