Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice Ultimate Edition Review by Sebastian Soriano

Everyone who’s seen this movie already knows that it’s strong points were visual comic accuracy, phenomenal cinematography and CGI, magnificently-choreographd action sequences, and generally the best superhero movie eye candy ever. What it initially lacked though was the proper character and plot development that a MOVIE should have. I have had endless debates with many people on this, most of whom are filmmakers. The theatrical cut was very poorly done to the point that majority of the audience members left that cinema scratching their heads and shaking their fists, cursing Zack Snyder for making a “terrible film”. I never saw the film this way. In fact, I felt quite the opposite for the film. I loved it, but this version of it, solidifies how good the film really is. The internet at least, has definitely turned on it’s head lately since the release of the Ultimate Edition with people taking to Twitter and other social media platforms to apologise to Zack Snyder and the rest for bashing BVS.

Here were a few things that this cut did way better than the rest:

1. CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

One key issue with the initial cut was no one could really quite understand anyone’s motivation. Here, it is explained quite well.

Superman is conflicted about his place and purpose in this world and whether he actually has one. He is also going through the issue of accountability with his actions. Knowing when and how to act or whether he should act at all along with the reason he does what he does.

The people are split between whether they actually want a “Superman” to exist or not even though, you know, he does. This movie actually quite accurately reflects how modern society sees…well…God. People don’t want an all powerful being watching over them. They rely on him when times get tough, blame him when people things go bad, and curse him when he can’t/won't fix it. Mankind in this movie seems to be using Superman as a scapegoat for their problems.

Lex Luthor was motivated by his hate for "gods". He blames the lack of a “higher being saviour” intervention from the abuse he suffered under his father’s hands. He doesn’t want anyone more powerful than man ruling the earth and that is why he’s so hell-bent on destroying Superman.

Batman however, is clearly shown here as a completely broken shell of his former self. The opening scene let’s us see him witness the deaths of hundreds, maybe thousands, in the Wayne Tower crash that happened in the Metropolis Battle. Later in the movie, you see the Robin suit. The Jason Todd Robin suit. Well all know what happens to him. He gave up on hope, his principles, people, and his morals and because of doing so, has become absolutely blood-thirsty. Batman, in a way, he was the bad guy in this one as much as Luthor was. He was a criminal. He said so himself. Alfred told him that Superman wasn’t their enemy, but he clearly did not want to hear that. A “1% chance that he is our enemy” is not exactly a plausible statistic. Batman WANTED to kill Superman out of a pure need to hunt down any potential threats whether proven to be so or not. This was not Batman the hero, Batman the detective, or Batman the Dark Knight, no. This was Batman the hunter and that’s all he wanted out of all of this was to wipe every single evil or potential evil that plagued the world.

Wonder Woman was the way she is because she, like Batman, gave up on people too. Whatever happened during WW2 must’ve broken something in her that made her feel like she wanted nothing to do with people anymore and therefore chose to just sideline herself.

Those are just a few characters. I could do this all day, but that would take too much time. Point is, you’ll understand what each character stood for and why they did what they did.

2. PLOT HOLES WERE FILLED 

From the courthouse bombing to the incident at the desert, it was all explained. The 30 minutes really filled everything out that we weren’t shown in the initial cut. So much of the narrative was clearly explained. So much of the narrative was clearly laid out and now you don’t have to speculate for yourself why plot points pan out the way they do.

 3. BETTER CGI

Subjective, but didn’t you all notice that the CGI seemed to be a little more well-refined in this one? To me, key CG parts in the movie just seemed more crisp, like Doomsday.

4. BATMAN KILLING

Batman’s allegedly “indirect killing” was not so indirect here. You could clearly see how many people he blatantly killed and you know he meant to do it and that Snyder owned up to this Batman being a killer.

5. MARTHA

You all know how this scene went if you already watched the original movie. I already understood it when I first watched the movie, but after watching the Ultimate Edition, this became more to me than just Bruce getting a wake up call. This was DC/the DCEU’s way of telling us that this was going to be the revival of hope and positivity in the DC Cinematic Universe. Goodbye dark, gloomy, and depressing ways of storytelling and hello hope and heroism again. This scene actually sums up what the movie’s really about. It signals the death of DC’s old formula for movies. It’s telling us that they have no plans to “Christopher Nolan” their films again. This was the death of old DC going back to the values of a more classic and enjoyable DC.

There really is so much I could say about BVS Ultimate Edition, but that would cease to make this a review and inadvertently turn it into a play-by-play of the movie and I do not want to do that for any of you. You need to see this version of the film yourself.

