[Movie Review] - Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

CAUTION: May Contain SPOILERS

Title: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
   Director: Zack Snyder
   Release Date: March 28, 2016
   Rating: 7.5 Out of 10

     Fearing the actions of Superman are left unchecked, Batman takes on the man of steel, while the world wrestles with what kind of a hero it really needs. With Batman and Superman fighting each other, a new threat, Doomsday, is created by Lex Luthor. It's up to Superman and Batman to set aside their differences along with Wonder Woman to stop Lex Luthor and Doomsday from destroying Metropolis.

My Review:

     This movie was rather one of my biggest expectations this year, and it did not let me down at all. Do not be fooled by my 7.5/10 score, the movie should be rated at least an 8.0 or higher, but there's a few problems I have with the story and the character, not the actors at all. First thing I want to get one thing straight and it's how the movie should have been. Batman doesn't have the strength nor speed of Superman, but managed to use his tactical skills to "beat" Superman. I thought that was a good move on the writing and directing part, because it plays to the character strengths of the the individual characters.

Batman
     I am going to start with the first bit that everyone is probably going to want to know more about, than probably any other part of the movie. Batman... First off, Ben Affleck wasn't the problem, it was how Batman was written. I understand that Batman is in a rough time, that he's feeling at a low, and almost powerless when Superman arrives. Then to disasterbate things you will always have that feeling that Superman is all power, answers to no one and can destroy you or anything whenever he feels like it.

     In Man of Steel, the main point of the whole movie is when Clark is growing up, his father teaching him that the world won't understand and be afraid of him. It's that idea that Batman really just falls into. He's so bent on gaining power over Superman, or vengeance for the innocents killed in the Zod/Superman battle in Gotham. I mean when you have the power Superman does, and who he was facing, you are always going to have that happen. Its sad and wrong yes, but it's going to happen. Batman is just so hell bent on obtaining justice at any means necessary, and even if it means killing Superman he's fine. That's the Batman I didn't want to see. Batman stood for justice not some vigilante, Batman could have easily been confused for Daredevil or say Punisher. It's sad, but that's the Batman they wrote, and it's hard to see and painful to watch.

Superman
     Henry Cavill comes back and is does so great job as Superman. Frankly the performance is just as good as Man of Steel, if not slightly better. There's a lot going on with Superman, mainly a lot of growth. He's learning how to be Clark Kent and Superman and balance the two of them together. As well, where Lois and his family fits into all of that. So when he's rescuing people, he's not sure what to do with all recognition and what to do with some of those who harbor resentment toward him. It's the idea and processing that negativity, in light of positivity.

     Superman is completely about saving and protecting people, so when he sees Batman who seeks just through whatever means necessary, he has trouble with it. The two styles are different, but ultimately they are seeking the same thing. However, Superman has a problem with Batman's method because Batman's content harming people if his goals are met.

Wonder Woman
     She wasn't really a big part of the movie, but she in my opinion stole the show when she was there. Her speed and strength rivals that of Superman, and has some of the same detective skills that Batman has. There really wasn't much story to her at all, which is disappointing. I was hoping for some explanation of where she came from and how/why she has her abilities. either way it leaves a lot for her specific movie. The teaser of Wonder Woman really makes me want to see her movie.

Lex Luthor
     Jesse Einsenberg was terrific. I doubt there has ever been a better Lex Luthor out there period. The character was so Art of War smart and evil. He had a number of scenes that they may not sound creepy or weird, but when you process them for a few moments they twist. They were so great. I loved how over and over, he was so smart or new how things would pan out that he even set egg timers. Genius, whoever wrote that scene needs a medal. I honestly hope to see more of Lex in the future and hope that Jesse gets it.

Misc.
     There were other superheroes that were introduced into this, but I am going to have to leave them go, they are rather interesting and I hope to see them in Justice League. They don't have much more than one scene with their symbol. If they have anywhere near the success that Man of Steel has, DC Comics won't have a problem with funding at all.

     So onto the movie again. Lois Lane is trying to help Superman and be his hope in the face of all his adversaries. Superman says it over and over, she is his world, which is partially true. He loves her and wants to protect her at all costs, but he also wants to save everyone else.

Spoilers

     The reason I rated this movie so low, was the wrongness of Batman. He was just so depressing and frankly he was stuck on his parents death at 40-50 years old. so focused that he justifies killing Superman by going back to his family roots and becoming a hunter. Than the fight happens, and Batman's crafted/stolen kryptonite is what gives him the upper hand on Superman. I don't think it's a great characteristic in Batman to be the reason that Kryptonite is found to have an effect on Superman. Frankly it's Batman's fault for the ending, and he doesn't feel really that remorseful  at all. I mean he feels bad yet, but it's more of a feeling you can just shrug off and, "We'll remember and move on."

     Then you have the reason that during the whole Lex Luthor/Abomination fight, that the two unite and fight together, Clark's Mother's name is Martha. Oh right yeah, so is Bruce Wayne's mother. Oh wait you said save your mother, stop Lex? Oh I'm stupid let's be friends and fight together. That whole scene was so cheesy and lame. I honestly think if the two's problems were that bad, that they'd kill each other over it, a simple thing as their mothers' names being the same wouldn't stop them. It was just shitty writing and could have been done so much better.

          

     This movie was so good, yet through a few flaws, there's parts that held this movie back. The slow building beginning is just an easy fix, but the character flaws in Batman where just too pressing and negative to look pass. I really enjoyed it and recommend anyone and everyone to see it. Maybe I am being too harsh on the newly written Batman. Come to your own judgement, it's worth it.