BvS Batman v Superman - Reviews Thread [TAG SPOILERS]

[Wise]

Can't help but so many comic book movies dissapointed me in last 3-4 years... 2x Amazing Spider-Man, Man of Steel, now probably BvS, Age of Ultron, Fantastic Four, Thor 2, Wolverine in Japan and honestly I don't even like Days of Future Past much. Mainyl compared to my expectaions and SInger's first two X movies.

With TV as good as the Flash and Daredevil who even needs superhero movies anymore?

 

[bapi]

C- from The Playlist

 

[Baggie_Saiyan]

Cutting 30 mins off definitely hurt no doubt. This is WATCHMEN all over again.

 

[TX85]

With TV as good as the Flash and Daredevil who even needs superhero movies anymore?

I do, want both

 

[Jekecy]

Collider Movie Review - none of them loved it just thought it was okay or they kinda liked it all of them say the editing is pretty terrible

I'm really starting to think the atmosphere is clouding the hell out of everyone's experiences. If these guys can't even look excited after coming out the film, I'm scratching my head where they saw it and with who.

I'm actually a little nervous going into my second viewing. My first screening was damn near perfect it would be a shame for it to be spoiled with an encore. Maybe I should just stick to fan-only screenings.

 

[bapi]

Collider review - D. Ouch.

 

[Tim_Riggins]

OKAY GUYS,

I just saw it. To be honest, I'm baffled, baffled by the critical reaction. Now, I'm not gonna lie, I love Man Of Steel because it just clicks with me on every level, the way it makes me feel, no other superhero film has made me feel that way, I really work on an emotional level with movies.

NOW, the tone, I don't understand the problem, I really don't and I'm not being this way because I didn't agree with the reviews before seeing it and don't even more now. Is it dark? yes, is it brooding? no, not really, is it comically dark as in: is it trying too hard? f no, it's not.

The tone is fine, it's a DC film, it's not being dramatic for the sake of being dramatic, it's not Snyder trying to be a big boy, I never felt that for one second.

It's not totally gloomy and dull, and drab, and whatever, and I love Marvel films as well, the DC tone is just more to my liking. I feel like I haven't seen the same movie here.

Is this Batman dark? Oh yeah, hell yeah, is he going to be controversial? I guess, but I don't think saying that Snyder doesn't get Batman and missed the core of the character is right, Batman has killed before, there's not one version of Batman out there, there's multiple interpretations of the character. Just because yours favorite interpretation isn't this one, that doesn't make it wrong and a misunderstanding of Batman/Bruce Wayne.

I honestly didn't even think about it,

Spoiler

in that great car chase scene, he just wrecks fools, and you know there's no way the guys are alive

It didn't bother me for one second, this Batman is ruthless, he is NOT sadistic though, I do not feel that at all, the context here, with the numerous losses he's suffered, it makes sense, he just does what he has to do, that's how I see it.

Ben Affleck is really really great, best Bruce Wayne/Batman, best part of the film, I think at least on this point, most of the fans will agree, he's a more complicated guy here imo, the relationship with Alfred is on point as well. I can't wait for them to explore the character further.

The editing? That's where the extended version will WITHOUT A DOUBT even better. I love the opening, it's a sort of montage, really well done, typical Zack, I however had issues with the following 30 to 40 minutes I'd say.

The film is incredibly dense, there are multiple plots and subplots introduced, a lot of information, it moves very fast (just in the first act mind you), there's a lot of information being given, and I have no doubt that the extra 30 minutes we'll get will make it a lot smoother because you can tell that's where most of the material seems to come from.

It took me a bit to get into it, and I know exactly the scene when it all clicked for me and the film literally took on another dimension imo: without spoiling: the courtroom scene, those who saw the movie know what I'm talking about.

After that, I was just completely in, weirdly, the movie itself to me seemed to become its true self, and that's where it all came together, what I loved was how emotional it all was, in the same vein as MOS was.

The character motivations all make sense to me, the script is a fine piece of work, Lex, oh god, I love Jesse in the role (I'm a big fan of his), some say he's over the top, yeah sure, but he fits for me, his plan and his motivations were to me one of the big pluses.