Overall, this really was a better film than the one we were initially given. Is it perfect? No, but about 95% of it’s flaws were rectified. With that being said, the flaws are very forgivable. The movie is a lot of fun, very tense, and quite the visual spectacle. Everything else will make up for it’s minor flaws. This version of the movie I believe, should be the only version of the movie people should watch from now on. Buy it. Don’t pirate this movie. It is a work of art and fine works of art deserve financial reward from it’s fans. Buy it on Blu-Ray or digital. It deserves your money. I give this movie a 4.9/5

The Brilliance of Zack Snyder!

My God! How can you hate the man!? Check out this sequence from Man of Steel and Batman v. Superman! You'd be amazed with how Zack Snyder calculated every freakin' scene! Well not really because the video above was editted a bit. But for most part of it, both clips had the same time frame.

Read between the lines, Haters/Critics

You're welcome.

disclaimer: The video is provided by Batman y La liga de la justicia Latinoamerica

Batman v. Superman Spoiler-free Review by Sebastian Soriano

Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice Spoiler Free Review:

Right off the bat (no pun intended) this movie did things right. The intro explained that which I know fans are already tired of seeing. (Those who've seen it know what I'm talking about) There are certain stories that we don't need retold to us, but they did it in a way that was not even mildly intrusive to the plot. I was consciously looking for where this movie faltered for the many that gave it bad reviews and if I found anything at all, it was the very few moments wherein scenes and plot points seemed to have been transitioned to too fast, but they are honestly quite well-saved (in my opinion by the succeeding scenes). This was an obvious Justice League base movie though, so they will have certain scenes that feel a little shoehorned, but I don't think that. I think they made everything fit into a movie that could've felt cramped as hell.

The cinematography in this movie is top-notch maybe minus the editing, but this movie is the best superhero movie as a visual spectacle that I have ever seen in my entire life and Zack Synder, God bless him, told the story the way the source material wherein these characters originate from are told and that is through visual storytelling. This movie does not mince words. It is not as dialogue-driven as let's say, The Dark Knight was, but it was not as barbarically physical as Man of Steel. This movie is not here to serve. This movie demands to be understood through analysis and careful thought. This movie is here to tell people that emotion can not only be conveyed through words, but through every little thing one does. From mannerisms, to physical reactions and movements, the construction of their suits, to little things placed in and around their environments, and of course, speech. It has been a long time since I've seen a movie that is as beautifully seen as it is heard at the same time. Over-analyse this movie. It'll help you a ton in understanding it.

The acting in this movie was INSANELY PERFECT and so was the casting.

Ben Affleck delivered the Batman that I've been waiting for my entire life as a Batman fan. They did not represent a morally-rigid billionaire with a justice fetish. It presented a man that many can relate to nowadays: A broken idealist. A man who once believed in something better and through tragedy, an unfair tragedy, chose to take justice into his own hands. He chose to be the law. He chose to bypass the laws set before him by man and god because doing so caused him to fail and lose the ones he loved. As a Batman fan, thank you, Ben for giving us the Batman that not only the fans wanted, but the one I as a person needed to see. This Batman brought hope back to a man who's lost it. (I mean me. Lol)
10/10 performance

Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman was spectacular. She didn't speak much, but I understood everything she was about. She was a capable, crafty, sexy, intelligent woman who didn't just hold her own with the "big boys", but also showed that she could probably hand them both their assess if need be. She is definitely a perfect Wonder Woman and my personal favourite Wonder Woman that I've ever encountered in my lifetime. Yes. I am counting the comics and cartoons. She showed me a woman who's actions speak a thousand words and that a thousand words can't measure up to a single action when the action is done right. 10/10

Now, I'm down to the wild cards:

Literally all the reviews that I've read and watched said that Jesse Eisenberg's Lex Luthor performance was abysmal, but I beg to differ. People probably bitched because they didn't get the Luthor THEY wanted because that is definitely not the Luthor you will get in this one. Lex embodies the successful, bigoted, arrogant, millennial. He sees power and beings more powerful than him and he wants to destroy it. He believes that man and man's comprehension and control are all that deserve to roam and rule the earth. He resents and craves power at the same time. He is a sick and twisted individual. He disgusted me, but was also the reason I laughed so much throughout the movie. Beautifully executed, beautifully acted. 10/10 for you too, Mr. Eisenberg.

Lastly, we have Supes himself, Henry Cavil. This movie revolves around one main narrative really, and that's Superman's Christ narrative. He is a god-like man in a man's world trying to be as human as possible and is faulted when he can't quite see every little thing coming because of his efforts to be human and when he does use his power, people question his intentions and instantly assume that he's out to abuse what power he has. I cannot speak further, but this movie teaches us the value of the Superman. The value of the powerful who have no corrupt intentions for man. He is hope and for hope to prevail, we must have faith. Once again, 10/10.

