What a Mess

Rating: 5/10 (15 August 2016)

I will admit- I went into this movie with medium expectations. I liked Man of Steel well enough, but was curious about most people's complaint- that Superman was turning into a mass murderer or something along those lines. He certainly caused more destruction than necessary and *spoiler*, in killing Zod, broke one of his basic rules. But it was a pretty good superhero movie, not necessarily falling into DC's pit of unfortunate flops (i.e., Green Lantern, Jonah Hex, etc.). But something began to creep into the back of my mind from the internet, and, perhaps being swayed by clever editorials and reviews, I began to grow cautious of Zach Snyder and his work, which has a habit of being both unique, and confused in itself, like Sucker Punch. Looking back, this caution was a bit unfounded and probably biased, so I tried to put it out of my mind as I watched Batman v Superman. Let's just say that by the end of my viewing, I considered my caution to be perfectly legitimate. Let's start with my biggest problem: the editing. This movie got so jumbled up in its own design that maybe was trying to be unique but came across as confusing and messy. The cinematography was decent but could have been better. My second biggest problem: Lois. She was much better in Man of Steel. In BvS, she makes some of the dumbest decisions and becomes a damsel in distress too often. My third biggest problem: "Martha!" Yes. The reason Batman and Superman decide to be friends mid-fight is because their mothers have the same name. My fourth biggest problem: Lex. I like Jesse Eisenberg, I do. And his performance was good, if he were, perhaps, playing the Joker. I know, I know "But he's Alexander Luthor!". Yes, I know. But it just feels so strange. It's almost like the movie wants you to think it's Lex, and then when you find him out-of-character, the movie comes back with "No no no! It's his son!" And maybe this is a legitimate excuse. I don't know. I could go on for days about what feels so wrong with this movie. The Flash cameo is so random and forced just so you can go "Look! It's the Flash!" Wonder Woman had no character, perhaps setting up for her own movie, but having such a bland character who hardly shows up in the movie makes her feel like another pointless cameo, which is a shame, considering she's such an iconic character. However, BvS had its high points. Ben Affleck, who was my biggest reservation towards this movie, proved to be its savior in my eyes. He, for me, captured the Batman persona we see in more of the comics. Not that his character was greatly explored, but from what you see, you almost want to know more about him. I know I'm being nitpicky but this movie just did not feel right. The editing was confusing and the plot was contrived and it was not the movie fans were promised. But it's a good action flick if that's what you're up for.