It depends on what you made out of the movie and the ending. I made it to be that Batman could come back when the city needs him again (hence the bat signal) and that he would no longer have to do it alone with JGL becoming Robin. To me, that's ANOTHER huge cash cow. It would be insane to pass that up if you're Nolan. You could end it after the fourth one as well knowing that Gotham is safe knowing they have Batman and Robin. That's why the ending of TDKR was so perfect. It could either be translated as the end of Bale, or a possible Batman and Robin film. It was flexible. He did it on purpose IMO because he's not entirely sure this is the final film. It wasn't a definite ending. He's teasing the fans. How could you blame him? Money talks and the momentum is unstoppable.

I think the bat signal at the end can be interpreted one of two ways:

Batman's personal message to Gordon that he's still alive.

A message to criminals> Remember in TDK when gordon was on the roof with the other cop and made a comment about using the signal as a deterrent even if he never sees Batman. Use of the signal as a symbol to criminals to second guess if he's out there.

One place I have to nitpick - and I'm surprised that a Nolan film had this big of a continuity issue in it:

The Wall Street scene. Bane asks how long before the transaction goes through and is told either 8-9 minutes. (Don't recall exactly) Bane, his crew, and the hostages come barreling out of the SE on motorbikes while it is still daylight.

Somehow during the chase - in a less than 8 minute span - it's nighttime in Gotham.

Was I the only one that thought the movie was going to abruptly end when Alfred looked up at the cafe?

I think a Sopranos-like ending would have been incredible.

Or that Batman would come if needed (as Blake of course, but Batman none-the-less)

Or even an Inception type of ending, leaving the top spinning. That would've been cruel.

Actually, I think the ending was somewhat Inception-like.

I heard the couple next to us semi-arguing if the final cafe scene was a dream or reality.

Seeing as how Selina was wearing the pearls, (totem?) I think it's clear it was real. Plus, Alfred isn't aware of the relationship between Wayne and Selina. If it were a dream, Alfred would likely imagine Bruce sitting there with Rachel.

heh, whats funny is, i believe Nolan has gone on record before and said that he would never bring in Robin into his version of Batman.

No. I was thinking the same thing and I had a grin a mile wide on my face. Then they showed Bruce & Selina and I hate a second of "oh man" but then the theater erupted in cheers and applause. Which was awesome. Great moment.

And he never did.

Yep. And he said he's done with this franchise. I doubt it. Bale also said months ago that he's done, but recently stated if Nolan is on board he'd be open to doing a fourth. Money talks. The ending left room for a lot of ways they could go for another movie if he decides to.

Wouldnt surprise me if Nolan didnt come back. Hes probably wanting to move on and hes more of an "Artist" than the typical comic book director.

Technically, you never saw Robin. Semantics I know, but when ever I bring up the point you just made that is the response I get. Thought I would share.

My experience was a bit different. Saw it in a 21+ theater with only 35 seats. There was literally no response from the audience at any point in the film. Hell, no one even moved once the credits started rolling.

My wife and I were the first to get up and walk out, and the looks of people trying to process what they just saw was priceless.

My wife asked me what I thought of it as we walked to the car, and I couldn't even respond. So many powerful, emotional scenes.



Seeing it again tonight in 15/70 IMAX. Thinking it's going to be even better the 2nd time around.

There was a roar of applause in the theater I went to. But I felt that exact same thing, I couldn't even discuss what I enjoyed about the movie. I walked out with a headache and thought to myself, this is what it feels like to have your mind blown.