The Dark Knight Rises review embargo is over and the consensus is that the Batman film is a must-see and a hopeful contender for big recognition, possibly even an Oscar. 

"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.

"'The Dark Knight Rises' is emotionally inspiring, aesthetically significant and critically important for America itself - as a mirror of both sober reflection and resilient hope," Todd Gilchrist of The Playlist wrote in his review. 

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

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, likeAvatar 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?

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.