Henry is excellent once again, Lois was much more present than I expected and I love that. The third act is GREAT imo, the Bats vs Supes fight delivers, and I just loved its resolution. The final fight is excellent too, I thought the CG on youknowwho was actually damn good, so i don't know why Poni_Boy thought it was bad, it surprised me in a good way.

Wonder Woman is seriously badass, can't wait to see more of her, Gal did an excellent job. The ending is so beautiful, but I won't spoil it.


All in all, a solid 8, to 8.5/10 for now, but I got to think about it, I have no doubt the extended version will take it to a 9 and possibly higher. Oh and the easter eggs? AWESOME, the Justice League stuff I felt was really organically woven in.

P.S: the Knightmare sequence

Spoiler

really really cool, the Flash showing up was great, but no doubt this sequence will confuse people other than the fans

 

[Jumpman]

OKAY GUYS,

I just saw it. To be honest, I'm baffled, baffled by the critical reaction. Now, I'm not gonna lie, I love Man Of Steel because it just clicks with me on every level, the way it makes me feel, no other superhero film has made me feel that way, I really work on an emotional level with movies.

NOW, the tone, I don't understand the problem, I really don't and I'm not being this way because I didn't agree with the reviews before seeing it and don't even more now. Is it dark? yes, is it brooding? no, not really, is it comically dark as in: is it trying too hard? f no, it's not.

The tone is fine, it's a DC film, it's not being dramatic for the sake of being dramatic, it's not Snyder trying to be a big boy, I never felt that for one second.

It's not totally gloomy and dull, and drab, and whatever, and I love Marvel films as well, the DC tone is just more to my liking. I feel like I haven't seen the same movie here.

Is this Batman dark? Oh yeah, hell yeah, is he going to be controversial? I guess, but I don't think saying that Snyder doesn't get Batman and missed the core of the character is right, Batman has killed before, there's not one version of Batman out there, there's multiple interpretations of the character. Just because yours favorite interpretation isn't this one, that doesn't make it wrong and a misunderstanding of Batman/Bruce Wayne.

I honestly didn't even think about it,

Spoiler

in that great car chase scene, he just wrecks fools, and you know there's no way the guys are alive

It didn't bother me for one second, this Batman is ruthless, he is NOT sadistic though, I do not feel that at all, the context here, with the numerous losses he's suffered, it makes sense, he just does what he has to do, that's how I see it.

Ben Affleck is really really great, best Bruce Wayne/Batman, best part of the film, I think at least on this point, most of the fans will agree, he's a more complicated guy here imo, the relationship with Alfred is on point as well. I can't wait for them to explore the character further.

The editing? That's where the extended version will WITHOUT A DOUBT even better. I love the opening, it's a sort of montage, really well done, typical Zack, I however had issues with the following 30 to 40 minutes I'd say.

The film is incredibly dense, there are multiple plots and subplots introduced, a lot of information, it moves very fast (just in the first act mind you), there's a lot of information being given, and I have no doubt that the extra 30 minutes we'll get will make it a lot smoother because you can tell that's where most of the material seems to come from.

It took me a bit to get into it, and I know exactly the scene when it all clicked for me and the film literally took on another dimension imo: without spoiling: the courtroom scene, those who saw the movie know what I'm talking about.

After that, I was just completely in, weirdly, the movie itself to me seemed to become its true self, and that's where it all came together, what I loved was how emotional it all was, in the same vein as MOS was.

The character motivations all make sense to me, the script is a fine piece of work, Lex, oh god, I love Jesse in the role (I'm a big fan of his), some say he's over the top, yeah sure, but he fits for me, his plan and his motivations were to me one of the big pluses.

Henry is excellent once again, Lois was much more present than I expected and I love that. The third act is GREAT imo, the Bats vs Supes fight delivers, and I just loved its resolution. The final fight is excellent too, I thought the CG on youknowwho was actually damn good, so i don't know why Poni_Boy thought it was bad, it surprised me in a good way.

Wonder Woman is seriously badass, can't wait to see more of her, Gal did an excellent job. The ending is so beautiful, but I won't spoil it.


All in all, a solid 8, to 8.5/10 for now, but I got to think about it, I have no doubt the extended version will take it to a 9 and possibly higher. Oh and the easter eggs? AWESOME, the Justice League stuff I felt was really organically woven in.

