One Helluva Ride

Rating: 10/10 (24 March 2016)

Since watching Guardians of the Galaxy, I have not viewed a single superhero movie that made me feel one hundred percent great. Today, that has just changed. Sure in the months leading up to Batman v Superman's release, I had my doubts. Who didn't? Ben Affleck as Batman/Bruce Wayne; like who would forget his atrocious performance as Daredevil over a decade ago? Jessie Eisenberg as Lex Luthor; what are you thinking, casting agency? This is just WB and DC trying to copy and compete with Disney and Marvel. They're stuffing too many heroes' introductions into the one film.
But when the trailers and TV spots started coming out, with each one, those doubts were being chiseled away. And so in recent weeks, I made the decision to take the plunge. I am so glad I did. I won't spoil anything for those who haven't seen it as it is obviously far too early in its release to do so, but I will say this.
Ben Affleck as Batman? Move over, Michael. Move over, Christian. Sorry again, Val. For the last time, get away from me, George! Ben Affleck was born to play this role. He brings such a raw power and intensity to the character of Bruce Wayne like no one, except for Kevin Conroy, has before. Throughout the entire film, I was constantly asking myself, "Is this really the same actor?". And I was given the unbelievable answer. Yes it is. Affleck carries the torture, the pain, and that deep and driven sense of loss so well that it is now difficult for me to see anybody else playing Batman in the future.
Jesse Eisenberg? I remember all the complaints. 'He looks nothing like Lex', 'He sounds nothing like Lex', 'He acts nothing like Lex'. But that is the entire point of Jesse' performance. If he is similar to all the other incarnations of Lex, then he would become predictable and easy to read. All those differences have allowed Eisenberg to create a version of the legendary arch-nemesis of the Man of Steel that is over-the-top, absolutely terrifying, and as creepy as hell.
On the other aspects, Warner and DC are not at all copying the Disney/Marvel formulae nor are they trying to stuff a great number of heroes into the main story. The studio has infused a much different flavour into their superhero multi-film franchise that it is definitely going to have their rivals so very on edge. As for the number of heroes, besides the two title characters and Wonder Woman, the rest only get short but magnificent and memorable cameos, so for those who are still concerned about the amount: don't be.
Lastly. anyone who is expecting this movie to be as mediocre as Man of Steel, don't. Zack Snyder is once more a triumph in the director's chair. David S. Goyer and Chris Terrio have cobbled up a wonderful script between the two of them. The other actors and actresses that I have not mentioned s far have done such incredible work in their roles that this film will be a new career highpoint for all of them. And then there is the amazing and impressive instant classic masterpiece that is the score the great Hans Zimmer and Junkie XL have teamed up to create; there is not a single musical bar in any of the scenes that you are likely to leave the cinema forgetting. In fact, because I am in such awe of it, I'd go as far to say that this outstanding film score may very well be Zimmer's best one yet.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice will most assuredly stand alongside The Dark Knight as the greatest DC comic book movie ever made.