One of the most eagerly anticipated films of 2012, “The Dark Knight Rises,” also proves to be one of the best.

The follow-up to the transcending masterpiece “The Dark Knight” – and final chapter in co-writer/director Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy – isn’t quite the game changer of the previous film. But it is still a dark and exhilarating epic, grounded in reality with a precise vision and craftsmanship that make it more than just another comic book movie.

Picking up eight years after the events in the previous film, we find Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) retired from his work as the caped crusader – a shut-in recluse still struggling to deal with the loss of his one true love.

The retirement comes to a sudden stop when Gotham is taken hostage by Bane (Tom Hardy), a mercenary with his own agenda beyond the mission he has been hired to achieve.

“The Dark Knight Rises” also throws in several more new characters – including cat burglar Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway), a young detective named Blake (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), and a fellow entrepreneur and eventual Wayne confidant named Miranda (Marion Cotillard) – each who figure prominently in the film’s intricate plot.

I’ve already seen “The Dark Knight Rises” multiple times – both in standard presentation and IMAX – and each time I’ve taken away a greater appreciation for what Nolan has created.

The cinematography and detail are exquisite – with Nolan producing a world that feels a lot like our own. The story feels more ripped from the headlines than a comic strip, with elements of everything from Occupy Wall Street to 9/11 in play here – all tied together in a story where every character seems to be seeking redemption in some form or another.

Nolan has also crafted a handful of amazing action sequences, worth seeing in IMAX if you get the chance. The film starts with an amazing sequence involving the hijacking of an airplane and builds to a battle on the streets of Gotham that is as satisfying as any action sequence in recent memory.

The cast is also superb, with Hathaway and Hardy welcome additions. Hathaway gives her sexy vixen a bit of a punch, a layered performance that requires the character to turn on a dime.

Hardy is quite memorable as the menacing brute Bane. It’s a character that could have easily been nothing but brawn, but evolves into something much more – feeling like one of those classic James Bond villains.

“The Dark Knight Rises” is not a perfect film. Matthew Modine’s antagonistic police officer feels a little heavy-handed and, as interesting as Bane is, this film feels slightly less satisfying, with nary a nod to Heath Ledger’s iconic performance as the Joker in the previous film.

Those are only minor quibbles for a trilogy that manages to exceed some lofty expectations. In a summer that has seen some really good comic book films, this is the best of the bunch.

DVD dandy of the week

In a slim week for DVD releases, the best of the bunch is “Silent House” (C-) – a gimmicky horror film that works for a while, but slowly fades into a rather predictable lull.

“Silent House” stars Elizabeth Olsen as Sarah, a young girl helping her father pack up in their just sold lakehouse resort. The simple trip turns much more ominous when they are attacked and trapped inside the house by the assailants – leaving Sarah in a struggle to escape the house and get help.

Directors Chris Kentis and Laura Lau present the film in real time, with one continuous camera shot. This decision does create some extra tension for at least the first half. Once things start to be revealed, however, that tension quickly turns to boredom.

The payoff is even more frustrating and will likely leave the viewer saying, “I wasted my time for this?”

At least Olsen is good enough to be able to keep you caring about her character long after the point that you probably should.

“Silent House” is rated R for disturbing violent content and terror, and will be available Tuesday on DVD.

— To get sportswriter/movie reviewer Micheal Compton’s up-to-the minute thoughts on all things movies, visit his blog at mcompton.wordpress.com or his Twitter page at twitter.com/mcompton428. You can also email him at mcompton@bgdailynews.com.

Starring: Christian Bale and Anne Hathaway

Director: Christopher Nolan

Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence

and action, some sensuality and language

Playing at: Greenwood Mall 10, Highland Cinemas (Glasgow) and Franklin Drive-In