Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice Review (No Spoilers)

Jordan Samuel Jordan Samuel
Author
March 22nd, 2016

Content Editor, Film Critic and Writer for ComiConverse.com, the Founder and co-host of the official Nerdcast Network Podcast

Price:
Super Satisfying Popcorn Fun

Reviewed by:
Rating:
3
On March 22, 2016
Last modified:March 25, 2016

Summary:

Zack Snyder has produced a fun superhero movie, that develops this shared universe a tad bit more but doesn't redefine the genre

Price:
Super Satisfying Popcorn Fun

Reviewed by:
Rating:

3
On March 22, 2016
Last modified:March 25, 2016

Summary:

Zack Snyder has produced a fun superhero movie, that develops this shared universe a tad bit more but doesn't redefine the genre

God vs Man, Day vs Night. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is crash-landing worldwide this Friday and our Lead Film Critic Jordan Samuel brings us the official ComiConverse review.

Growing up, the first heroes I knew about were Batman and Superman; arguably the most popular comic book characters of all time. Taking in their fights for justice helped me get over all my personal problems at school and college. These characters are heroes to so many in so many ways.

My mother used to play reruns of the original Batman 60’s show, which was a dated, cheesy and strange adaptation, but it got me invested in the source material. Needless to say, without that introduction to the character I would have never been addicted to Batman: The Animated Series.

This film will be that introduction for a new generation. In my older years, I got into the darker Frank Miller stuff, which was the only comic I have read back to back numerous times. That is what finally got me invested in the entire DC Comics universe.

I was never really attached to Superman, but that all changed with the Justice League Animated Series, which engrossed me in the Man of Steel’s adventures.

2016 is a crazy year for both icons, because after decades of being together in comics or on the small screen, we finally have the both heroes in theaters for the biggest fight in cinematic history, with Wonder Woman and other notable heroes suiting up as well. Both Superman and Batman have had their own standalone films, but finally director Zack Snyder and Warner Bros. have brought these massive characters together; marking a landmark release for readers and fans of those original stories.

The World’s Finest are ready to battle on the big screen in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, but does it pack the right punch? Find out as ComiConverse presents its official spoiler free review.

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Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Following his titanic struggle against General Zod, Metropolis has been razed to the ground and Superman is the most controversial figure in the world. While for many he is still an emblem of hope, a growing number of people consider him a threat to humanity, seeking justice for the chaos he has brought to Earth. As far as Bruce Wayne is concerned, Superman is clearly a danger to society. He fears for the future of the world with such a reckless power left ungoverned, and so he dons his mask and cape to right Superman's wrongs. The rivalry between them is furious, fuelled by bitterness and vengeance, and nothing can dissuade them from waging this war. However, a dark new threat arises in the form of a third man: one who has a power greater than either of them to endanger the world and cause total destruction - IMBD

Starring: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Jessie Eisenberg and Amy Adams

Zack Snyder (300, Man of Steel) helms the massive project, and provides his best film yet. Zack not only brings these characters to life but provides an entire generation of DC fans something they have been waiting for.

Put simply, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice does some things right and others wrong. But it's not the disaster many critics are claiming it to be, not perfect but it does what is needed bring two titans together.

Man of Steel didn’t fit the bill of a gritty and thought provoking superhero film for many and, after The Dark Knight trilogy, nothing could come close to movie perfection in that darker superhero genre.  As such, Superman's kick-off of DC's new extended universe probably left many wondering what kind of tone this new series of films was really going to embrace.

No one need worry. Batman v Superman strikes exactly the right balance in tone, because Batman and Superman naturally balance out each other. Vengeance versus hope. Day versus night. You get the idea.

Wes for Publicity

Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Zack Snyder showcases that modern and accurate depictions of Batman and Superman can work together on the big screen. His cinematic visuals and action sequences allow Batman v Superman to be marvelous on every level. Gone are the clumsy flight sequences of his previous superhero films. Everything is improved and it feels smarter than your average summer blockbuster.

The film tackles massive themes like acceptance, loss and pain. It may be the most meaningful and relevant superhero title in a very long time, but it does stumble with it's plot points. Making it less smart that it set out to be.

Zack Snyder has always been a very visual director and that follows him into Batman v Superman. The scenes are detailed and really do shine on the IMAX Screen. I feel like Snyder has improved in this area, since 2013's Man of Steel, by toning back the action just enough for some proper character development.

Time is taken to humanize each hero, making the audience question each decision and honest intention.This process flows through the film's sequences, impacting the way we view Batman and Superman unlike anything from the previous DCEU effort. Gotham and Metropolis both feel alive, yet dark, and have different personalities, not unlike their signature heroes. I loved that dynamic the most, because it makes everything that Batman and Superman are fighting for feel that much more real.

Each of them have a home that helps define who they are. I did, however, have issue with the movie's length. More could have been added to make the film feel more like a complete story. Perhaps the extended cut, releasing sometime this year, will make up for any problems in this area. Its a small criticism at best.

We'll all be waiting for the release, because re-watches are a must to get all the hidden Easter eggs.

Editing is the biggest disappointment here, as certain sequences do not feel right. Zack should have pieced together these better, because for a big budget release this is not good enough - it also effects the pacing.

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Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

In Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Batman takes on Superman, who he feels is too dangerous and powerful for Earth’s good. Actor Ben Affleck said Batman is motivated by grief at the losses he has suffered over the years.

