BvS Have you seen the movie multiple times? If yes, has your opinion changed?

[JLU51306]

I saw it once, thoroughly enjoyed it. A second viewing allowed me to just kind of soak it all in, I caught many more nuances, underlying themes (other than those that some argue were heavy-handed). I even noticed a subplot I had previously overlooked with the whole "White Portugese" ship thing. It never clicked the first time what relevance that had until I saw it again, and noticed that's the ship that the Kryptonite shipment had come in on. It was a "D'oh!" moment on my part.
I was so overwhelmed with the surprising entrance of The Flash, that I didn't really catch what he said, and heard everything the second time. Also, I noticed that it wasn't a dream because the papers were still falling the from the wind of the Boom Tube after Bruce "wakes up".
The weakest part of the story-telling I found was Lois and the Kryptonite spear. At first I thought it was a plot-hole, but the second time around I noticed she particularly saw Doomsday use his heat vision, so I can't say Lois wouldn't infer that kryptonite would them be able to harm him, and go back for the spear. Now whether she should've did what she did with the spear in the first place, I find to be the weak link in the overall story, but it's nothing damning like others make out.

Perhaps I'm just more flexible with interpretations of DC Comics characters after so many reboots, retellings, retcons, etc. The characterizations of Batman and Superman didn't bother me either viewings, but I can see how it would a be a sour pill to swallow for some.

The Shape: I saw it a second time on Sunday and thought it held up better, and the emotional beats landed harder with me this time.

Also totally agree with this. The soundtrack, and emotional scenes packed more of a punch this last time.

 

[Slugster]

things slowed down could take more in loved it both times

 

[Demon Hunter]

Didn't take it personal at all. I think the question is an interesting case, because if you need to watch this sort of movie twice to understand it, it means at some level the filmmakers have likely failed. You are correct, some films, cult classics, get better with repeat viewings. But those are generally art house films, or low budget movies with a unique vision that the world wasn't ready for quite yet. I don't know if this film meets that, certainly not on a budget level, maybe on an artistic level.

But what I think is happening with multiple viewings of this films is this: there is a cohesive story underneath the surface of the film that many didn't see the first time out, but some people just have to watch it multiple times to understand it. I got the understanding of the film the first time out, one of my criticisms is there is a story there that isn't well told. I doubt multiple viewings would improve it for me. But if I didn't get the story the first time out, I could see a second viewing improving the film for me.

I'm quite the opposite actually. If a movie succeed in conveying all it's messages in a first viewing, then that movie failed in my opinion.
Like great literature, motifs and underlying themes are never easy to get. They need a keen mind, patience for scrutiny and the will to find them.
In a way this is what we, superhero fans, do in this forum.
We analyze and analyze movies until we're satisfied with what we have found.
I can analyze BvS all day long because I believe there is so much in this film worth investing in. I've only done the same with The Dark Knight Rises.

As for the Nightmare sequence that someone wanted removed, I would argue that this will be a bad decision. Not only did they reference Man-bat in Martha's coffin, but they served to show the ongoing trauma Bruce is experiencing.
This is why he cannot let go, this is why he's the Batman. This and his inability to stop the battle of Metropolis (Zero) has pushed him over the edge to the point where he brands and kills criminals as he feels this is the only way to get results.

In comic movies we often hear about trauma, but we never really get to see it. It is usually there for the first 5 minutes and then the character forget about it completely and end up happy and funny.
But this is not DC and this is not our Batman. He's so traumatized to the very end that he cannot see Superman is a good guy. It takes the mentioning of the source of his most painful moment to snap him out of his aggressive frenzy and allow him to see for the first time, with clarity.

Oh, this movie is so awesome. I absolutely love it. The more I think about it, the more I love it!

 

[Aejej]

Yes, my opinion changed. The warehouse scene was even better the second time!

 

[SuperAl]

As for the Nightmare sequence that someone wanted removed, I would argue that this will be a bad decision. Not only did they reference Man-bat in Martha's coffin, but they served to show the ongoing trauma Bruce is experiencing.

i dont think that had anything to do with Man-bat, pretty sure it was just a easter egg that happened in a comic panel that Snyder was paying tribute to.

 

[Manolito Mystiq]

I have only watched it once. I hoped Snyder would take note about the complaints of Man of Steel, which is not a bad film at all, but it's unbalanced. The action scenes are so long that they became boring to me.

Unfortunately, Batman v Superman was more of the same. Just like with Man of Steel, however, processing the film in my head after a few days makes clear how good the film actually is. I think I will appreciate my second viewing of the film far more.

The film was very brutal and serious as well. I'm thinking about the film Tombstone (1993) which I hated the first time I saw it, because of its violence and tragic matter. However, the second time I saw it, almost two decades later, I really liked the movie and considered it a masterpiece -- then again, I was like 10 the first time I saw it . . .

So I think I will really like the film the second time!!!

 

[Demon Hunter]

i dont think that had anything to do with Man-bat, pretty sure it was just a easter egg that happened in a comic panel that Snyder was paying tribute to.