All of the acting performances in this movie were amazing and I now believe in every choice the DCEU has made so far. I guess the common populace isn't ready for this strategy of storytelling and doesn't really know how to deal with a movie like this. I understand their opinions and it's okay for them to think what they do, but obviously, I do not agree with them. This movie was an amazingly well-put-together story that I think everyone should watch and if they love it, should see it multiple times in order to make sure that this movie makes as much money and gain as much success as I believe it deserves. I will personally be watching this movie at least 5 times whether with friends, family, or myself. Hahaha. I haven't felt so satisfied by a movie in my entire life. This beautiful work of art gets a 10 out of 10 from me. Thank you, Warner Brothers and thank you DC.

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.

Countdown to BvS: 4. Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship

Batman v. Superman is fast approaching! Are you ready for the greatest gladiator match in the history of the world? We'll definitely see a no holds barred match between the two pillars of the DC universe. Despite their differences, we're also expecting a team up between the two (or three, or seven) at the latter part of the movie.

The great thing about Batman and Superman is that despite their differences, they can set it aside and work together to bring down a bigger threat. They have different methods but both has the same mission--and that is to defeat the bad guys.

Their fights are always considered to be great. But focusing on the greatest gladiator match in the history of the world might blindside us from the better stories--Dark Knight and Big Blue's team-ups.  Here's a list which we think are the best team ups they had in comics.

4. Superman #76: The Mightiest Team in the World

The list wouldn't make sense if we didn't include Superman and Batman's very first team up. There was a time where Batman was able to rid the streets of Gotham from crime. As such, Bruce Wayne decided to take a cruise for vacation. Clark, on the other hand, was "forced" by Lois Lane to go on a cruise with her.

Boarding the same ship, Bruce was forced to share a room with Clark because the ship was overcrowded. When a crime broke out, Clark and Bruce accidently reveals their secret identities to each other. Formed by a common goal of catching the bad guy, they decided to work together. And in doing so, they were able to convince Lois, who was close to revealing their secret identities, that they are not Batman and Superman.

The story ended with the World's Finest catching the criminal and Robin landing a date with Lois Lane. Yup, that's not a typo. Robin and Lois went on a date.

3. Superman/Batman: Public Enemies

A meteor filled with kryptonite was headed towards Earth when President Luthor tried to manipulate everything. Making it to appear that Superman, with the help of Batman, killed Metallo, President Luthor declared the two as enemies of the State. With no where to hide, the two finds themselves pitted against both heroes and villains because of the bounty placed on their heads.

Later on, it is found out that Luthor had every intention of letting the kryptonite meteor to hit Earth. His purpose is to change the world and he thinks that this is his opportunity to reach that goal.

The ending will make some people shed a tear. But the highlight of this story is Batman and Superman against the WHOLE WORLD. Seeing these two characters battle with the entire DC roster will make every DC fanboy faint.

The origin of Bruce and Clark's first meeting was also tackled in this novel. It tells a story where these two characters met during their childhood years. It has a feel good vibe to it which will make everyone think that both were destined to be BFFs.

2. Batman/Superman: Cross World (New 52)

This story has a weird feeling to it. Cross World will exercise those brain muscles of yours because its the first meeting between Batman & Superman of Earth 0 and Batman & Superman from Earth 2. Yes, its quite taxing to read, but this story will stand the test of time.

The premise of the story is that Batman & Superman of Earth 0 are just starting to understand their powers and abilities. On the other side, you've got an experienced Batman & Superman from Earth 2. The spirit sent by Darkseid tried to manipulate the four in order to see which among the two Earths has the gull to stop the god of Apokolips.

The events in this book was used later on as premises for World's End and Justice League: Origins. This book also features the great work of artist Jae Lee!

1. World's Finest #142

The very first appearance of Composite Superman! This comicbook is a classic! Batman, Robin, and Superman received a message stating that someone knows their secret identities and that they have to go the Black Mountain if they want their secrets kept.

The three were surprised to see a person who's half green Superman and half Batman. This "superhero" calls himself as Composite Superman. Claiming to have the powers of The Legion of Super-Heroes, he was able to learn the secret identities of the World's Finest. He promises to keep this secret under the condition that the two will allow him to be the third partner.

In their "team up" it appears that Composite Superman is trying to out do Superman and Batman. He also avers that he is superior to the two. Later on, Composite Superman's real intention becomes evident. His true intention is to feel relevant by seeking to upstage Batman and Superman. 

When the greatest detective realized this intention, they tried to confront Composite. But Composite's powers are overwhelming for the World's Finest. Realizing that Composite's powers grow weaker every time he uses it, the two tried to persevere the pain and allowed his powers to drain. With the resilience of the two, they were able to make Composite disappear.