Henry Cavill returns as the Man of Steel, Superman, and provides another good performance. Years have passed after the events of 2013’s standalone Superman movie. Clark now lives with Lois Lane as he tries to regain a normal life and grow into his new role and way people see him.

He does sometimes come across wooden sadly, which is mainly due to the stiff dialogue Herny is given. I hope this will be fixed in the upcoming Justice League movie because it left a bad taste in my mouth.

Metropolis and Gotham citizens mostly don't see Superman as a god, but as a demon. Mainly due to his supposed disregard for human life in the Dark Zero event with Zod. Henry Cavill has grown in the role even though he hasn't reached prime Superman status yet. Zack Snyder allows Henry to provide an interesting take on the hero.

After Zod, you can sense that Clark is still coming to terms with his life choices. I like how the film plays with this aspect. Clark is investigating the Gotham vigilante, Batman, whom he doesn't respect, due to their different opinions on Justice. These are the dividing lines that lead them into their battle.

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Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Ben Affleck takes on the cape and cowl as Batman, and he delivers one of the best portrayals of the character yet. This version is the most brutal, charming and comic book accurate take on Batman in cinematic history.

During the events of Man of Steel's alien invasion, Bruce was emotionally drained from a devastating attack on his pride. Making him despise Superman and all he stands for. Bruce won’t stop until someone pays for the attack. Gotham has seen brighter days and Batman wants to protect the struggling city through intimidation, fear and more force than one might have expected. Bruce is a broken man trying to protect the city he grew up in.

Ben is great and embodies Bruce on so many levels. He also kicks serous ass, with many of the fight sequences shaming previous iterations of the Caped Crusader. You sense true pain coming off his performance, which makes this Bruce Wayne the most realistic version we've met. Batman is flawed in many ways, which were never fully showcased in the previous films and Zack Snyder taps into those elements perfectly.

This Batman is brutal and it's shown time and again in the crazy action sequences. I love that element, because we finally get to see some Arkham Asylum type fight scenes in live action. Who wouldn't pay to see that? The armored suit seen in the trailers is just mind-blowing. I won’t spoil anything about the sequences in which it was used, but they will be remembered for some time; expcially the main fight with Superman that has been marketed a bunch already.

Affleck delivers in the role. He just makes the character that more interesting, especially with the hardened veteran Batman Zack was going for. I feel like this should be explored in the next couple DCEU movies because there is serious potential there. Zack Snyder did an amazing job with casting Ben Affleck and it will pay off in the long term for the DCEU.

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Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Jessie Eisenberg plays Lex Luthor, a sophisticated young businessman, fixed on destroying everything Superman stands for. Eisenberg surprisingly decent in the role, as he really embodies a younger version of the multi-layered genius who's obsessed with Superman. Eisenberg haters will be ashamed of there earlier criticisms, because Jessie is a great Lex Luthor. He is powerful, smart and mad something that should not go hand in hand, and the performance given here will be talked about for some time.

I do have issues though mainly again stemming from the odd dialogue, he makes references to odd things. That took me out the movie and It's a shame because the performance is so great but strangely just comes-across badly written.

This is more modern version of the character that has been battling Superman for decades in the comics. I love how Jessie brings two personas to the table here, something that reminds me of how Heath Ledger played The Joker. His personal hatred towards Superman, is much more interesting than Zod's in Man of Steel. We get to see more than just jealously. Everyone in this movie has well defined motivations. The Academy Awards should be knocking at Eisenberg’s door, because he plays the character with a level of intensity that hasn't been seen in this genre for years.

BATMAN V SUPERMAN

Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Gal Gadot plays Wonder Woman/Diana Prince and I don’t think you’ve ever known a woman like her. She plays a minor role here, but her presence will probably be pushed up next year for Justice League. Gal is powerful as Wonder Woman, which probably was a very daunting bit of acting to get right. I loved her introduction piece, which really feels like something out of the animated series. I won’t go into the role that much, but fans should be happy with her portrayal of the Amazon warrior. I also loved her connection with Bruce Wayne in the movie. It felt fresh and unique for both characters. It touched all right nerves and will have fans geeking out.

Batman V. Superman: Dawn Of Justice

Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

As for Zack Snyder, I'm really proud of what he has accomplished with this movie. Everything felt like it gelled together even though I hated some elements. Characters feel alive and you are given time to care about them, something I haven't felt for the longest time in the comic book movie genre.

He has built something here that will be developed to greater potential in the next couple years and that is exciting. Problems are there and hopefully will be smoothed out in upcoming DCEU movies because they set this back from being perfect.

I had the same feeling watching Spider-Man for the first time. Yes it might not be the best film ever, but it does set up a universe for these heroes. Coming from someone who did not like Man of Steel very much, that is incredible and gets me excited for the future DCEU. If it does the same of the millions of fans out there - mission accomplished. Ben Affleck is the Batman. Henry Cavill is Superman.

Zack Snyder has created something that does what It was set out to pit these warriors against each other. It might not be the greatest film ever but it will keep hardcore DC Fans happy - before the upcoming movie slate. But the greatest question is #WhoWillWin? We all do in one way or the other.

Jordan Samuel is the Film Critic for ComiConverse. Follow him on Twitter: @JordanESamuel

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

  • 3

Super Satisfying Popcorn Fun

Zack Snyder has produced a fun superhero movie, that develops this shared universe a tad bit more but doesn't redefine the genre

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