P.S: the Knightmare sequence

Spoiler

really really cool, the Flash showing up was great, but no doubt this sequence will confuse people other than the fans

Pretty much my exact same damn reaction to the movie.

 

[Limonade]

OKAY GUYS,

I just saw it. To be honest, I'm baffled, baffled by the critical reaction. Now, I'm not gonna lie, I love Man Of Steel because it just clicks with me on every level, the way it makes me feel, no other superhero film has made me feel that way, I really work on an emotional level with movies.

NOW, the tone, I don't understand the problem, I really don't and I'm not being this way because I didn't agree with the reviews before seeing it and don't even more now. Is it dark? yes, is it brooding? no, not really, is it comically dark as in: is it trying too hard? f no, it's not.

The tone is fine, it's a DC film, it's not being dramatic for the sake of being dramatic, it's not Snyder trying to be a big boy, I never felt that for one second.

It's not totally gloomy and dull, and drab, and whatever, and I love Marvel films as well, the DC tone is just more to my liking. I feel like I haven't seen the same movie here.

Is this Batman dark? Oh yeah, hell yeah, is he going to be controversial? I guess, but I don't think saying that Snyder doesn't get Batman and missed the core of the character is right, Batman has killed before, there's not one version of Batman out there, there's multiple interpretations of the character. Just because yours favorite interpretation isn't this one, that doesn't make it wrong and a misunderstanding of Batman/Bruce Wayne.

I honestly didn't even think about it,

Spoiler

in that great car chase scene, he just wrecks fools, and you know there's no way the guys are alive

It didn't bother me for one second, this Batman is ruthless, he is NOT sadistic though, I do not feel that at all, the context here, with the numerous losses he's suffered, it makes sense, he just does what he has to do, that's how I see it.

Ben Affleck is really really great, best Bruce Wayne/Batman, best part of the film, I think at least on this point, most of the fans will agree, he's a more complicated guy here imo, the relationship with Alfred is on point as well. I can't wait for them to explore the character further.

The editing? That's where the extended version will WITHOUT A DOUBT even better. I love the opening, it's a sort of montage, really well done, typical Zack, I however had issues with the following 30 to 40 minutes I'd say.

The film is incredibly dense, there are multiple plots and subplots introduced, a lot of information, it moves very fast (just in the first act mind you), there's a lot of information being given, and I have no doubt that the extra 30 minutes we'll get will make it a lot smoother because you can tell that's where most of the material seems to come from.

It took me a bit to get into it, and I know exactly the scene when it all clicked for me and the film literally took on another dimension imo: without spoiling: the courtroom scene, those who saw the movie know what I'm talking about.

After that, I was just completely in, weirdly, the movie itself to me seemed to become its true self, and that's where it all came together, what I loved was how emotional it all was, in the same vein as MOS was.

The character motivations all make sense to me, the script is a fine piece of work, Lex, oh god, I love Jesse in the role (I'm a big fan of his), some say he's over the top, yeah sure, but he fits for me, his plan and his motivations were to me one of the big pluses.

Henry is excellent once again, Lois was much more present than I expected and I love that. The third act is GREAT imo, the Bats vs Supes fight delivers, and I just loved its resolution. The final fight is excellent too, I thought the CG on youknowwho was actually damn good, so i don't know why Poni_Boy thought it was bad, it surprised me in a good way.

Wonder Woman is seriously badass, can't wait to see more of her, Gal did an excellent job. The ending is so beautiful, but I won't spoil it.


All in all, a solid 8, to 8.5/10 for now, but I got to think about it, I have no doubt the extended version will take it to a 9 and possibly higher. Oh and the easter eggs? AWESOME, the Justice League stuff I felt was really organically woven in.

P.S: the Knightmare sequence

Spoiler

really really cool, the Flash showing up was great, but no doubt this sequence will confuse people other than the fans

What would make this movie a 10/10 for you though?

