Batman Vs Superman (Dawn of Justice)Director Zack Snyder
2h 33m | March 25, 2016 | Warner Bros. Pictures
It's been nearly two years since Superman's (Henry Cavill) colossal battle with Zod (Michael Shannon) devastated the city of Metropolis. The loss of life and collateral damage left many feeling angry and helpless, including crime-fighting billionaire Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck). Convinced that Superman is now a threat to humanity, Batman embarks on a personal vendetta to end his reign on Earth, while the conniving Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg) launches his own crusade against the Man of Steel.
I can honestly say that I left this film not feeling overly enthusiastic about Justice League. As an overall statement, there was far too much happening in this film and none of it was ever resolved.
There were too many plot lines running at once, some of which by the way felt completely unnecessary. Taking fifty minutes to find out that Lex Luthor was involved in the desert attack was fucking ridiculous because anyone who knows anything about DC already knows that Lex Luthor is involved! He's Lux Luthor! You know from the moment you see him he has a malicious plan, you don't need to take an hour to hide the fact that he's got his hand in everything.
Also taking so long to re-play the events/aftermath of the end of Man of Steel? If we haven't already seen Man of Steel why are we even here? I get that they were trying to show how Bruce Wayne was affected and why he hates Superman so much but that could have been wrapped up might tighter. The whole movie felt like it was trying to take itself too seriously.
There's not really a 'comparison' but, as a Marvel fan, I will say that I think the great success of the Avengers Franchise is the fact that they know how to balance the serious with the comedy. They can have quick witted, zingy one liners in a serious situation without taking away from the story. It allows for an enjoying movie that doesnt' feel to heavy.
SOMETIMES LAUGHTER CUTS THE TENSION! I think this is where DC does really well with its Television shows, because they have so much involved in their characters that the stories ofetn can't be properly explored in a feature film.
Meanwhile they make great TV Successes: Smallville, Arrow, Flash, Supergirl, Original Batman!
The whole film overly felt too long and unproductive. I left the theater thinking the film could have been neatly tied up in 100 mins. There were so many loose ends that I don't even understand why I sat there for two and a half hours to leave with no resolution.
*MINI SPOILER ALERTS BELOW*
Things I Liked:
Wonder Woman: Gal Gadot hit it out of the park for me as Diana Prince. She was mysterious but even when she was masquerading as a simple party-goer, she was kick ass. My only complaint was that there was not enough of her. I cannot wait to see the Wonder Woman film but I hope they learn from this film and cut it down.
Bruce Wayne: I know there was huge uproar about this casting but I personally think Ben Affleck was awesome in this role.
Alfred: Jeremy Irons is literally amazing at anything he does, but he was such a good Alfred. The clever, supportive, if not a little snarky Butler and confidant. All his zingy comebacks or remarks to Bruce were fantastic.
People Trying to Hit Superman/Clark Kent: It was so funny. When Lex smacks Clark's chest and there's just this sort of hollow bump of solid return. When Batman tries to throw things at him/shoot him etc etc.
The Cape Joke: Clark's Mom is funny and there are very few laughable lines this film.
Things I didn't like:
Lois Lane - I don't know if Amy Adams was this annoying in Man of Steel, I can't actually remember, but boy did it really suck this time. Everytime she was on screen I didn't see Lois Lane, I just saw and heard Amy Adams. She had way too much screen time, and was made to be way too important focus of this movie when in reality all she was really showcased as was a Superhero distraction. This movie was called Batman Vs Superman not Lois Lane runs around screawing shit up. We legitimately saw more of Lois doing nothing than we did of Clark Kent lamenting over, or dealing with the world hating him.
The Dreams - seriously SOOOOOO unnecessary. Like it was ridiculous and painful. Not only did most of his dreams not even make sense, they took forever! Then there was that dream within a dream, what even happened? Also the reveal of Lois Lane to Bruce was useless... the only person who turned around and used that information was Lex Luthor who did not have to have some crazy dream within a dream to put two and two together.
Wayne Backstory - The whole opening scene of the movie ( a good fifteen minutes, but felt like way longer) was Bruce's origin story, sort of. It was a replay of his parents being killed. AGAIN!?! Slash him running through a field and falling into a Batcave at their funeral. SO UNECESSARY. The whole appeal of this version of Batman is that he's older, he's been running this town for years, he's no one new. Here is where I will say it again. I'm sorry, but if you don't already have a vague idea of Batman and how his parents died already, WHY ARE YOU HERE?! Then they replayed the whole thing twice. How many times do I have to see Martha Wayne's pearl neckalce break? Too many times.
Clark's Random 'Sad Days' Journey: I don't even understand a) how he ended up in the mountains, b) why his dead dad was there c) how he appeared back always at the right moment. Is Superman Omniscient? Did I miss that power? How is it, he can be anywhere in the world and know that Lois is in trouble but doesn't notice when his mother is kidnapped and beaten? Worst. Son. Ever.
Overall this felt like Snyder was making four feature length films, one about Batman one about Superman, one about Lex Luthor and one about Lois Lane and then decided to squish them all together without making the necessary cuts.
DC and WB have let me down. BRING ON THE CIVIL WAR!
