If "The Dark Knight Rises" were evaluated on its own, it would still be a commercial film with a score over 80. But everything fears comparison, and with "The Dark Knight" preceding it, it's difficult for both fans and media not to compare the two films.
"Variety's" column pointed out directly, "There's a clear gap between the two films, and the biggest comes from the characters! Batman is still Batman, but Bane just doesn't have the villainous magnetism of the Joker! Looking back at the new Batman film after its release, Martin's portrayal of the Joker is more than just classic!"
"Hollywood Reporter" was blunt, "We mean no disrespect to Vin Diesel, his portrayal of Bane was also excellent, but next to Martin's perfect villainous Joker, Bane seems pale and powerless."
Given that Vin Diesel had passed away, the comments in the media were comparatively mild, preserving basic decency.
But it was a different story coming from the fans of the Batman trilogy.
