Batman v Superman

When Ben Affleck was announced as being the new face of Bruce Wayne/Batman in the DC Cinematic Universe, I think I was about one of 10 people who liked the casting. I didn't get overly excited for the film though, and when early reviews came in they were bad. So bad that someone created this fabulous video. But then, friends of mine saw it and said that it actually wasn't that bad.

This movie is tedious. Yes, tedious. It moves from plot point to plot point, to scenes for fans to an action set without any purpose or meaning. I literally said out loud at one point, "You've got to be kidding me." I blame Zack Snyder, who is a pretentious filmmaker who gives a big FU to fans who question his choices with Superman. He's no Kenneth Branagh (Thor), or even James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy), he's not even Jon Favreau (Iron Man). And he's certainly no Joss frickin' Whedon (The Avengers, both of them).

In my review for Man of Steel I remarked how I thought the ending meant the next installment would be a happier outing. I was not just wrong, but severely wrong. Dawn of Justice is probably more downbeat, dark and depressing. And why???? Why is THAT supposedly what sells? I say "supposedly" because take a look at some pretty popular comic book movies and they are decided not downbeat, dark and depressing: Guardians of the Galaxy, The Avengers, any of the Iron Mans, and even Captain America. Sure, they have evil they have to fight and various issues to contend with (yeah, Nazis aren't really that much fun) but they aren't swathed in unending misery.

Also, they're not shot in an exclusive pallet of washed out greys and browns. Snyder loves this look and used it in Man of Steel as well. It makes everything look flat and uninspired. Which is likely what he's going for, but for me it doesn't work. The movie also suffers from bad CGI.

I think the choice to embrace the Superman as God narrative is a massive misstep. It makes Superman a sad and dejected figure. It also makes us endure senate hearings and other political maneuverings that end up leading nowhere. Everyone gets blown up, but still doesn't trust Superman. It's not compelling.

Bruce Wayne is upset with Superman, which I sort of get, since the movie starts with the action from the previous film's ending but instead from Bruce Wayne's point of view. He sees the destruction, and has a very cheesy, over-the-top moment of hugging a little girl whose mom has died in the melee, and decides that this means Superman is the worst thing ever and must be brought down. He proceeds to hate Superman for the entire movie. But when Superman, who has come to the conclusion that he either has to bring Batman to his side or kill him to save his mom, is about to be killed by Batman he utters his mom's name. Martha. Turns out that's also the name of Batman's mom! And don't worry, Snyder is going to show you that scene of Batman's parents being killed again in case you weren't sure about it. And just like that, Batman and Superman are besties. Literally, just like that.

Lois Lane is given nothing to do in this film. She's out of place. She cradles Superman's head a lot, and tries to help him, but she's not imperative to the story. Just like all the lame political/Washington stuff, Snyder could have cut this out and made for a much better movie. Or, better yet, given Lois something to do.

She's not the only one, though, with nothing to do. All the characters operate by themselves for a lot of the movie. Then they'll randomly be put in a scene together. Lex Luthor is introduced, but there's never any inclination given for why he hates Superman. He's a bit maniacal, but maybe mentally unhinged, or maybe he's just acting. The choice of how to play him, either by Snyder or the actor, Jesse Eisenberg, was also a misstep that makes it seem like he's in the wrong movie.

This review is all over the place and just jumping around, which is what the movie felt like. Good thoughts just thrown against the wall instead of a well-planned out and executed narrative. I could go on, but there isn't really a point. I think the biggest travesty is that Superman as portrayed by Henry Cavill doesn't really get his own sequel or a chance to shine, but is instead relegated to a supporting character to jump start a film franchise that desperately wants what the Marvel Cinematic Universe has. While Marvel is in Phase 3, DC is frantically throwing things together. The lack of planning shows.