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Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice(2016)
This film has been very divisive from the moment Ben Affleck had been cast to replace Christian Bale as the Dark Knight. The film is a direct sequel to Man of Steel(2013) with director Zack Snyder in charge of the film. Ben Affleck has had to brush off criticism in relation to perception of his portrayal of Daredevil and as an action hero in general with almost twice the negative feedback as Michael Keaton upon his original casting. Overall Warner Brothers have had a hit and miss affair with both super heroes since the 70s. We have been spoilt by so many trailers for the public to buy into the concept of Ben Affleck as Batman it has been difficult to distinguish on potential spoilers depending on which ones cinema goers have seen. These trailers have been key in galvanising the public perception long in advance of releasing the films.
This film kicks off with establishing Ben Affleck’s Dark Knight from his childhood whilst we zap to the present where the final battle of Man of Steel(2013) is occurring with Gotham witnessing the carnage in Metropolis. Bruce Wayne witnesses the fall of one of his towers and vows to track down Superman who is divisive in world opinion on whether the he is a god who is too powerful. Here we have elements of Frank Miller’s graphic novel the Dark Knight returns and the Dark Knight strikes again being adapted.
The actors are able to deliver within the script which does not have the same psychological depth as the Nolan Batman series. Ben Affleck is able to use his persona to play Bruce Wayne with a mean streak whilst Henry Cavill is able to deliver what is required of him in the film. Cavill has the right look that matches a very brooding suit compared to what to the late Christopher Reeves wore. Diane Lane (who starred alongside Ben Affleck as the first Superman George Reeve in Hollywoodland) returns as Martha Kent with Amy Adams as Lois Lane. Expectations of all major actors to have the correct level of screen time have been unrealistic. Whilst Holly Hunter and Jeremy Irons do well to steel the key scenes as the Kentucky Senator and the world’s most famous butler, ultimately the film is about the showdown between superheroes with two of the most worn superhero symbols in the world. Ben Affleck like all major actors(e.g. Tom Cruise) have a certain person when it comes to the big screen. Christian Bale is a method actor who can immerse himself into many different characters convincingly which is why he is an Oscar winner. We cannot expect Ben Affleck to be of that level but is still able to deliver. Bale’s level of portrayal is very unlikely to be repeated for some time as may the Heath Ledger’s version of the Joker. The most annoying aspect of the film is Jessie Eisenberg who has been typecast as a geeky narcissist modern day corporate and scientific lackey compared to previous portrayals of Lex Luthor(of whom Michael Rosenbuam as been the most effective to date)
Most of the film has a plotting that has the same demeanour as Watchmen with Superman assuming the Dr Manhattan role and Batman as Rorshach. Either you loved or hated Watchmen but it is clear Warner are trying to present an alternative to the Marvel Cinematic Universe led by the Avengers. The film does ask a few questions on where we as a human race are heading but again with limited punch compared to the Nolan series or even Captain America:The Winter Soldier(2014). It may not be sufficient to watch the film only once given the nature of the arguments presented and it is a film many people want to like given that they have been attached to both heroes since childhood which shows how much Batman and Superman have been part of the national psyche in post war America. The effects are not of the same quality as the Disney films in terms of use of CGI. Snyder presents the film with sympathy for Superman whenever Han Zimmer plays his new Superman tune to replace the traditional and famous tune created by John Williams. There are key questions to be answered in the plot holes.
The film is recommended for those with an open mind and who are willing to let of rigid expectations. It is clear that Warner Brothers are determined to given the boost the DC Cinematic Universe needs to compete with Marvel , Disney and 20 Century Fox in spite of what the critics say via the Justice League which many have only seen in only comic book and animated form. It will be interesting to see how well this does in the box office but the R rated version will be released on blu ray which may change everyone’s overall perception of Batman vs Superman and may be key in recouping the expensive budget. Perhaps it could be argued that we got the movie themes we deserve given the headlines of today. However a lot of hope on the DC Universe will rest of Suicide squad along with Wonder Woman and Flash.
