DC Outdoes Marvel Comics with Their Captain Marvel (Review of Shazam!)

Author’s Note: While this is a spoiler free review (to an extent), I will admit right now that I know only the basics of Shazam and what realm he technically falls under with not just regards to powers but also when comparing the two comic industries…it’s almost night and day.

I will admit that the amount of humor in the movie was good and that the seriousness of the film was pretty well balanced. However, in terms of the plot itself…it was to a degree…a bit predictable. In terms of the origin story about how the character came to be, it was pretty interesting. How the test was done to root out those easily the ones who gave into the temptation of power by the 7 cardinal sins. One of the key points in the movie that I easily spotted was manipulation by both human nature and also the dark side of it.

What I found fascinating was how the story of the champion came about and how the previous choice betrayed the Council of 7 Wizards by releasing the 7 sins into the world wiping out an entire civilization and attacking all but Shazam before the sins were encased in the Eye.

Getting back to the key point of manipulation, what was clear in terms of the difference between how Dr. Thaddeus Silvana was manipulated and how Billy Batson was manipulated (in a manner) as Shazam by one of the other foster kids he was living with is the fact that both were bullied when they were young. However, the foster family that Billy Batson is with, despite the diversity all have had their fair share of being picked on and how bullying is still an issue regardless of gender, age, ethnicity or job profession. It’s more on how one responds to it. One of the foster kids, Freddy despite having a slight disability, did temporarily use Billy’s ability to change into Shazam and his abilities for his own gain and the desire for fame and attention. Although Billy slowly became a bit arrogant to a point with his powers. It was when a bus almost falls because of his carelessness with his lightening powers that Billy literally gets woken up by Freddy when Shazam gets berated.

When Dr. Thaddeus Silvana gets manipulated by the 7 sins, it not only addresses the dark side of human nature, but also how our own inner demons can literally control us if we’re not careful. However, when they come out the first time, I noticed all seven. But when Thaddeus confronts the foster family and then they find themselves at the Rock of Eternity and I count the ones that came out…I only spotted 6, which meant that the last one, Envy was in Thaddeus.

The humor dynamic although a mix between cheesy and silly to outright hilarious was just the right balance to counter the dark and serious tones with the 7 sins, what they did, and the connection between them and the Council of 7 Wizards. The climax had a good bit of humor to a degree but it was pretty amusing when Shazam was in that familiar scenario of the villain being a good distance away from him as he was giving the typical “villain” speech. Though I won’t go into detail about it to spoil the movie, overall…the movie was quite enjoyable even though there were a few moments that felt a little over the top on the humor side of things.

Design wise, I eventually got over the size issue of the suit and I really liked how the designs for each of the 7 sins were made. However, some of it did look a bit…redundant to a degree. Like I have seen a few of the designs before in other fantasy or dark fantasy films or TV shows and the like. Heck, even in video games (Blizzard’s Diablo does sort of come to mind to a degree). A few almost looked a bit troll like in design to be honest (not like the one from Harry Potter thank goodness).

What’s pretty obvious is that many young kids and even adults (including myself) can all relate to those times when we have been picked on at school or elsewhere and sometimes wish we had some sort of magic word that could ease away our troubles, however…that’s looking at things through an extremely narrow and selfish viewpoint as Billy Batson slowly had to figure out and something that Thaddeus never did.

Despite not having read the comics and having only grown up with the trinity of superheroes and even Green Lantern (John Stewart for me at least) as well as the Teen Titans, I slowly began to figure out in what category Shazam fell under especially when I look at it from a mythology lens. It was pretty easy to place him in the realm of magic and Greek mythology since Wonder Woman is also in that category of sorcery and mysticism like Dr. Fate (DC’s main mystic). The only time I began to understand the origin story of Shazam a tiny bit was from playing the video game Injustice and also reading the comic accompaniment that tied to it (which is really awesome by the way).

Am I interested with what Warner Bros. is trying to do with DC now that Marvel is slowly on a decline? Maybe. Cautiously optimistic I would say. However, such a thing called superhero fatigue does exist. I’m slowly starting to feel it.

Overall rating: 7.3/10

Definitely Out to Make Waves (Review of Aquaman)

Author’s Note: This is a spoiler review to some degree since there’s not much to cover on the character considering that he’s based on the ruler of the ancient city of Atlantis and both Greek and Roman mythology. Plus, there’s was not much of a villain save for Black Manta.

