This is definitely one of the most highly anticipated films for this year. These are two very iconic superheros from the DC Universe, each with their own sets of successful solo movies, who are joining forces for this one big film. The trailers promised a spectacular action-packed superhero flick, who is the DC fan who wouldn't be excited?
Batman sees Superman's godlike powers as displayed in the destructive battle in Metropolis as a threat to humanity. The eccentric magnate Lex Luthor also seeks to destroy Superman so he goes through great lengths to obtain Kryptonian technology to destroy him. Superman was forced to defend himself, his loved ones and his honor as he is attacked and provoked on all sides. As a monumental battle to the death ensues between the two heroes, Luthor unleashes his Kryptonian monster Doomsday to seal his lunatic megalomaniac ambition.
The climactic fight scenes were really the centerpiece of this film. Zac Snyder fulfills high audience expectations for those last thirty minutes of pure super-mayhem. When Wonder Woman entered the action, wow! This guest appearance should really have been a surprise, instead of being revealed in the trailers. However, the two-hour long story that led up to these fights could have been more substantial, especially about Superman's side of the story, which was under-developed.
This is more of a Batman film than a Superman film. The story starts with Batman's traumatic childhood memories. Despite initial apprehensions about Ben Affleck being totally wrong as Bruce Wayne, he actually pulls off the Bat-angst creditably well. Henry Cavill was the same dark Superman we saw in "Man of Steel". His motivations and decisions here were not too clearly defined and at times, uncharacteristic. We understand where Batman was coming from, but not Superman. All he wants is to just stop Batman's vigilantism in Gotham and he wants to destroy the Bat?
Some story points were too weird. Why is Lex Luthor acting that way? Jesse Eisenberg plays him more like the Joker or the Riddler than the Luthor we know from before. Why was Lois Lane behaving that way? Where is the confident Lois in the comics? Amy Adams played her so weakly, a damsel-in-distress here many times by her own fault. The most head-scratching moment for me was the reason why the Batman v Superman fight broke up was the mention of a woman's name. Really now?
Overall, I was entertained by this film, despite its shortcomings in storytelling. That moment with Senator Finch (Holly Hunter) and the glass of Granny's Peach Tea was very effective in its ominous tension. A most exciting moment was that email with the files depicting future superhuman colleagues was so exciting to see. The foundations are clearly being laid for a Justice League movie and I am really looking forward to that one. The concluding act was steeped in drama and emotion. 8/10.
I have heard some great things about this movie and definitely want to see it in the theatre and not at home. With the moving seats it would be a lot of fun during the action shots!
ReplyDeleteI am excited to see Ben Affleck play Bruce Wayne. I am probably the only person who hasn't seen this movie - was supposed to watch it last weekend but all screenings were full.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to read a good review of this film. I think it might have lacked in the story but besides that, DC has always made their films and their comics to be a wee bit deeper than what people are used to.
ReplyDeleteInteresting to see you've given it an 8 on 10. I've read mixed reviews about it. However I do think think I like the concept of the movie. Avengers was good when the superheroes came together. When they go against each other.... Errrrr.....
ReplyDeleteI do agree with most of the things that you said like Lex acting more like Joker. I actually thought the movie was quite dragging. Personally I didn't like it at all. I think Ben Affleck did alright as Batman though, contrary to the criticisms he got when he was castes.
ReplyDeleteI went to their media launch and it was so much fun to see that rivalry and fan following. Haven't watched the movie yet.
ReplyDeleteWhat a catchy review. I prolly need to watch this movie over the weekend. The concept of the movie excites me regardless of the soar story line in some aspects of the movie.
ReplyDeleteI guess you just have to be a fan in cases like this. The reviews are mixed but I hope they fix the loose ends on the Justice League movie.
ReplyDeleteive heard mixed reviews about this. i wont watch it when I'm at the cinema though thats why
ReplyDeleteI do keep hearing people questioning the Luther. I want to see it.
ReplyDeleteI had mixed emotions when I heard that Ben Affleck would play Batman, but he did a good job at it. I agree that the part on Superman was not fully built up. I've always heard from avid DC fans that the only one who can beat Superman is Batman, and it was played up in the movie because he almost did if not for the mere mention of Martha. Though this installment went below expectations, I look forward to the Justice League movie.
ReplyDeleteI watched it already, its so so only. Slightly below my expectation after all the hype they created. Anyway it not that bad as some said.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I'm still thinking if I'll watch BatmanvSuperman movie. But reading your review, I am intrigued about the name of the woman why B and S fight.
ReplyDeleteI watched and didn't like much. May be I had high expectations. Hope the sequels will be better.
ReplyDeleteI watched it, I don't like the movie. There is a part there where you can say, uhmm..wait...what? how? ..all are not so clear to me. Even my tweens don't like it. They still love STAR WARS.
ReplyDeleteI watched it as well, and I do share some of your sentiments. It was a bit too Batman centric for me, and Lex Luthor does remind you of the Joker a lot. so it was a bit annoying.
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