I feel that Man-bat can be a better Easter egg than something that happened during a comic con panel, whatever that something is

 

[Reel-Man]

I finally saw it again last night. While it was as good as a fresh screening, I'm thinking going from and 9/10 to a 8/10. The movie is packed full of DC references that I still keep finding out about AFTER the viewing while reading the forum here. I also think I should maybe sit a bit further back for my next viewing haha. I LOVED the whole film but the part that dragged a bit and was a little exhausting to watch this time was the whole Doomsday fight that happens just right after the main confrontation. A lot to take in as we've said before.

 

[NeoRanger]

Saw it twice. It was a bit more tiring the second time, but it was midnight screening, so that played a part in it. I didn't like the experience of watching it more than the first viewing, but I did get a better handle on the story and the themes, picked up extra bits that I missed the first time, so that was a positive.

My overall opinion didn't really change. The flaws I caught the first time were still there the second time, the bits I liked the first time were still there the second time. The only bit that really stood out, in a negative way, the second time was the Knightmare. It went from "okay tease" to "I'd cut this out entirely or at least trim a lot of it".

 

[Reel-Man]

Saw it twice. It was a bit more tiring the second time, but it was midnight screening, so that played a part in it. I didn't like the experience of watching it more than the first viewing, but I did get a better handle on the story and the themes, picked up extra bits that I missed the first time, so that was a positive.

My overall opinion didn't really change. The flaws I caught the first time were still there the second time, the bits I liked the first time were still there the second time. The only bit that really stood out, in a negative way, the second time was the Knightmare. It went from "okay tease" to "I'd cut this out entirely or at least trim a lot of it".

If you get a chance, checkout the thread on the Knightmare scene, the first post has an extremely interesting point. That changed the importance of that scene entirely for me.

 

[JaD]

Saw it again yesterday and my rating on it went down just a tad, I still enjoyed it and it's not as bad as some critics/fans make it out to be but it's got some problems. I now have it at a 6.5/10, not too bad but not amazing either.

 

[BlueLanternKal]

No, it hasn't. But after watching it three times I think I have pinpointed it's weaknesses.

Four things stop Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice from being as good as Captain American: The Winter Soldier. Color palette, volume of the score, the lack of cohesion between scenes due to the "Dawn of the Justice League" segue ways and easter eggs, and mild characterization issues.

This film is too damn dark and grainy to look at. Not the content or characters. Not the tone. But the damn film itself. I know Snyder was going for "rich" as per his interviews, but someone please turn on the lights. I wasn't completely sold the first time I watched the Doomsday fight because I couldn't see wtf was going on. It was only on my third viewing in an ironically smaller cinema that I could actually follow it. I know that shooting at night is convenient for keeping the suspension of disbelief in tact. No director wants to deal with "uncanny valley", but if you can't see whats going on it defeats the purpose.

The score was beautiful. Props to Zimmer and Junkie. But it was too damn loud. This is a film where you absolutely CAN NOT miss one piece of dialogue. If you do motivations and characterizations become jarring. Next time turn the volume dial down from 11 to 8. It's telling that I had to watch this three times to catch the exceptional dialogue in this movie. Bruce Wayne being a murderous asscasm makes a lot more sense of you can hear what he and Alfred are saying to each other.

The lack of cohesion is probably the criticism I see repeated the most online. And to a certain extent it's a legit criticism. What happened here was a case of The Amazing Spider-Man 2: Something Something Electro syndrome. But instead of being relegated to shameless plugs in the background they're front and center. Bruce has a dream, Bruce has another dream, Bruce looks at some Microsoft thumbnails, Bruce fowards some Microsoft thumbnails to Diana. I think it's safe to say the audience has gotten the gist of your message. Meta Humans are out there. Now can we get back to the main event? Now where were we... oh **** I can't remember. See what I mean?

And last but not least is the characterizations and motivations. I don't want my hand held, but please do a better job of explaining to the audience that both Bruce and Clark are undergoing development. I understand what was going on. But I had to watch it three times due to the aforementioned problems. So don't you think it was better if Superman said "You know what? I'm pissed off. I'm doing my best here and it's still not enough." Cavill is doing the best with what he's given, the guy is ace but it's hard to sympathize with the greatest superhero of all time if he doesn't have a voice. Even Yeshua bin Yusef or whatever you want to call him got pissed off and flipped the tables in front of the synagogue.

All of this said Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is a gem of a film and it's creators do not deserve a fraction of the criticism and hate they're receiving. I staunchly believe that there is comicbook greatness buried beneath careless decision making and despite the piranha attack currently plaguing this film online Zack Snyder and all the crew behind the scenes and in front of the camera have made something they should be proud of. Like Man of Steel this film will prove to be divisive now, but when it's revisited in homes it will probably be redeemed. I stand by my original score of 75/100. Here's to a better Justice League.

 

[Uroboric Forms]

I've seen it three times. First time was good, second time I was worried about being out in time for work and the third time I started to pick up on a lot more of the plot holes. Now it seems to me that it's a good film slaughtered in the editing room, which is probably why they've been talking up the extended cut before it was even released in cinemas.

