One of the most highly anticipated superhero films of all time, Warner Bros. & DC Entertainment, decided to start their own superhero movie franchise in an attempt to create their own due to the success of Marvel properties such as Avengers & X-Men. In 2013, Man Of Steel became a box office success, however, it had mixed reviews from critics & fans alike.
After the release of Superman’s big screen comeback, Warner Bros. officially declared their Marvel Cinematic Universe, as The “DC Cinematic Universe.” Batman VS. Superman is the first time the two iconic titular characters of all time, are gonna be in the silver screen.
Like it’s predecessor Man Of Steel, Batman VS. Superman became a box office smash hit, unfortunately, it received negative reviews from critics & long time Batman & Superman fans alike. Let me talk about what’s good & what’s bad about this long awaited dream which became an epic cluster-fudge.
There’s gonna be a ton of MASSIVE SPOILERS. If you haven’t seen this movie, read at your very own risk.
Pros: Ben Affleck did an incredible performance as Batman/Bruce Wayne, he’s on the same level as Michael Keaton’s portrayal of “The Caped Crusader.” Gal Gadot & Jeremy Irons also did a splendid job for their performances as Wonder Woman & Aflred.
Visual Effects are Class A.
Action Sequences felt organic, such as Batman fighting thugs in a warehouse, resembled the Arkham Games. One of my all time video game franchises. I strongly recommend them.
Costume Designs such as the Batsuits look spot on identical to Frank Miller’s graphic novel, “The Dark Knight Returns.”
Opening Sequence with Bruce Wayne witnessing the destruction of Metropolis, strongly sets up the conflict.
Affleck’s Batman is much more brutal than the previous actors who portrayed the character. Even his voice is more menacing when he wears The Batsuit.
Batman defeats Superman, proving he can still be a B.A. (look it up on the urban dictionary) without acquiring super powers.
Batman, Superman, & Wonder Woman joining forces, got my blood pumping faster with excitement.
Christopher Nolan & Emma Thomas return to The DC Universe as Executive Producers. Despite Chris on not willing to return for superhero films, I think he’s doing it to support a new generation of filmmakers as a sign of passing the torch.
Cons: Jesse Eisenberg’s portrayal as Lex Luthor, felt like Jim Carrey’s Riddler all over again. He was annoying, irrating, makes you want to throw a batarang so he can shut up. I’ll have to Triple Down Points for his obnoxious performance because this is not the way Lex is represented in comics as a ripoff of Heath Ledger’s Joker. Zack if you’re reading this, boot him out right now!
Superman needs to grab a Snickers bar, because he’s to emo/grungy. He’s not the Superman we all know in love for us comic book fans, he’s suppose to be a good hearted, nice, and kind individual like Goku from Dragonball Z. Goku didn’t act like a moody teen.
Batman has a dream within a dream sequence, didn’t make sense. In real life, you can’t have one dream after another, this ain’t Inception.
Batman kills criminals. If Justice League addresses the big fat flaw, I’ll let that go. Remember when Michael Keaton killed criminals as Batman and nobody freaked out?
The Kryptonian ship from Man Of Steel, appears to have survive the crash during the climatic battle between Superman & Zod.
Superman should’ve used his x-ray vision/super-hearing to save Martha Kent, his adoptive mom.
Batman & Superman didn’t have enough screen time together. It took an hour & a half of buildup until we have seen them duke it out.
The infamous save Martha scene. I know Batman & Superman’s moms share the first name, it’s just a common name. Imagine Spider-Man reacting to a petty crook saying Ben. As in, Uncle Ben. That scene made my brains cells died and it’ll forever be a meme.
Metropolis & Gotham City are next door to each other instead of located very far away like in the comics.
If you’re a DC Comics fan, Doomsday shows up way too soon. He looks like the love child of Shrek & a cave troll from Lord Of The Rings. I’ll have to Double Down Points for the designers on not being original, instead of properly researching Superman’s mythology involving in adversaries.
Lois Lane gets rescued from Superman three times. She ain’t Spider-Man’s girlfriend Mary Jane Watson. Did she switched brains with Billy from The Grim Adventures Of Billy & Mandy?
The controversial ending of Superman’s death, but he miraculously survives, specks of dirt levitate indicating he’s alive. That folks, is an example of cheap drama to get your audience feel sad for him. I didn’t cry, my eyes were dry like a sandy beach.
Final Verdict: D for DEADBEAT! Which is pretty much described. C- for The Ultimate Cut.
If you want to see a better version of the film, I recommend the ultimate cut which fixes the problems of the theatrical cut.
In my opinion, this is the most disappointed film of 2016, similar to hype & post-release of Star Wars: The Phantom Mence. Luckily, Suicide Squad is way better, it’s a turning point for the DC Cinematic Universe. I’m looking forward to Wonder Woman, Justice League, & of course, The Batman.
P.S. Mr. Affleck if you’re reading this, good luck on your attempt to direct a Batman film. Please make it feel like the 90’s animated series because I grew up watching it. I’m a life long fan of Batman since childhood, please don’t mess this up, I’m counting on you.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 