So I just got home from seeing Batman V Superman for the first and ::checks watch:: I'm going back to the theater in 2 hours to see it again. I could beat around the bush and set up a whole review but I'm just going to jump in and get to it!
I like Batman V Superman! Do I love it? I think I will save that decision for the second viewing in a little while. One thing I can definitively say is that Ben Affleck is THE best this movie has to offer. I thought it was interesting listening to an interview with Affleck prior to the films release when he was talking about this role being more about plying Bruce Wayne. That the focus should be so much on acting as Batman but as Bruce and dealing his own personal issues. He nailed that train of thought and I think thats what made him excel so hard in this role. You have never seen a Batman like this before and he will leave you wanting more. He is ruthless, aggressive, and with all seriousness he is a bit of an asshole. I know the Bale supporters will always be there (they should be!) and I still have a soft spot in my heart for Bale but this Batman played by Affleck is my favorite take on a cinematic Batman ever. I don't need to see it a second time to tell you that much. It is the billionaire playboy at this finest and if you enjoyed the animated series like I did or enjoyed the Dark Knight Returns like I did then you will be pleased as well! I think it is safe to say that he has silenced a lot of those critics from his casting announcement and as a Die Hard Batman I suggest that Warner Brothers backs the brinks truck onto Ben's front yard and offer him the world to do a solo Batman film. This guy going after the Joker would be absolute magic.
The acting from the rest of the cast was on point. Cavill is really coming into his own with this Superman character. Its great and tragic at the same time to watch him deal with everything that comes with being Superman. He has gone where no other Superman has gone in this film thats for sure. It was fun to see Superman doing Superman things though. He has graduated from saving School Buses in this one. I loved Jessie Eisenberg as Lex but I thought at times it was a tad overacting. When he needed a mean streak thought it was there and I really hope that there is a place for Lex in the future of the DC cinematic universe. I thought Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman was a pleasant surprise and I look more forward to her solo film than I did before seeing this movie. I know some didn't approve and how the other Justice Leaguers were shown in this film but I liked it. I thought it was quick, to the point, and did its best to not take away too much from what was going on. Doomsday was a dream come true for CGI lovers but I could have done with a bit less of the theatrics I suppose.
If you're looking for balls to the wall and unapologetic action then this movie is clearly for you. This is Zack Snyder 101 and from an action standpoint he leaves no stone unturned. If you're looking for a smooth paced story well then we've gotten to my gripe with this film. There is A LOT going on in this film. Its understandable that there is so much going on because lets not forget that this is the Dawn of Justice. To the true blue DC guy like me I was able to keep and understand all the little and major things flying around the screen. I'm very interested to go see this with my girlfriend in a little while and see how she digests it. I don't agree with all the bad reviews but I understand. If you're not a true blue fan of the genre it is a lot of moving parts in 2 and a half hours. There are some character driven moments in this film and if you can sift through jumping from scene to scene it'll be to your benefit. Basically I think you're looking at the same sort of reaction from Man of Steel to an extent. Those who understand it and are able to process will enjoy it for what it is. Those who can't or refuse retain the over abundance of moving parts in this movie will be the ones who hate this film. If you're a real fan of DC then go see this movie and come to your own conclusion. Don't let some suit that writes for a newspapers that enjoys artsy films make up your mind for you. I told you in one of my earlier posts that you deserve the right to sit down and enjoy this film and I still stand by that.
End of the day though and why some of us Love Zack Snyder the way that we do is that he is very loyal to the fans. There is no doubt that he makes this film with our hearts in mind and not with those who don't associate with comic book movies. That loyalty to the hardcore fans is what will keep him employed but its also what will never get him taken truly serious by film critics and haters. I get the critics will always be there but some of there judgments are too harsh. Shame on a writer if he is expect a campy Iron Man type of guy shouting Underoos. Shame on them if they're expect an action film to not have a lot of action. This is a dark film and if anyone is paying attention then they shouldn't be shocked by it bottom line. Don't expect the greatness of a Dark Knight when you sit down because you won't get it. Expect blown away action and Bad Ass Batman cause my friends is what you'll be knee deep in by the time the credits roll. I wanted to love this film and I don't know if I did. I certainly had a lot of fun though!
Final Grade: B-
I saw it once. I'm gonna see it again and I'm not going to lie when I say I'll probably see a third or fourth time.
No comments:
Post a Comment