 

[WarrENDeatH]

Finally. Here is my review for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. It took me quite a bit to think about...and I will be seeing it again this weekend.

http://geeklyng.net/exclusive-batman-v-superman-dawn-justice-review/

Before I get into the review process of the film, it is important to set ground for this film, or a base if you will. The base, of course, being Snyder’s recent film, Man of Steel. Man of Steel proved to be one of the most controversial films made in recent years. While it did have pretty glaring flaws, I found the film to be enjoyable, with sprinkled in moments of greatness. Looking at it now, I would probably rate the film at a 3/5 or a 3.5/5. Now, with that set aside, on to the review…

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice places the viewers almost immediately in the shoes of Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) as he witnesses the events of Man of Steel. The epic battle that caused so much controversy for viewers, is now the center stage of conflict for the film, as Wayne witnesses Superman(Henry Cavill) carelessly let thousands die. Fast forward almost two years later, Superman and Batman are placed at odds, with some help of Lex Luthor (Jessie Eisenberg) manipulating the situation in Luthor fashion. This is as much that can be said before breaking into ‘spoiler’ territory.

Right off the bat (ha) Batman v Superman is not what you’re expecting, nor lead to believe from marketing. This is not an action film, so don’t go in expecting to see balls to the walls action (although the third act is nothing but). No, Batman v Superman plays more like a character study behind the motivations of its lead characters. These motivations tip the line between ‘that makes sense’ to ‘razer thin’ and sometimes paves over those ideals with brief scenes. The moment we all wait for, the hailed action sequence(Batman v Superman) could, and should have been avoided in a mere minute long conversation. These two men, with their level of intelligence, simply avoiding a few sentence, manages to take some of the conflict away from this battle, even if it is glorious at times.


So, how do all the players work? Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne/Batman is the star of the film. Zack Snyder and Ben Affleck clearly adore this character, and put a lot of emphasis into him, and it shows. This Batman is not the one we’ve seen before, nor should be one you expect. His world weary attitude, and fear/paranoia make him do things Batman’s of previous films/tv/comics wouldn’t normally do. His paranoia is ultimately played with thanks in part to Luthor’s manipulation and a few off kilter dream sequences(one in particular in breathtaking). Affleck plays him with so much conviction that you soon forget that nobody wanted him for this role.

Henry Cavill returns as Superman, and gives an honest, solid performance that shows a man of conviction, truth and justice. Superman has given everything to the planet, and this has netted true believers, and those who absolutely oppose his power. The fear of the unknown hangs over him, when all he wants to do is help everyone. This is the first time in a film that you really see a vulnerable Superman, suffering not just from physical pain, but the emotional inability to make people believe he is simply a guy trying to do good. Batman v Superman, like Man of Steel, drums up a lot of religious symmetry that sometimes works, and then sometimes feels too heavy handed in certain moments.

The other two worth mentioning are Jesse Eisenberg and Gal Gadot. Eisenberg’s Luthor is ego maniacal, intelligent and crass. The man’s motivations are clear from the beginning, he simply wants Superman out of the way because he believes he isn’t an ‘honest’ good guy. Unfortunately, a few times Eisenberg’s performance tilts too far, echoing Carrey’s The Riddler performance. Eisenberg is clearly putting his all into this character. Gadot’s role in this film is minor, but she is clearly a great choice as Wonder Woman. She evokes power, confidence and beauty. The future is extremely bright for her character. Fans need not to worry about the character’s future, it is in good hands.

The supporting cast is still solid, although most don’t have character arcs that end properly. Jeremy Irons makes a solid Alfred, who is much different than Michael Caine’s version. Laurence Fishburne as Perry White has a more prominent role than Man of Steel, even cracking a few, well timed jokes. Amy Adam’s Lois Lane is again ferocious, but borders not having much to do.



So, Affleck is great. Cavill is pretty darn good. Gadot is awesome. The supporting cast is solid. This film is great, right? The honest answer is…no. As with films of this nature, it will be divisive, with people who love it, and absolutely hate it. Both sides could support an argument that a rational person could go either way. But, why isn’t it just end of story great?

For starters, people need to stop blaming Cavill, going after Goyer’s script or saying Christopher Nolan should’ve done this (or that). Cavill’s performance here works. Goyer’s script is now being anchored by Chris Terrio (an academy award winner) and Christopher Nolan can’t hold everyone’s hands. The problem really lies in the film’s director, Zack Snyder.