 

[HaplessHenchman]

Just got back from my second viewing and I loved it just as much as the first time. Gave it a 9/10 the first time and I'll keep it right there.

 

[thackbr]

Saw it opening night, walked out thinking it was a 5/10. Discussed it with my girlfriend afterwards for hours and my rating went down to a 2/10. She liked it a lot more than I did, which is weird considering my rating went down after our conversation. Inspired by positive postings here and elsewhere, I decided to watch it again. I'm sad (genuinely sad, to be honest. I really wanted to like this film) to say I'd give it a 1/10. I can't find anything to enjoy in this movie. I'm slightly envious of those who do like it.

 

[KRYPTON INC.]

1/10 is kind of exactly what I mean when I say that the reaction of some is over the top and melodramatic. Like the reports of kids being scared for life coming out of this I just smell the strong scent of over the top.

 

[StraightSix]

1st watch 7/10

2md watch 8/10

3rd watch 8.2/10

Editing seems less chaotic to me now and I plot moves along better. A lot of nitpicking about plot holes and story lines are a little over the top. The script does answer most of them, might take a 2nd watching to catch them though

 

[TheTarkKnight]

Watched it three times:

Thursday 3/24: 8.5
Friday 3/25: 9.0
Saturday 3/26: 9.0

Wifey joined me on two of my three screenings. She enjoyed them, but asked me a lot of questions because 1) she isn't into the superhero/CBM genre 2) The plot was a little confusing at times.

I wasn't able to -fully- understand what the Flash was saying until the third viewing. Some conversations were garbled with music or effects. Some transitions were very rough, especially the Knightmare sequence transition could've been easier.

I agree with character development issues. They needed to add more about why Batman and Superman are the way they are, and these scenes could've been replaced with [blackout]the Pa Kent scene. For instance, show Superman scanning the senate court room but that he cannot find the bomb because was hidden behind lead lining. When the bomb goes off, show him trying to save people, his emotion and effort there to save what/who he can.[/blackout]

Anyways, to answer the question, what was already good in the first viewing gets better in repeat reviews. I for one am thinking of seeing it again, and cannot wait for the extended Bray version!

 

[BlueLanternKal]

1/10 is kind of exactly what I mean when I say that the reaction of some is over the top and melodramatic. Like the reports of kids being scared for life coming out of this I just smell the strong scent of over the top.

So I'm not losing my mind? Good to know.

 

[Tra-El]

1/10 is kind of exactly what I mean when I say that the reaction of some is over the top and melodramatic. Like the reports of kids being scared for life coming out of this I just smell the strong scent of over the top.

I'm not going to call anybody a liar (like some low blow'ers would) but my second viewing on Monday was full of families and children. Not one kid left, let alone cried. They were fine and other than a few "whoooooooooa's" they were actually good. Some of my experiences with kids aren't good, so that was a nice surprise, especially after worrying that the experience wouldn't be a good one after seeing families stroll in one after another.

 

[JaD]

1/10 is kind of exactly what I mean when I say that the reaction of some is over the top and melodramatic. Like the reports of kids being scared for life coming out of this I just smell the strong scent of over the top.

Ha, yeah and the front page of SHH has the poll rating for BvS and I see it's been edited now, but a while ago there was something like 2,500+ votes for 0/10. It's like give me a break, 0/10 movies barely exist, even the worst movies I've seen can get a point or 2

 

[pr0xyt0xin]

Yeah, slightly worse.

Originally 8/10 (had the new/shiny going for it. And awesome sound in the theater i saw it at)

After my initial awe wore off, it leveled out at 7.5/10, this is the same score I gave Iron Man 3. The idea being, its a decent flick. It's enjoyable. But in no way was it groundbreaking or game changing. Marvel/Disney and Fox have both done more with less.

I'm open to enjoying Suicide Squad and Wonder Woman, but we'll see where that takes us.

 

[thackbr]

I'm not going to call anybody a liar (like some low blow'ers would) but my second viewing on Monday was full of families and children. Not one kid left, let alone cried. They were fine and other than a few "whoooooooooa's" they were actually good. Some of my experiences with kids aren't good, so that was a nice surprise, especially after worrying that the experience wouldn't be a good one after seeing families stroll in one after another.

I never said anything about kids crying or scaring them or whatever. For me, personally, it was the worst movie I've seen in the theater since Attack of the Clones. That's truly my opinion. I've been a Batman fan since my babysitter would let me skip naptime to watch Adam West in syndication in the mid 80s. That character has been there for me in really dark times in my life. I'm a huge fan. And that movie just didn't do it for me at all. The 1 out of 10 is for the casting. Everyone was good in their roles. But that wasn't Batman. It wasn't Superman. It wasn't Lex Luthor. 1/10 for me, absolutely.

 

[hopefuldreamer]

1st viewing: 8.5
2nd viewing: 8.5
3rd viewing: 7
4th Viewing: 8

Definitely a strange one for me!

Think i'm just conflicted between missing my Superman, but actually kind of loving this one too

 

[RustyCage]

Loved it the first time, loved it the second time. I noticed some more hidden nods the second time 'round, but my opinion of the quality is the same.

Taking some more friends to see it this Sunday.