USA 2016
Opening March 24, 2016
Directed by: Zack Snyder
Writing credits: Chris Terrio, David S. Goyer
Principle actors: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams
I will start of by saying that a) I am generally a fan of DC Comics universe movies based on their comic books series, which is why b) I was fairly disappointed by their latest film Batman vs. Superman Dawn of Justice. Unfortunately, the movie seemed to lack a story. The plot line felt weak, and I kept waiting for a story to unfold which never really happened. Maybe my expectations were wrong, but I want this kind of superhero and villain story to have a story line so gripping I’m sitting at the edge of my seat, gnawing my knuckles raw, to see what happens next. Very little of this suspense was there for me. The movie focused on heavy in-depth themes regarding ethics and the morality of these super-heroe characters. Zack Snyder delved deep into the psyche of both Batman and Superman to examine their hidden motivations and inner conflicts.
Ben Affleck effortlessly took on the role of Bruce Wayne, dark, brooding, a little sultry and a little playboyish. The role of his butler Alfred was beautifully done by Jeremy Irons. (I even wish he had a larger role in the movie). Gal Gadot, Wonder Woman, was thrown in as a sort of love interest and had great chemistry with Affleck. Unfortunately her role was very minor and her character undeveloped, leaving her sort of squished into the storyline with no justification. Henry Cavill, well, he just looks like the ultimate Superman, which makes up for his slightly cheesy stereotypical performance of Clark Kent and Superman. Not to say that overall he wasn’t good, but you don’t get that feel of “what a stellar performance!” which you can also say about Amy Adams’ performance of Lois Lane. Adams was very good at looking shocked and fawning over her beloved husband and co-worker. She spent much of the movie trying to protect his newly defamed Senator Finch (played by Holly Hunter) reputation towards the world and justifying his actions where he received criticism after a massive 9/11 scale catastrophe, which happened at the very beginning of the movie (mortal battle between Superman and Captain Zod which devastated a large part of NYC). Jesse Eisenberg’s performance of Lex Luther was like a version of his Mark Zuckerberg with border line personality disorder and some manic behavior thrown in. Not worth mentioning any more.
There were many good action scenes, the better ones in my opinion towards the end. There was too much pointless violence in my taste but probably what’s expected of a superhero story. The cinematography was true to the comic book form, and was generally dark and sinister matching the tone of the movie. In the end, the movie was really about examining the characters of both super heroes, what makes them tick, what are their secrets and how dark and deep are their hidden sides. I would recommend this movie to diehard DC Comics universe fans, but for everyone else just looking to enjoy a fun action movie, I would move on. ()