‘Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice’ is the movie release that has everyone in a spin.
Even with audience doubts about casting, it’s a sure-fire hit for DC, bringing together their top tier characters and setting the scene for Wonder Woman to (finally!) have her own movie.
Visually, ‘Batman v Superman’ looks really, really good. The landscapes and cinematography are stunning and the majority of costume choices don’t actually suck.
It’s the sort of movie that, on the surface, is a brilliant piece of cinematic whimsy. And yet, at times, there’s a clear sense that looking badass and gritty has trumped storytelling, and where nuanced plot has suffered to fit more dramatically-rendered violence or backstory into the film. Not all of that backstory is necessary, especially when other elements could be explained for those new to the DC universe.
I have the sneaking suspicion that long-term fans of the DC canons, both comic and cinematic, will find far less plot issues than the rest of us. It’s entirely possible that those things frustrating me are simply because I don’t know the ins and outs of the universe enough to ‘get it’.
If plot issues or stories that jump all over the place drive you mad, you might have to grit your teeth and wait it out. But those who can go along with it are in for a massive cinematic treat.
The leading actors do a remarkable job in their respective roles, and though Ben Affleck was considered a poor candidate by many DC fans, his dead-eyed stare and gravelly tones work surprisingly well in the role of Batman.
But it’s Jeremy Irons who steals the show with his portrayal of sarcastic pseudo father-figure, Alfred. It’s hard to remember that Batman is even in the scene when faced with Iron’s smooth, snarky drawl.
‘Batman v Superman’ certainly isn’t a bad movie. If you like dramatic action with larger than life figures doing battle, then you’re going to love it. Even with the storyline issues, it’s an engaging and enjoyable movie.
The problem with hyping movies well in advance is that it makes it harder for them to live up to the expectations. When you’ve heard for months that this is going to be a movie to put Marvel on notice, when it seems strategically placed to be released prior to Marvel’s upcoming ‘Civil War’ (which has a similar storyline of ‘Heroes At War’), it’s easy to expect a movie that nails every element.
And when a movie you’re really looking forward to doesn’t quite live up to the potential you’ve been hearing about, it’s disappointing, even if you do enjoy the movie.
In the end, the problem is that you want to love it, but it doesn’t quite get there. It’s a pity, because with a little more care for the storyline, this could easily have been one of the best films of the year.
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