Snyder isn’t a bad Director. This much needs to be said, repeated and memorized. However, stating that he isn’t a bad director, isn’t saying he is a great one, either. A film of this magnitude, in both action scope, and character drama, needs an incredible Director to pull it off, and Snyder doesn’t have the chops for it. Snyder excels in portraying beautiful, powerful imagery and evoking emotions without dialogue. Scenes feel like they’re ripped from the comic book, and ooze symbolism. He clearly adores the source material, and one cannot punish a man who is clearly trying to make things work (even when they don’t).

Also, a moment of applause to Director of Photography, Larry Fong. Fong’s previous work includes 300 and Watchmen. He might be the real star of the show, as this film is absolutely breathtaking. If you have the option, net to see this film in IMAX. Each city vista feels like it was ripped from the pages of a comic book, and even dialogue driven sequences are framed so fascinating. His work here feels more confined, more mature in approach than that of 300, even oozing moments of Watchmen’s colorful palate.


That being said, so many creative decisions, whether they be character driven, edited, or otherwise, simply don’t work. The film’s length surprisingly isn’t a problem. At 150 minutes, the film’s pace works well, astonishing considering that it’s edited horrendously. The first hour fires off scenes that feel like trailer clips, rather than actual written sequences. Each are short, barely grasping the subject of the scene before swapping to another setting, and telling another brief point. It becomes jarring all too quickly, and feels like the story is constantly playing catch up to itself (and another franchise). This perhaps wouldn’t be so problematic if it wasn’t for the final act, which halts the brakes, and goes into an entirely different direction.

When you have so many pawns in your film work well, and they don’t, you have to blame the one directing the pawns. Snyder is at the forefront. Chris Terrio, famous from his Argo screenplay (directed by Ben Affleck) has a really interesting (and powerful) script. Some lines floored me in their meaning. However, anyone, even an Oscar winner, will suffer when cramming so many ideas into a film. Some well thought out, others incredibly half baked. Terrio is trying to tell a message with its characters, one that isn’t always clear, nor supported by their actions.

VERDICT

No film has ever left me feeling this way. The rush of seeing it has finally ended, and left me incredibly conflicted. So much in this movie works, whether it be the performance, cinematography or Hans Zimmer’s resounding score. But so much of it just doesn’t, like character motivations, character profiles and editing. A film like this shouldn’t be so divisive, even if its messages are powerful in meaning. Instead scenes flurry together, pounding out character ideals, before faltering and quickly turning into a world ending action epic. This film will certainly divide the masses, hell, it’s divided me. While it is recommended that you at least go and see it, expectations need to be refined. At the end of the day, one word resonates with me more so than any other in the English dictionary: Heartbroken.

Extra spaces were for removed pictures.

 

[Tim_Riggins]

10 is a perfect score, so I wouldn't give a film a 10. However:

-Clean up the first act, it felt a bit rushed, many subplots introduced, a bit clumsy in a way even though it's all working towards something.

Honestly, it's still fresh and I can"t really think about anything else right now. I don't understand the "it's a mess" comments, the first act IS a bit messy, but then it all comes into focus at the courtroom scene (without spoiling) and it's really focused after that.

The script being criticized? Imo, it's one of the big strengths of the film, it's a really fine script imo (and fine in the sense "that guy is a damn fine actor"), you can tell what Terrio brings to the table, a few lines (I insist on "few) are clunky because they seem overwritten like trying to be sound too smart, but the rest is excellent.

I'm a DC & Marvel fan, more DC though, I'm less versed on the DC comic book side though but I still know my classics I don't think hardcore DC fans will have big issues, maybe the Batman stuff but being shocked about that is really pushing it imo.

 

[TX85]

Great review, Tim

 

[Longshot777]

Great review Tim,

As for the first act, I bet when you see it again, it'll be much clearer.

Truthfully, when I first saw MOS, I was disappointed until my second viewing and then I finally got what Snyder was trying to do.

Now I rank MOS above all of Marvel movies except for both Avengers and Winter Soldier.

 

[JC00]

Give this one a 4/10.

What should have been an easy hit near the bullseye Snyder somehow managed to miss the target completely..

 

[Tim_Riggins]

Thanks, that's possible, you really have to pay attention, and I'm sure some will tell me "flimsy excuse", but it's not, El Mayimbe said it, and it's much denser than regular superhero films, it's more sophisticated too (and I'm not being snobbish).