This film has been very divisive from the moment Ben Affleck had been cast to replace Christian Bale as the Dark Knight. The film is a direct sequel to Man of Steel(2013) with director Zack Snyder in charge of the film. Ben Affleck has had to brush off criticism in relation to perception of his portrayal of Daredevil and as an action hero in general with almost twice the negative feedback as Michael Keaton upon his original casting. Overall Warner Brothers have had a hit and miss affair with both super heroes since the 70s. We have been spoilt by so many trailers for the public to buy into the concept of Ben Affleck as Batman it has been difficult to distinguish on potential spoilers depending on which ones cinema goers have seen. These trailers have been key in galvanising the public perception long in advance of releasing the films.
This film kicks off with establishing Ben Affleck’s Dark Knight from his childhood whilst we zap to the present where the final battle of Man of Steel(2013) is occurring with Gotham witnessing the carnage in Metropolis. Bruce Wayne witnesses the fall of one of his towers and vows to track down Superman who is divisive in world opinion on whether the he is a god who is too powerful. Here we have elements of Frank Miller’s graphic novel the Dark Knight returns and the Dark Knight strikes again being adapted.
The actors are able to deliver within the script which does not have the same psychological depth as the Nolan Batman series. Ben Affleck is able to use his persona to play Bruce Wayne with a mean streak whilst Henry Cavill is able to deliver what is required of him in the film. Cavill has the right look that matches a very brooding suit compared to what to the late Christopher Reeves wore. Diane Lane (who starred alongside Ben Affleck as the first Superman George Reeve in Hollywoodland) returns as Martha Kent with Amy Adams as Lois Lane. Expectations of all major actors to have the correct level of screen time have been unrealistic. Whilst Holly Hunter and Jeremy Irons do well to steel the key scenes as the Kentucky Senator and the world’s most famous butler, ultimately the film is about the showdown between superheroes with two of the most worn superhero symbols in the world. Ben Affleck like all major actors(e.g. Tom Cruise) have a certain person when it comes to the big screen. Christian Bale is a method actor who can immerse himself into many different characters convincingly which is why he is an Oscar winner. We cannot expect Ben Affleck to be of that level but is still able to deliver. Bale’s level of portrayal is very unlikely to be repeated for some time as may the Heath Ledger’s version of the Joker. The most annoying aspect of the film is Jessie Eisenberg who has been typecast as a geeky narcissist modern day corporate and scientific lackey compared to previous portrayals of Lex Luthor(of whom Michael Rosenbuam as been the most effective to date)
Most of the film has a plotting that has the same demeanour as Watchmen with Superman assuming the Dr Manhattan role and Batman as Rorshach. Either you loved or hated Watchmen but it is clear Warner are trying to present an alternative to the Marvel Cinematic Universe led by the Avengers. The film does ask a few questions on where we as a human race are heading but again with limited punch compared to the Nolan series or even Captain America:The Winter Soldier(2014). It may not be sufficient to watch the film only once given the nature of the arguments presented and it is a film many people want to like given that they have been attached to both heroes since childhood which shows how much Batman and Superman have been part of the national psyche in post war America. The effects are not of the same quality as the Disney films in terms of use of CGI. Snyder presents the film with sympathy for Superman whenever Han Zimmer plays his new Superman tune to replace the traditional and famous tune created by John Williams. There are key questions to be answered in the plot holes.
The film is recommended for those with an open mind and who are willing to let of rigid expectations. It is clear that Warner Brothers are determined to given the boost the DC Cinematic Universe needs to compete with Marvel , Disney and 20 Century Fox in spite of what the critics say via the Justice League which many have only seen in only comic book and animated form. It will be interesting to see how well this does in the box office but the R rated version will be released on blu ray which may change everyone’s overall perception of Batman vs Superman and may be key in recouping the expensive budget. Perhaps it could be argued that we got the movie themes we deserve given the headlines of today. However a lot of hope on the DC Universe will rest of Suicide squad along with Wonder Woman and Flash.