I have written short reviews on a few movies before and this definitely falls in that category. The reason is pretty simple. Both Aquaman and Wonder Woman fall in the category of genre and storytelling type. Both are from mythos and as I stated earlier there’s not much to cover besides the fact that Arthur Curry’s story is just as much of a origin story and a connection to the now dead DCEU since it was just a reference. For those that have not seen Justice League, I will save you the misery and time from watching it. It is absolutely pathetic. The writing is just as bad as the direction it lead. The heroes don’t gel together very well, the personality of a few of them are just not well paired. The over reliance on how good Wonder Woman performed after the first movie just devalued her character and placing everything on one character and expect them to run with it is just lazy. But regarding the reason is one that I will save for its own review blog.

Getting back to the point about Aquaman is that even though I have never read the comics (there’s not a lot to go on). The whole talking with the fish gag has been a little overused. Visually, I have been getting vibes of Tron, mixed with other possible films that I can’t quite put together at the moment. It’s very eye catching for the most part.

Plot wise, it seems predictable. Family issues below and among the royalty, blaming humanity (surface dwellers) for issues with how they treat the ocean, Arthur hesitating against his real calling and his future wife Mera having to convince him otherwise.

Other than how Atlantis was before the fall, I equate the whole “fall because of being over ambitious” the same way how humanity becomes arrogant with the misuse of knowledge and power when possessed by emotions.

Didn’t quite bother much with recollection of the dialogue since there’s not much worth noting. Black Manta as a villain was more of an after thought. Being only motivated by vengeance makes him pretty dull.

Now to get to the performance of the actors and actresses. I felt that Jason Momoa as Aquaman in this movie compared to Justice League was handled a bit better, the few comedic moments in the movie did liven up the movie a bit even though it’s a fantasy action film based on mythology and comics. I almost mistook Nicole Kidman for Charlize Theron since they almost look similar. But her performance as Arthur’s mom was good. Finally, William Dafoe, having seen him in Marvel films, John Wick, and now Aquaman as a mentor and vizier for the king of Atlantis, albeit for a short while, he did a great job with the character.

Best parts: Besides the visuals, the pacing of the story was pretty good as well. The actors and actresses that I mentioned about also did great in their respective roles. The look of how the city was back then to the underwater ruins next to the city itself was well done and how it blends together was great.

Worst parts: If I had to be a bit picky…it would have to be on the fact that the motivation for Black Manta was predictable and bland. The conflict between family members of Atlantis was a bit…rushed to a degree.

Music was pretty good and as I stated earlier, I got a Tron vibe when the introduction to the city of Atlantis was made. Overall, I enjoyed it as an entertaining fantasy action movie but I know that it won’t last in terms of the number of movies since it’s lacking in villains.

Overall: 7/10

Reflecting on the Trinity of the DC Universe, America, and Her Values

After watching the pilot episode of the new series Krypton which is an allusion to Superman (Kal-El), I began to think about the three that would form the JL members. I wasn’t much of a Superman fan growing up yet I understood Batman just as much despite the dark undertones of the show. However when they did a show where the two of them team up at times, it gave me an understanding of why they sometimes work well together and have at times earned each others respect. The dynamic between them was pretty good and despite the silly debate on them, I saw it from a different lens.

Over time however…the feelings of the American people would be caught in a maelstrom of political division for quite a while. What I didn’t realize until my junior and senior years in high school was that post 9/11 was a tipping point. A gut feeling that something was going to go wrong. My thoughts was that it would only be worse if a Democrat took the Oval Office. I don’t have to fill in the rest to know that the nightmare scenario came true.

I realized that we live in tumultuous times and a road to a rough future. Comics used to be a means of escape and inspiration. Now…politics has ruined everything. One side in particular. Thinking back to what Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman stood for regarding America, I think as a fellow comic fan should take a look into.

It’s not about brains vs brawn regarding Batman vs Superman, but the writing. Look not at the hero but the villian that challenges the hero. The viewpoint of both represents an overreaching government and the values of America being under threat.

First off…I know that it might seem hard to imagine or stomach…but I had a gut feeling that they weren’t always as good as they should. In fact…I was certain that they even killed a few times. There are videos on YouTube that address this and personally…I was not surprised. I may not have read them but the thought did cross my mind.

