Make no mistake, this is my “most anticipated” movie of the year. It’s the best adaption of Batman since Frank Miller. It’s what summer blockbusters should be. It makes you think. Makes you feel. Yet the trilogy is just as big and grandiose as the biggest movies every year.

But at the same time, there are some reservations entering The Dark Knight Rises. First: It’s nearly three hours long, so there has to be some expectation that it might be somewhat bloated. Second: How can Bane and Tom Hardy live up to Heath Ledger and the Joker? In simple terms they can’t. And hopefully, the movie doesn’t try to do just that. Finally: How can it live up to the insanely high expectations? This is a movie that has seen constant speculation ( Is Marion Cotillard really Talia al Ghul?)  and tremendous hype. Simply just look at the response to negative reviews.

Regardless, I will be there Friday ready to experience whatever Christopher Nolan brings us. For now, I’ll just keep my excitement at a tepid level. I haven’t seen it and have no opinion today, but Friday I sure will. I can’t wait.