by Ray Keating
Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice: 4.5 stars out of 5
Marvel Studios and Warner Brothers produce very different
superhero movies, and fans of the genre should appreciate this fact. Quite
frankly, there’s more to enjoy.
If you’re looking for another “Avengers” movie (and I love
those films) when heading in to see “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice,” then
you will be disappointed. But if one is open to an arguably more serious
superhero film, then “Batman v. Superman” ranks as a gem.
Director Zack Snyder serves up a rich mix of human strengths
and weaknesses, mystery, detective work, action, faith, love, family, sin,
redemption, sacrifice, along with a bit of humor. That’s quite an
accomplishment for a superhero flick. “Batman v. Superman” certainly offers the
wondrous special effects, for example, one expects from superhero films, but
they are coupled with a certain emotional and moral gravity.
“Batman v. Superman” also is a film that requires an
attention span and some thought on the part of the moviegoer, which were
clearly lacking among some in the theater I attended.
As for Ben Affleck as Batman/Bruce Wayne, the choice
arguably was the biggest question mark heading into this movie. But Affleck’s
performance ranks as the best on-screen Dark Knight yet. Forget Christian Bale,
Ben Affleck is now Batman. And to say that he is a no-nonsense Batman grossly
understates the matter. This Batman has fought crime for many years, wonders
what has been accomplished, and now sees an even more daunting threat. It is
Jeremy Irons as Alfred who does a wonderful job acting as Bruce Wayne’s
conscience, while mixing in some irony and wit.
Batman’s questions and doubts about Superman (Henry Cavill) center
the film. Bruce Wayne and others lost friends, family and colleagues when
Superman fought General Zod in “Man of Steel” in the Battle of Metropolis. As a
result, Batman sees Superman as a threat, not a hero, and certainly not as a
god, as some do. But others start asking the same questions as Batman,
including a U.S. senator.
While questions and the debate rage over his actions, Superman
goes on saving people.
And it naturally is Lex Luthor, played in over-the-top
fashion by Jesse Eisenberg, who relishes manipulating heroes and events.
The resulting conflict between Batman and Superman, along
with its resolution, packs a real emotional wallop. The two heroes come to
understand that they have a kind of brotherhood, and that they share a common
humanity and a duty to protect their world.
For good measure, the appearance of Wonder Woman and other
hints of what’s to come in future Justice League movies merely whet the moviegoer’s
appetite.
“Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice” stands out as a
noteworthy, powerful addition to the superhero movie catalogue, and serves as a
firm foundation upon which to further build the DC Cinematic Universe.
______________
Mr. Keating is an
economist and novelist who writes on a wide range of topics. His Pastor Stephen
Grant novels have received considerable acclaim, including The River: A Pastor
Stephen Grant Novel being a finalist for KFUO radio’s Book of the Year 2014,
and Murderer’s Row: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel winning Book of the Year 2015.
The Pastor Stephen
Grant Novels are available at Amazon…
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