Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

“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.” –IMDb

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice 

Starring Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams & several other great actors

Directed by Zack Snyder

Box Office:  $873,637,528 Worldwide

Review

I’m sure you have all heard the negative reviews this film has been receiving.  Even, despite the insane amount of money it has made within the first three days of being released.  I am sorry to say that I am also about to give it a bad review.  If you’ve read enough of these, it’s okay to stop reading right now.  However, If you enjoy mini rants about how a film can make someone feel bored, then please, continue reading!

To begin,

I understand that this is a superhero film, and people may overthink things when it comes to these films. However, many of my friends are huge comic book buffs/ superhero fans.  Anyone who is passionate about anything would like to see representations done properly.  So, when they aren’t, I think they’re allowed to be disappointed.

With that being said, while I love DC/Marvel, I am not a huge buff who knows everything about every hero or villain.  I just don’t.  I am merely someone who loves the stories and I like learning more about the background of each character.  This is why, after watching this film, I asked my SO why he was so upset about how they did Doomsday.  I also wanted to know more about Alex Luthor Jr.

Once he explained, I disliked the film even more for taking the fast track route out of doing Doomsday.  I can see why they had to do it this way though since it took two hours to get to a good part.  By then, they ran out of time to do anything properly.

Doomsday, in general, just reminded me of the troll in Lord of the Rings.  Sure, he wasn’t what I expected, but at least the scenes involving him were mildly entertaining.

Jesse Eisenberg

I already don’t particularly like Jesse Eisenberg as an actor and this movie didn’t make me change my opinions of him.  He apparently didn’t do the role of Alexander Joseph Luthor Jr in the proper way- on purpose.  He had warned us months ago that he would be doing a different take of the character.

I will try to be nice and say that he did his take of the role well.  BUT!  I did see a post that discussed how Eisenberg’s version of Lex Luthor will remind you of every other Eisenberg role in any other movie.  To this, I will say that I wholeheartedly agree.  I’ll continue to give him chances though- my tastes are known to change every now and then.

Ben Affleck

I have a love/hate relationship when it comes to “The Fleck”.  I heard that he did a great job as Batman and surprisingly, he is one of the very few things I did not despise about this movie.  Sure, I didn’t appreciate one of the bat suits he wore.  The number of times we apparently needed to see a closeup of his feet as he was walking was ridiculous.

Also, no matter which voice technology is used, Batman’s voice will always be ridiculous.  Does anyone else have a flashback to Christian Bale taking 20 minutes to get out one sentence?  No? Just me?

However, as an older Bruce Wayne, I thought he was great.  This is as close to a compliment I will get when it comes to Affleck as Batman, so hats off to him for his performance.  With this, I am done.  Moving on…

Henry Cavill

Henry Cavill also did a great job at playing Super Man but that is nothing new.  If I had to see one more sentimental moment between him and Amy Adams though, I think I would have ripped my hair out.  Especially since every single time it happened, slow and heartfelt music started.  Stop it.  If you’re fighting Doomsday, don’t ruin it by breaking up the mood with this stupidity.  I don’t care.  I’m sorry if it’s harsh.  I know she’s his entire world and whatnot but now is not the time for this.  Don’t ruin the only scenes I enjoyed by adding this lovey-dovey stuff.  However, they didn’t even get that fight right either so…. Sigh.

Good Cast… Mostly

Something else I enjoyed, was the overall good cast.  It was full of actors and actresses I respect.  Many people criticize the fact that Perry White is played by Laurence Fishburne.  I mean, come on!  It’s Laurence Fishburne!  I have always enjoyed his work.  While many people may not agree with it, I was just happy to see Fishburne.

Jeremy Irons as Alfred made me smile since I will always have a soft spot for The Lion King but that’s just me.  Diane Lane, Kevin Kostner, Holly Hunter, it was nice seeing you- even if you were in some scenes that I found highly annoying.  I don’t want to give any spoilers so I will keep my mouth shut, but Sen. Finch- you know how to grind my gears.

Overall

I will never watch this movie again if I can help it. They seem to feel the need to show the Wayne family murders in every film.  I understand it is for those who are being introduced to things for the first time.  I get it.  However, in this particular film, I would have enjoyed it if they did the flashback sequence that explains Wayne’s history in a more “necessary” way.  If I have to see the history behind Bruce Wayne becoming Batman one more time, I might go nuts.  Or at least, do it quicker!

If they had spent less time on the first two hours of the film explaining who Batman was, why he was against Superman etc, then they would have had more time to create Doomsday properly and not rush the fight.

It was supposed to be 2 or 3 days long with one final blow for both Superman and Doomsday, not the over-dramatic scene we got instead.  It just felt like it was two hours of being bored and then a rushed ending to make up for it.

I know everyone is excited for Justice League to happen…

but I think all of these movies leading up to it are just a waste of time and money.  Aquaman looks ridiculous like usual (sorry Jason Momoa fans).  From what I’ve seen, I am happy with how Wonder Woman is coming along (so far).  I am indifferent when it comes to her though, so maybe that helps.

All in all, good job to Cavill and Affleck, “nice seeing you” to the other actors, but overall, I could have waited for this to be out of the theatre to watch it.  I much rather be disappointed by the Batmobile scenes in the comfort of my own home.  At least then I wouldn’t have felt bad about only watching the last half hour of the movie.  You know… the part when it actually got interesting… sort of.

What did you think?  Are you going to stand behind how amazing others are saying this film is?  Or, do you agree that it was a major letdown?  OR, did you get exactly what you expected and enjoyed the ride anyway?  I like hearing about what you all thought because I respect everyone’s views.  To each their own, so don’t be shy!  Leave me a comment below or find me on Facebook to join the discussion!

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