I am sure though that the extended cut will be the definitive version just like Watchmen's was, it really does go a bit fast in the first act. The opening is great though. There are so many beautiful and emotional scenes in the second to third act, I was wowed, MOS really touched me that way.

For me, MOS is my favorite superhero film, followed by Spidey 2, TWS, Iron Man, etc. I don't know for BvS yet, I think it's either ahead of BvS or just behind, don"t know, need to see it again.

 

[Poni_Boy]

I'm really starting to think the atmosphere is clouding the hell out of everyone's experiences. If these guys can't even look excited after coming out the film, I'm scratching my head where they saw it and with who.

This is why I caution against listening to fan screening and premiere reactions. Atmosphere is infectious. You lose track of loving the experience instead of the movie. Which is the WHOLE reason studios do them. Marketing tool.

I'm actually a little nervous going into my second viewing. My first screening was damn near perfect it would be a shame for it to be spoiled with an encore. Maybe I should just stick to fan-only screenings.

I have some friends that do that. Only go to advance/fan screenings to keep that atmospheric high

 

[Loden Greatstorm]

Ok I have just seen the movie. I am speechless. Loved it. 10/10. Ben Affleck Stoke the movie. Bruce Wayne was perfect in my opinion. Bats is just brutal and it worked for me. Henry did a stellar job as Clark and Supes. The fight between Bats and Supes on the imax screen was MIND BLOWING!! It really was out if this world. I thought Gal was brilliant and looking forward to seeing more of her.

Those are my initial impressions.

 

[Tim_Riggins]

Awesome Visions! Some of those scenes in the second and third act were so emotional to me, that's why I think it's unfair to say that Snyder is basically an immature director only capable of superficial dreck. MOS was really soulful to me, so is this.

 

[Loden Greatstorm]

Awesome Visions! Some of those scenes in the second and third act were so emotional to me, that's why I think it's unfair to say that Snyder is basically an immature director only capable of superficial dreck. MOS was really soulful to me, so is this.

Yes, I nearly cried. when "beautiful lie" started playing I was so emotional.

 

[Zur-en-Arrh]

glad to hear it lived up to your expectations, vision. i'm sure a lot of fans will feel the same way. can't wait to check it out for myself tomorrow.

 

[Loden Greatstorm]

glad to hear it lived up to your expectations, vision. i'm sure a lot of fans will feel the same way. can't wait to check it out for myself tomorrow.

I hope you really enjoy it!

 

[Tim_Riggins]

So far, the fans seem to like it much more than the critics. The general audience will too.

@Visions:

Spoiler

how awesome was that Flash appearance warning Bruce in the Knightmare sequence?! and those Cyborg, Flash and Aquaman cameos too ! I'm sure that the whole Knightmare scene will probably go over most non fans' heads

 

[Loden Greatstorm]

So far, the fans seem to like it much more than the critics. The general audience will too.

@Visions:

Spoiler

how awesome was that Flash appearance warning Bruce in the Knightmare sequence?! and those Cyborg, Flash and Aquaman cameos too ! I'm sure that the whole Knightmare scene will probably go over most non fans' heads

Ok so...

Spoiler

future flash has a full face helmet and it opens up like iron man. Aquaman is behind badass. cyborg was by far the weakest.

 

[JTStarkiller]

Awesome Visions! Some of those scenes in the second and third act were so emotional to me, that's why I think it's unfair to say that Snyder is basically an immature director only capable of superficial dreck. MOS was really soulful to me, so is this.

Really nice reading your comments, Tim. I haven't seen BvS yet but with some of the negativity surrounding it, your posts are refreshing, especially since I too love MoS. Can't wait to see BvS on Saturday.

 

[Unbreakable Lex]

Ok I have just seen the movie. I am speechless. Loved it. 10/10. Ben Affleck Stoke the movie. Bruce Wayne was perfect in my opinion. Bats is just brutal and it worked for me. Henry did a stellar job as Clark and Supes. The fight between Bats and Supes on the imax screen was MIND BLOWING!! It really was out if this world. I thought Gal was brilliant and looking forward to seeing more of her.

Those are my initial impressions.

Awesome Vision! Glad you really loved it.

Again, the criticism the critics are giving this seem to be that it was made for us. So we are the lucky ones! Remember that.

WE ARE THE LUCKY ONES