The reviews are in and The Dark Knight Rises is nothing short of spectacular according to a few lucky critics who were able to get an early screening.

The Dark Knight Rises is the uber anticipated third installment to the latest Batman series. This film follows the 2008 film, The Dark Knight, in which Heath Ledger played The Joker along side Christian Bale as the leading hero. Ledger's performance as the diabolical villain was so captivating that he became one of few posthumous Academy-Award winning actors for a supporting role.

And now, with the final film of the trilogy being released in only a matter of days, the reception of the film has been very positive.

"The Dark Knight Rises has just finished screening for the press and critics, receiving a STANDING OVATION!!!," Lauren Hiestand, a film reviewer wrote, according to Comic Book Movie.

"If this does not break the mold and win Best Picture, no comic book movie ever will #TDKR," Critic Marco Gennuso added.

Christopher Nolan, director and co-writer of The Dark Knight Rises, has been nominated for Oscars with his films Momento and Inception. Could this upcoming release earn him the win?

The prestigious Academy has historically rejected comic book or action films. Even the final installment of the Harry Potter series could not fathom a nomination for any of the major, non-technical categories in it's 10-year conclusion of the magical films.

In spite of this history, The Academy has expressed a liking to blockbuster films, like Avatar and Toy Story 3, which were nominated for Best Picture in the past.

However, if The Dark Knight Rises reviews are correct and the film gathers it's predicted $1 billion plus in the box office, does an Oscar really matter?

Check out the trailer below and catch The Dark Knight Rises in theatres on July 20.

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