Batman and Superman fans alike are flocking to theaters this past week as Batman v Superman debuts with projections to reach a domestic box office of $375 Million despite a 26% on rotten tomatoes and a host of other negative reviews.
After hearing many negative reviews from critics and mixed reviews from peers I decided to give a chance with low expectations and an open mind.
The movie starts with a recap of the end of Man of Steel however but from the perspective of Bruce Wayne as he attempts to go to Wayne Financial in Metropolis. Destruction ensues and Batman is left looking up at the sky fueled with rage. This is only side of Batman/Bruce Wayne that you get to see for the whole movie. No matter what the scenario he seems to be constantly on the verge of complete rage or temper tantrum.
Ben Affleck plays a drastically different Batman than Christian Bale and I am okay with it. I have read some comic books with a darker, angrier Batman and that is what we get here. I don’t believe that CB or past actors who have played the bat hold a monopoly on how he should be played. If anything it is refreshing to see something new.
Superman doesn’t seem to be without blemish in this movie. He seems to be oblivious as to why people are upset that he destroyed metropolis during his fight with General Zod and company. Although he mentions the lives saved by defeating Zod he never seems to grasp why people could possibly dislike him or see him as a threat.
Lex Luthor is the main antagonist throughout the movie. From my understanding from past comic books, video games, etc., Luthor is supposed to be a suave city favorite who can do no wrong in the eyes of citizens. What you get on screen though, is a borderline psychopath with a slightly above average IQ who stumbles through public speeches whose motives couldn’t be foggier as to why he wants Batman and Superman to die.
The movie is connected with subplot after subplot. It gets to a point where I was wondering what exactly is the task as well as why it was happening. The movie continually hinted at the coming formation of the Justice League but harped on it a little to long. I get it; a team of strangers with powers will come together in a movie to fight something that no individual can fight.
After dissecting the movie down to its basics it’s time to notice what the movie does well. Through the confusion the two and a half hour movie did not fail to keep my attention. The fight scenes in the movie are impressive especially in displaying the power of these iconic heroes. Overall, I would recommend the movie to anyone. I enjoy seeing superheroes on the big screen and if you go to be entertained you will not be disappointed. Did the plot seem to be crammed with too much? Yes. Was the antagonist underwhelming? Yes. Did I enjoy myself at the movie? Yes.
