Drop Everything: Final 'The Dark Knight Rises' Trailer Arrives

nullScrew that animated gif (though the dedication is admirable), the third "The Dark Knight Rises" trailer is here. And yes, in Christopher Nolan we trust.

While the long period of silence behind the marketing campaign for the film has led many to wonder (including us) if the final chapter in the film will deliver, it looks like it's shaping up to be the epic we're hoping for. And as much as "The Avengers" is a boatload of fun, this looks to be operating on a whole different level. For one, while every other movie (including "Prometheus") has lifted the BRAAAHM popularized by the "Inception" spot, Nolan and co. wisely eschew that here going for a tone that is elegiac at the start, before turning into something more conspiratorial and grand in scope. In short, Nolan looks to be elevating this world all over again.

Some things to consider: Is Joseph Gordon-Levitt's character essentially the new Jim Gordon? With Gary Oldman's character losing hope in the Batman, urging him to return, JGL seems to be the one that movie is framing the hopes of Gotham on. It's an interesting note for a character long thought to be believed a plant to get close to Bruce Wayne. Could he be on the level? Also, while goofy looking in out of context stills, Anne Hathaway's Catwoman is the real surprise here, feeling believable and most importantly, integral. But many mysteries remain including Marion Cotillard's role (is she Talia al-Ghul or is this more misdirection from the Nolan crew?) and big chunks of the cast are still kept to the sidelines (where's Juno Temple?). It's also incredibly ballsy to spend so much of the trailer on an uncertain and almost beaten hero — again, very much out of step with the rest of the comic world ilk, and steeping this with something far more mature where the stakes are rooted as much in character as they are in plot. But that said, the closing bit is a reminder that Nolan knows to go into action mode, when the time arrives, with flair and fun.

But this is the perfect trailer in many regards, showing us a lot of new footage but without giving up the game. Yep, our excitement is rising (ha!). "The Dark Knight Rises"opens on July 20th. Watch below.