Batman v. Superman Spoiler-free Review

 

Batman v. Superman is worth the wait. After watching the movie, the first thing I did was to read the reviews and that reddit article to make sure if they're legit. All I can say is that, BvS is amazing! I'm giving it a 9/10. Here are some of my initial input. I might update this space after catching some z's.

1. Addressing some criticism.

There are many factors in understanding the negative reviews. One, if the critic starts comparing BvS to Marvel movies, then its most likely that the person doesn't know what he/she is talking about. People got accustomed to Marvel movies that they forgot (or is not aware) that DC has a different market. DCEU and MCU are two different beasts. Comparison is inevitable BUT comparing them in the same category where one is known for is unfair for the other.

Two, Batman v. Superman is a comicbook movie. As oppose to a "superhero movie," the former is more identical to the pacing and structure of a comicbook. There are a lot of plot holes in the movie but those plot holes were used for a purpose (this topic is better discussed when the group is allowed to discuss the movie). It has the same structure as that of comicbooks. 

I think these are the biggest concerns of the critics. They can't understand how the story got from point A to point B. And at the same time, they're subconsciously comparing Marvel movies to Batman v. Superman.

Three, some people just hate Zack Snyder for his ambitious vision.

2. Batman v. Superman is true to its source material.

Saying that, "every scene in the movie pays tribute to the comics," is an understatement. There are A LOT (and I mean A LOT!) of references from the comicbooks. It is as if the comicbooks were brought to life. Heck, even Batman's prep-time was given emphasis in the movie!

If you're a comicbook fan, you will appreciate this movie for what it is. If you're not, then you might feel that there are unnecessary scenes. And from the latter view, you might feel that the movie, as a whole, is dragging.

Months before Batman v. Superman, people had a lot of theories as regards the direction of the franchise. I recommend that you forget all those theories and to stick with what you know from reading the comics. They used various story arcs from different titles but overall, it made sense. Again, stick with what you know from the DC mythos. Don't let theories or speculations determine your expectations.

3. Batffleck

Ben Affleck is my Batman. He portrayed the different aspects of Batman/Bruce Wayne perfectly! Haters will disagree but BEN AFFLECK IS MY BATMAN. Nuff said!

Gal Gadot is also amazing. She stole the show towards the end of the movie. She is exactly how Wonder Woman is in the comics.

4. Batman v. Superman is ambitious.

Batman v. Superman is the MOST AMBITIOUS comicbook movie of all time! They're trying to raise the bar through: (1) cinematography, (2) depth of dialogue, and (3) integration to reality.

This is Zack Snyder we're talking about. His movies are very pleasing especially to the avid movie fans. I guess I don't have to explain this. You already know him. His cinematography is way beyond the competition.

Mad props to Chris Terrio! Make sure to listen carefully to the dialogues. There are a handful of good lessons from the movie. Plus, most of the dialogues, especially those of Batman's, have easter eggs. Most of the lines imply something else (I'd like to point out something that was reported two weeks ago regarding the Wonder Woman movie however it is better discussed in the group after the discussion prohibition rule).

The movie is very ambitious because it tried to use our reality as its' setting. It is not breaking the 4th wall per se. It is more of using our reality as the setting for Batman v. Superman. Why do I say this? Well, go and try to spot CNN anchor Anderson Cooper and Neil Degrasse Tyson in the movie. They sort of portray themselves in the movie.

5. Delusion of Grandeur. 

Batman v. Superman is very ambitious. HOWEVER they fell short in execution. In my opinion, Jesse Eisenberg will be the rich source of criticism. Contrary to what people think, he is portraying LEX LUTHOR Jr. and not the Lex Luthor that we know. Although the movie emphasized this distinction between the two characters, comicbook fans will have a hard time deviating from the Lex Luthor they know. The casual fans and the avid movie goers will even have a harder time in understanding this character.  But to his credit, he was amazing! Despite his irritating character, I kind of love his portrayal of Lex Jr. For me, he is the necessary evil (or necessary annoyance for that matter). His line at the end of the movie will give you the BIGGEST easter egg for the franchise.

The crux lies in Snyder's intention (or should I say WB/DC's intention) to encourage people to read comics. Like I've said, this is a comicbook movie that the fans will appreciate. I don't think it was meant for avid movie goers. The movie pays tribute to the source materials which the casual fans (or critics) are not aware of. Personally, I am not well versed when it comes to Superman lore, but after watching the movie, it made me want to read on some of his stories.

6. Batman v. Superman is not for everyone

There! I've said it! Batman v. Superman is not for everyone. Like I've said, DC has a different market. Adults will appreciate this more than the minors. The movie is dark and gritty, don't expect shawarma jokes and a laughing audience. Don't bring your 8-year old kids, they will definitely get bored. 

7. Important Things to Note.

1. Don't believe the critics. As comicbook fans, you'll enjoy the movie.
2. Try to avoid comparing BvS to Marvel films
3. Watch the trailers that comes with the movie! There's something Batman-related hehe.
4. Take note of the actor and the costumes! There's a HUGE easter egg if you pay attention to the actor and the actor's costume.
5. Easter eggs galore! Listen carefully and pay attention to details.
6. There's a clear winner between the two. Go place your bets.