Cicero (WSYR-TV) -- Batman fans eagerly awaited the premiere of “The Dark Knight Rises,” which debuted at Midnight Thursday. This is the final movie in the Batman trilogy and many shows across Central New York sold out on opening night.
NewsChannel 9’s Tammy Palmer was at Great Northern mall as the line of growing fans grew -- and these weren’t just your normal fans, they live eat and breathe Batman – some even dressed up in honor of their hero.
Fans started lining up for the premiere at around 6:30 p.m.
“I’m completely nuts and I know how to enjoy life. I love it,” said Baldwinsville Joker fan, Matthew Auslander. "A character like Batman, he's a little out there and people need that "out there" nature in their life. Otherwise, the world would be far too dull and boring."
If you've never been caught up in a movie phenomenon, sold out shows for a midnight premiere, and getting a seat to see all three films in the trilogy back-to-back is cause for celebration. Hardcore fans watch it all, living vicariously through their big screen heroes.
Fulton Batman fan Alex Evans showed up in a batman costume. He told us there’s a company in Canada that produces the suits as licensed motorcycle outerwear.
The cost to own your own batman modified biker suit will run you a whopping $1,700. Being the main attraction at the movie -- Priceless.
"It brings a certain level of enjoyment to come and see others also dressed up and have them at least attempt to guess who your character is,” said another Batman fan, Jennifer Boka.
Mall shoppers were greeted by wannabe bat characters all day, a clear sign that interest had not faded with time.
Liverpool fan Kyle Wilson said, “I grew up with the animated series. I used to watch Joker and Batman go at it all the time. It was something that, you know, when you’re a kid, you’re like. ‘Oh my God, this is awesome!’"
But not everyone’s impressed by the movie's hero.
Auslander says, “He needs to loosen up. Really, he needs to smile more.”
Experts say the film could rake in $198-million at the box office this weekend, which would be the best Batman opening of all time. But not enough to beat the biggest U.S. film debut of all time – Marvels “The Avengers.” Fans say it’s all about believing in a hero.
