It's been a while since my last blog post. It seems like talking about some iconic characters is a pretty good reason to get back into the swing of blogging.
Superhero movies (comic movies in general) typically have large audiences, so there's no doubt this one will too. Box office numbers will be added to this post after the opening weekend numbers are announced.
Critics are not always so kind to superhero movies. As a matter of fact, critics seem to have a problem with EVERY movie here lately. Regardless, I always go in with an open mind ready to decide if I like the movie or not...and almost always I disagree with the critics. So what did I think of this one? Read on to find out....
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
PG-13 / 151 min / Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Release Date: 03/25/2016
Director: Zack Snyder
Stars: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Gal Gadot, Jesse Eisenberg, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Jeremy Irons, Holly Hunter.......
What is this movie about? Batman and Superman fighting each other, right? Well, it's a little more complicated than that. The IMDB page for the movie gives the synopsis as:
Fearing the actions of Superman are left unchecked, Batman takes on the man of steel, while the world wrestles with what kind of a hero it really needs. With Batman and Superman fighting each other, a new threat, Doomsday, is created by Lex Luthor. It's up to Superman and Batman to set aside their differences along with Wonder Woman to stop Lex Luthor and Doomsday from destroying Metropolis.
If you have seen Man of Steel you know that Superman caused a whole lot of destruction and many people were killed in collateral damage while he was saving the world. These actions are what has everyone in such an uproar...especially Batman. What kind of hero is a man that will cause the kind of devestation that Superman does? There are a lot of similarities with the actions of Superman to some things happening in our "real" world. If you don't think there are people, groups, and organizations that are causing devastating collateral damage while trying to do something heroic...well, apparently you don't watch the news or read the newspaper. It happens frequently...in war, on the streets, in private homes.
Sidenote - The opening scenes of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice were a little reminiscent of 9/11 to me. I'm not sure if that was intentional or if it was just something my mind conjured up.
What I didn't like about this movie -
I didn't like the way some parts of the movie was filmed. While the fight scene was the climax of the movie, as well as having some key foreshadowing moments, parts of it were not easy to watch visually. Between all the fire being thrown from Superman and Doomsday's eyes there was way too much red. Part of the time you could see nothing on the screen but the fire. I would have much preferred to have been able to actually see what was happening.
Lois Lane, the perpetual damsel in distress. Don't get me wrong...I know that Lois Lane is an important part of the Superman mythology, but she drives me crazy. There are so many scenes where she comes off as a strong woman to smash it all to pieces by needing a (super)man to save her. At least Amy Adams does a great job portraying her.
I didn't really care for how Lew Luthor was portrayed. Jesse Eisenberg was great performance wise, but the entire way that Lex Luthor was protrayed just didn't jive with me. I will admit that it's been a long time since I've read the comics, but I don't remember Lex Luthor ever acting the same way he did in this movie. And he's never been portrayed like this in other film versions on the small screen or big screen. While I'm sure this reinterpretation may be one of the high points for many I think they were trying to make Lex Luthor too much like the Joker, and it didn't work for me. If you're interested, here's an article you might want to read about this: Zack Snyder on Why He Cast Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor
Now for what I DID like -
Henry Cavill - Clark Kent / Superman
Let me just say that he is an awesome Superman. There have been many actors play this character, some better than others. I am very happy with Henry Cavill as the adult Superman even though my personal favorite has always been Tom Welling of Smallville...!
I hope their are many, many, more movies with Superman in them because I would like to see Henry Cavill portray him for a long time to come.
Ben Affleck - Bruce Wayne / Batman
Oh, where do I begin? I absolutely LOVE Ben Affleck as Batman!!!! When it was first announced that he would play Batman there was no shortage of naysayers. I was not one of them. I mean, come on folks, have you seen Ben Affleck. Have you seen Bruce Wayne and Batman in the comics? Are they not the perfect match?? I knew immediately that he would make a fantastic Batman. And as a slightly weathered version he is FANTASTIC! I admit it's hard to compete against Christian Bale's version of Batman...but I think Ben Affleck stood up to it just fine. He wore the cape and cowl very well!! And the workout scene...my, oh my!!!
I'm just going to go ahead and say that he's my favorite Batman so far. And thankfully, I'm not alone in those thoughts. Check out this article: 7 Reasons Ben Affleck is The Best Batman of All-Time.
As for who wins in the fight between Batman and Superman...well, the winner of this movie is....
Gal Gadot - Diana Prince / Wonder Woman
I was very skeptical when it was announced that Gal Gadot was going to portray Wonder Woman. I have been a fan of hers for a while but I wasn't sure if the girl I knew as Gisele from the Fast & Furious franchise could pull off this iconic Amazonian warrior. I know longer have any doubts. She was great!! Some of the best scenes from the movie were the ones with her in them. In fact many think she stole the limelight from Batman and Superman. Ummm, just maybe she did. I can't wait to see Wonder Woman in her own feature film. Finally, Hollywood has found the right woman for the role of Wonder Woman.
Dodge! Anyone that knows me knows I'm a Mopar girl....and there is plenty of that in this movie. Would someone please just buy the Jeep Limited edition Renegade Justice special edition for me already!!
So my final vote - I give the movie an A.
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I always like to represent when I go to superhero movies, and being conflicted on this one I had to show my appreciation for both Batman and Superman (couldn't find the right Wonder Woman shirt or I would have been wearing that). My hubby decided on Batman - but he always wears Superman on his sleeve.
If only he would have worn his Superman costume.... :)
