Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice or BVS as I’ll call it for the rest of this review, is an enjoyable film and yes it does have its flaws and I will get to those momentarily but first let’s delve into the positives.
A big improvement was Henry Cavill as Clark Kent/Superman he seemed more comfortable in the role this time around than he did in Man Of Steel. He also didn’t drop his American accent in BVS or at least not that I could tell. In my opinion, Cavill has the potential to be the best screen Superman since Christopher Reeve should this current franchise keep going as long as DC Entertainment and Warner Brothers have planned. Physically he looks the part, but he also carries himself in both roles – classically, I really can’t put it any other way.
Ben Affleck as Batman/Bruce Wayne, haters and skeptics can just sit down because his Caped Crusader was the closest I’ve seen in a live-action film to the comic book version of the character EVER. To me, he nailed it.
Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman/Diana Prince is a treat. I have to admit that in my mind Lynda Carter will always be Wonder Woman but Gadot’s performance as the character will certainly have a new generation of fans saying the same thing about her, I’m sure. Not only that, but Wonder Woman is a total bad ass in this film even more so than the big boys.
Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor, this one I doubted myself until I saw his whole performance. This take on the character fits right in with what someone would expect a quirky evil-genius would be like if they existed in today’s world. Thankfully, he’s not a real estate obsessed gangster in BVS but true archvillain who has the smarts to keep both Batman and Superman on their toes.
Visually, BVS is a masterpiece with a reference to iconic DC comic panels and covers in nearly every frame. The action sequences are quick, fast-paced and will definitely have you on the edge of your seat.
Now, about those flaws:
The main problem is that BVS can’t decide what type of film it wants to be, thanks to both multiple script rewrites and bad editing. The story just doesn’t flow and, at times, it seems like we’re being shown parts of 3 different DC movies poorly strung together. I wish I could go into more detail but that would mean spoiling the film.
The main problem is that BVS can’t decide what type of film it wants to be, thanks to both multiple script rewrites and bad editing. The story just doesn’t flow and, at times, it seems like we’re being shown parts of 3 different DC movies poorly strung together. I wish I could go into more detail but that would mean spoiling the film.
Amy Adams as Lois Lane, while I adore this actress she simply doesn’t work as this character. Also, her and Cavill have zero chemistry together, even in one of the most emotional parts of the story it fell flat for me because of this reason.
The cameos of other DC Comics characters – Cyborg, Flash, and Aquaman seemed to be just thrown in at the last minute. None of these cameos add anything to the story.
Doomsday, its way too soon for this character and one comic story arc in particular to appear this early in the franchise. Especially when you’re trying to build a cinematic universe. This character should have been saved for a more direct Man of Steel sequel, possibly MOS 3. I will give away one spoiler, Doomsday does evolve into something that closely resembles the comic book version.
Bottom Line: The harsh reviews this film has received must be fueled by some twisted nerd love for the formula-tic, every hero has to have a quip, Disney brand and influenced Marvel movie. I do enjoy them but after eating some plain old chips for awhile, I start to crave a Dorito. Funny how the one thing fans feared is now the gold standard for superhero films.
Go see this film. Despite its flaws, it’s well worth the watch.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is now playing at theaters everywhere
