It is probably not possible to find a single person who does not agree that “The Dark Knight” is a fantastic movie.  Audiences and critics alike unanimously praised it.  Near-perfect directing combined with several unbelievable performances—most notably Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker—made “The Dark Knight” a stunning film.

Now here is the million-dollar question: Can “The Dark Knight Rises”—the most anticipated film of 2012—possibly come close to the masterpiece that is “The Dark Knight”? My answer to readers is, “yes”. “The Dark Knight Rises” will, most likely, be one of the very best movies of 2012. Let’s go over why.

Christopher Nolan, the man behind masterpieces such as “Batman Begins”, “The Dark Knight”, and “Inception”, is directing the movie. He is the only director I know about of whom it can be said, “he has never gone wrong.” He is a relatively young director and all of his movies have been critical successes; most have been box office hits as well.

The cast of “The Dark Knight” is returning and several newcomers are joining the already talented lineup. Tom Hardy (“Inception”) is playing the main villain, Bane. Joseph Gordon-Levitt (“Inception”) is joining the cast as John Blake, a somewhat unknown character. Gordon-Levitt and Hardy are both extremely talented stars on the rise that have both successfully worked with Nolan before. Anne Hathaway (“Love and Other Drugs”) is joining the cast as Catwoman, and is the most discouraging news about the new film. Anne Hathaway is very talented, but I think she is miscast as Catwoman. I am choosing, however, to have faith in Nolan; he has not let me down yet.

The storyline, written by Nolan’s little brother, is somewhat unclear at this point. I submit, that is how it should be. Realizing I am adding to the hype with this article, after this point I will not be reading more articles on the movie. I do not want the masterpiece the film will certainly be to be ruined before I step into the theater. I suggest the rest of you do the same. In any case the movie is sure to be brilliant and the biggest movie of 2012. I will see you all July 20, 2012, in line outside the sold-out theater nearest you.