Countdown to BvS: 5 Statues before Batman v. Superman

We're 5 days away from the most awaited comicbook movie in the history of the world! As we prepare for the movie premiere of Batman v. Superman, lets look back at some statues that will prepare us for the movie.

5. Superman vs Batman Diorama by Halimaw Sculptures!

This statue is a direct manifestation of Jim Lee's iconic Batman 612. Halimaw Sculptures is an independent kit maker who consistently comes up with top-notch, high quality renditions of our favorite comicbook characters.

Whats cool about this statue is that both Superman's eyes and Batman's kryptonite ring lights up when turned on. As most Batman fans will turn this down, we can never deny the fact that this statue is well-sculpt. The details on this thing is amazing! Halimaw Sculptures is indeed one of the bests at what they do.

4. DC Collectibles Jim Lee Batman and Superman statues

Based from one of the most iconic Jim Lee covers, these statues is a rare find! Its a bit off scale (1/7) which means that its hard to pair with any of the standard statues, but this two will make a great table top.

This statue is designed by Jim Lee and sculpted by Tim Bruckner. Just a fun fact: This is Jim Lee's first statue design. Its original SRP was $195 back in 2003. A few years later DC Collectibles released a much smaller version of these bad boys. They also used different materials for he mini version--porcelain with metalic paints.

3. Kotobukiya: DC Comics

Kotobukiya has manufactured statues that are somewhat affordable to the public. Although their prices are considerably cheaper, the quality of these statues are better than some DC Collectibles. These statues stand nearly 30 inches.

These statues come with their respective logo bases. These statues are fun to display. They're not that big but the details on these statues are amazing. Plus, the advantage of these statues is that you can easily put them anywhere.

2. DC Collectibles: The Dark Knight Returns Superman vs Batman

This statue is based on the epic clash between Batman and Superman. Many consider this as the greatest showdown in the history of comicbooks. Considering that its written by Frank Miller, are we suppose to doubt the significance of this battle?

This statue is sculpted by Derek Miller. It stands 11" in height and weighs at about 12 pounds. This glorious 1/6 scale statue is a must for the fans of The Dark Knight Returns. Ow and if that not enough for you to buy it, look at this special appearance by...

Yup! Thats Carrie Kelley alright! Hiding under Superman and the Big Blue doesn't even know it!

1. Sideshow Collectibles: Batman Premium Format, Superman Premium Format, and Wonder Woman Premium Format

Well, to no surprise, SSC is still at the top of the food chain (wait until Prime 1 releases their BvS line). These supreme statues are still one of the statues that most collectors go for. The anatomy together with its dynamic poses makes SSC something worth collecting. The details on these statues are good (not great because we've seen what Prime 1 can do) as well.

These 1/4 scale statues are best displayed together. Either piece on its own is already amazing, however, nothing will ever beat an exhibit with these three together.

HONORABLE MENTION:

DC Collectibles Batman/Superman Bookends

World's Finest bookends! These statues are great in complimenting your comicbook collection! Besides, Batman and Superman here can change positions. You can take them off and use the walls as bookends while you can use Batman and Superman as a great table top.

 

Prime 1 BvS line

These 1/2 scale statues are still in production.  They have already released some previews for these statues and my God! They're amazing as F! Every detail on the actors' faces are on point! With a limited run of 1000 pieces per statue, this is the grail that every collector will go for. Run to your nearest Maxi Collector stores or at DK Collectibles to Pre-order this beauty! Ow wait, before you do, make sure that your bank account has at least P110,000 in it.

PLDT Home DSL Batman v. Superman at Rockwell Powerplant

Comicbook fans, as well as toy collectors and avid movie goers, are excited for the premiere of Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. The local industry is of no exception. With a lot of companies, local and foreign, jumping into the BvS hype train, the fans and collectors benefits the most.

Today at the Rockwell Powerplant Mall, PLDT Home DSL hooked us up with an interactive BvS photobooth! No one actually knew about it. I don't remember it being advertised in the local geek community. But, regardless of the noise it made, their booth is pretty cool.

They have a make-shift open space photobooth where people can stand beside a cardboard cut out of Batman and Superman. What made it more interesting was the bust cut out which you can raise like a placard. After letting the professional photographers take your photo, the PLDT girls will give you the picture inserted on a BvS themed card.

They will also ask you if you want to win an 8GB USB. All you have to do is to post the same photo on your instagram account and hashtag #pldthomedsl and #batmanvsuperman.

The fun doesnt end there! They have an amazing exhibit composed of comics, toys, and statues. Here are some of the photos i took.

Try to catch them. Their photobooth will be there until this Tuesday. In anticipation of Batman v. Superman, this is one thing you shouldn't miss out on! Thank you PLDT Home DSL for this great advertising.