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BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE (2016, 151 minutes, PG-13)
The
Quick of It -
Everyone
has their hero they look up to and/or wish they could be. Could be a superhero. Could be a sports figure. Could be a parent. Mine?
I
couldn't tell you how or when it started, but Batman seems to have always been
in my life. Yes, I enjoyed the Batman:
Animated Series, a groundbreaking achievement in the animation world. I like the comics, especially when they were
dark, not so tongue-n-cheek.
"Batman: Shadow of the Bat" was a strong but quiet comic
series. Although I prefer the Nolan
movies, I even enjoyed the Tim Burton films, accepting the Burton-flav. But they only tell part of the story of why
I prefer Batman. He means much more to
me on a personal level. He is 'The
World's Greatest Detective'. He is the
epitome of determination and ingenuity.
He is one who believes anything is possible. He is an ideal to strive for, outside of smashing faces and
wearing a cowl.
As
of late, superhero movies bring out the best and worst in people. The characters can represent your inner
desires, and I don't just mean the truth and justice types. I mean the hidden appeal that lies deep
within one's psyche. This is where
hearts are broken if people do not get what they want out of a
movie/character. Just like any
relationship, the more you let them into your heart, the more they can hurt you
when something is not right, or at least your perception of 'right'.
Mind
you, no one gripes at the animated movies that go straight to video. These stories can really stretch the traits
of a loved superhero to an extreme, or flip them on their head. Not a peep from fans or critics when this
happens, they just watch to enjoy or pass on, not giving it the time of day.
So,
what do I have to say about BATMAN V SUPERMAN?
This is a dark and broody film that most DC lovers deserve. The story is on point, the acting is far
beyond the typical superhero flick, and the cinematography puts you in the
action. Director Zack Snyder doesn't
feel the need to fill dialogue with tons of humor, like Marvel. There is no bowing to critics over theme or
the conflict. The writing team of Chris
Terrio and David S. Goyer (who is connected to the Nolan projects as well as
MAN OF STEEL) puts together a terrific origin film with the scattered pieces of
a complex universe.
Ben
Affleck plays an aged Batman who does what Batman always does, one who prepares
for any possible threat. He secures the
title of 'Best Bruce Wayne' with his grayed temples and glimpses into his daily
life - hands down. As Batman, he is a
very angry vigilante who almost steals the show (now I know why Affleck was top
billed). You can relate to his disgust
over the continued battle against deranged criminals. The fighting style is quick and brutal, while using his clever
gadgets to have an edge over the sheer numbers or when outgunned.
Superman,
Henry Cavill, is a Superman who struggles with his place in the world while
adjusting to his new personal life. If
nothing else, he shines that much brighter thanks to his synergy with Amy
Adams, Lois Lane. With well written
dialogue and subtle filler scenes, the relationship is strengthened and
believable. Amy Adams never
disappoints.
The
remaining cast only strengthened the story.
Gal Gabot is the Wonder Woman everyone hopes she would be. Jessie Eisenberg plays the Lex who sits on
the brink of madness quite nicely, playing the crafty villain that knows how to
manipulate the situation into his favor.
Jeremy Irons may have been the weakest, only in part that he was reduced
to one liners because of limited screen time.
The
threats of critics and fans saying the story will be inundated with
superheroes, taking away from the story, was false. The idea that the story is lost in action and riddled with jumpy
scenes, false. Sure there are
questionable calls when building the story and conflict, but those decisions
were based on strengthening what is already there as part of Snyder's Universe,
not pulling from new threads that would make it frail and unproven.
The
truth that this film is worth the time and dismissing the disgust shown by
critics can be seen with your friends' reactions and the audience ratings. Even Rotten Tomatoes demonstrates the
disjointed trend, 30% rating for critics while 74% for the audience score. Critics are trolling this film, as they have
done to others in the past. It is
trendier to be a hater and blast a film than to actually give it a fair
assessment. Like I said, they will use
your emotions against you to amp up their relevancy. Such a shame.
Please,
see it yourself and you decide. Don't
let finger-pecking mongrels tell you what to think. Oh wait, that applies to me....
Grade:
A
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