One Of The Best Comic Book Films

Rating: 10/10 (14 April 2016)

Okay, to begin with, I don't understand why everyone is hating on this film. Most of the critics have pounded it. A couple have gone back to watch it a second time and come away with a more favourable opinion. I have to confess that I am a major geek and I was so looking forward to this film. Finally, Superman and Batman together. YAY. What more could a geeky fan girl want. The movie is dark, but that seems to be the DC universe right now and that's fine with me. Gritty and dark works, especially for Batman. Remember the Nolan trilogy? But now a lot of people are complaining that it's too dark. But that is the way that the Batman universe always was. I am not counting the campy 60's TV series or the downright foolish comics during the height of the comic book code that neutered the stories down to ridiculous levels. The Nolan trilogy worked for me because that was the world that Batman was living in. Now what people have to understand that is DC and Marvel are different. That does not mean that one is better than the other, both are great along with their siblings Dark Horse IWD Boom etc. But they are different. So I am not going to compare DC with Marvel, I love them both but spending the better part of fifty years reading and collecting comics I know enough not to make that mistake. Now after getting all that out of the way, why the movie works.
First of all, the grimness which is what seems to be a major thing and why Kevin Smith said it had no heart. Now I love Kevin Smith and I know that he knows comics but like many people, he is falling into the 'if Marvel characters can crack jokes and be tongue in cheek, then why can't Batman and Superman?'
Because Batman and Superman aren't Deadpool, (which who the way a freaking loved, and a review will follow shortly)and they are not Ironman or any Marvel character. Batman is deeply flawed, he was traumatized as a child by the death of his parents. This was something that has haunted his all his life. This is not the guy that's going to be cracking one-liners.
Superman is different to Batman as day is to night. Superman in this interpretation is just setting out on the whole hero thing. He is still finding his legs and living on a farm in Kansas didn't really prepare him all that well. This is not helped by his father who wants him to keep has head down and draw attention to himself. But Superman is doing the best he can. He wants to help people, he just hasn't got it quite right yet.
Batman is driven by his inner demons and this particular take on his character is a rather frightening. This is a Batman that really doesn't mind bloodshed. Hell, he even brands the bad guys, YEESH. (Sorry but it is kinda Sin Cityish isn't it.)
Both Cavill and Affleck are excellent in their roles, Affleck surprisingly so. I think that is one thing the Critics can agree on if nothing else. By the way, kudos to Jeremy Irons, best Alfred ever. Jesse Eisenberg was good as Lex Luthor but personally he would not have been my first choice. Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman was perfect
Now to the movie itself. I loved it, but then I went in wanting to love it and I did. I know I am swimming upstream from so many people that hated it but the movie worked for me.
Now that's not to say it was a perfect movie, it wasn't. The Doomsday arc in the storyline felt rushed and I think, took away from the conflict between Superman and Batman which I think could have been explored a bit more.
The action was great and it didn't let up. The chemistry between Superman and Batman was great, from the time of their first introduction right to Superman taking the roof of the Batmobile off and God, wasn't that awesome. But I think Zack Snyder made a mistake by resolving the conflict to quickly. Once again it felt a little rushed.
The fight against Doomsday was great though and Wonder Woman was in her element. That little smile as she picked herself up from the rubble and rushed into the fray again was terrific. You could see she was having a ball.
It was also a joy to see a more hands on and somewhat snarky Alfred doing his thing. The hints about the Joker and Robin's fate were well done and I am hoping that future movies will expand on this. Especially wit Suicide Squad on it's way. (Looking forward to seeing Jared Leto's Joker)
All up, I think that critics have been too harsh and I hope that people keep going and seeing Dawn Of Justice, it's not perfect but it's fun and leading towards bigger things. After all, catching a glimpse of Aquaman and the Flash was cool. Hmmm, wonder how they are going to put Green Lantern in there.