The Keating Files: Clark Kent

Friday, March 25, 2016

Big Thumbs Up for “Batman v. Superman”

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…

Murderer’s Row: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel

The River: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel

An Advent for Religious Liberty: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel

Root of All Evil? A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel

Warrior Monk: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel

Review, or Reminder, on “Man of Steel”

by Ray Keating

(Warning: Includes what some might consider “spoilers.”)

Man of Steel: 5 stars out of 5

If you’re going to the new “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice” movie, you should have seen “Man of Steel” (2013). If not, grab the Blue-Ray, DVD or digital version, and give it a whirl. You won’t be sorry. In fact, even if you saw “Man of Steel,” another viewing is in order.

While “Man of Steel” has received some real flak on the Internet (I know, go figure, cranky people complaining on the Internet), it quite simply ranks among the top superhero movies of all time. And director Zack Snyder and Henry Cavill in the lead role created the best Superman on film. It’s not even close.

From the opening on the dying planet of Krypton to the concluding brawl between Superman and General Zod (Michael Shannon) in, above and around Metropolis, “Man of Steel” is visually fascinating and stunning.

But thankfully, there’s much more to the film than off-the-charts special effects. In nearly two-and-a-half hours, the moviegoer gets to know key points about who the characters are, in particular, Clark Kent/Superman/Kal-El, his Earth parents Jonathan (Kevin Costner) and Martha (Diane Lane) Kent, and his Kryptonian father, Jor-El (Russell Crowe).

Jor-El sends Kal-El to Earth to both save his son from the dying Krypton, but also as a way to save both humans and Kryptonians.

Meanwhile, Jonathan understands that Clark is bound to change the world with his incredible powers, but also knows that he will face opposition. Jonathan is concerned about properly forming his son’s character, so that he is prepared for the inevitable, formidable challenges, and ready to do the right thing. In doing so, Jonathan makes some questionable decisions himself, but we see that it’s all done for his son.

It turns out that as Superman, Clark does work to help others in truly selfless ways. The parallels to Jesus are present, and sometimes less than subtle.

In one powerful moment, after Zod arrives seeking Kal-El and taking on Earth, Clark still has not been revealed to the world. He stops in at a church, looking for insight and guidance. As Clark wrestles with his decision, in the background is a stained glass portrait of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Clark tells the priest or pastor that Zod cannot be trusted, but he is not sure about the people of Earth either. As Clark goes to leave, the priest/pastor advises: “Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith first. The trust part comes later.”

Clark takes that leap of faith, surrenders to mankind, and then, on behalf of humanity, he must go to war with General Zod and his soldiers.

By the way, in the midst of the subsequent super-powered conflict, Snyder presents a rather stirring portrait of those serving in the U.S. military, who despite being obviously outgunned, if you will, they stand firm, and bravely fight.

Like any war, the fight is brutal, with damage unfortunately falling even on to noncombatants. And in the end, yes, Superman is forced to take a life. This act has led to much of the criticism of “Man of Steel.” But the compelling, powerful point is that Superman had no choice. He does not want to kill, but given that innocent lives are at stake, he makes the only choice possible with great reluctance. And after doing so, he weeps.

Yes, “Man of Steel” serves up great special effects and plenty of excitement, but in the end, its power lies in exploring the character of the person who is Kal-El, Clark Kent and Superman.