When I reflect on the DC trinity, I don’t look at it as a human, an alien, and a demigod. I have always seen it from the places they inhabit. In Batman’s case, it’s Gotham. A chaotic, rough, scary, and tough world where people struggle to survive and the darkness of man’s hearts come out. Police and government officials become corrupt thanks to the mafia. Criminals mock society’s laws. But despite all that, there are those that stand up to such injustice.

With the case of Superman and Wonder Woman, despite the appearances of Metropolis being a city of hope it still has its problems yet tries to lead by example and virtues. It’s not just a reflection of America, but also a reflection of the human condition. This is why they work well together.

It’s also the reason why the fight to preserve the values of America is happening now. In the street, the schools, places of worship. But it always starts in the home. Gotham may represent the human condition, and Metropolis may be what we try and strive for…but this I know: when you are a part of something bigger than yourself and knowing that there are those that stand with you for such beliefs and values despite those that stand against you, using lies, manipulation, and fear, they are not greater than you. It’s the other way around. #Gothamheart #MetropolisSoul. It’s not about where you’re from but what values you stand for.

My heart may have darkness inside but my soul strives for the light.

This Amazon is a Real Wonder (My Review of Wonder Woman)

“It is what I’m going to do”

 

“It’s not about what they deserve, it’s about what you believe; and I choose to believe in love”.

Diana Prince

(Author’s Note: Possible spoilers for those who haven’t seen the movie.  If you don’t want to be spoiled then just head down to the section Overall Thoughts [which includes my favorite list of quotes and explanations behind them].)

 

When I first saw the trailer for the movie, I had a basic understanding of who she was and what she represents.  She was basically, a representation of empowerment for women.  At the same time, she not only looks amazing but is also a badass in combat.  In terms of what I knew basically about the character was mostly from the animated film of the titular character.  However, I felt that there was more than what was on the surface.

 

The only thing that made sense was that her training and belief was based on the Greeks.  When I saw how she was portrayed in Batman vs Superman, myself and my brother thought the same thing literally as well as the fans of DC. When was the movie going to be made and will the character be done justice?

 

After hearing about the reviews online and from one of my cousins that watched the movie a few times, I had a feeling that the movie would be amazing.  Well they definitely delivered that and more.  However, there were a few minor problems with the movie but overall it was awesome.  Near the end is a list of quotes that were either my favorite or ones that caught my attention.

 

The opening sequence as a slow part of the theme began playing really caught my attention and I found that it was a good start for an intro.  Seeing how the secret island was portrayed was really amazing and how the Amazons trained was really well done.  I may not have known some of the female actors despite the fact that most are quite good but I felt that the first act was a little…short.  20-30 minutes I felt wasn’t enough and that with regards to the progress of Diana…it almost felt rushed and I didn’t like the way how the explanation about the Greek gods was portrayed.  It was clear that Diana’s mother, Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons had withheld some information.  When I saw the way how Antiope disobeyed her Queen by training Diana in secret, it was clear to me that the way how the Amazons viewed things were not only narrowed by fear and apprehension, but also because of their Queen.  Diana may have been considered naive at first but over time, she eventually finds out that some things aren’t so easy to figure out once she meets Steve Trevor.

 

The story that Hippolyta tells her daughter is one of a few minor thing that I have gripes with and I think it’s partially due to the scriptwriting and the material.  Most of it was fine but, the film was far from perfect.

 

The training sequence for Diana I felt at least gave a glimpse into how the Amazons trained for combat, however when I saw the way that the gauntlets reacted, I thought to myself that it was significant and there was a reason for it. When I saw the Godkiller sword, I was starting to get some vibes from either other tales or films, but when the downed plane with Steve Trevor scene came up, I had a feeling that whoever was following him wasn’t far behind.

 

I am pretty certain that there was several references to the comics although I am not sure which ones.  My best guess is that a few are from the older comics written by William Marston, as well as issues from the New 52.  One obvious reference that I spotted was from Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man, particularly the wall crawl scene. They did it similarly with Diana scaling and climbing the wall of the tower which housed the Godkiller sword, the shield, and the outfit that would make her Wonder Woman.  Another small vibe that I spotted early on was during the opening scene in which Diana is in Paris close to Le Louvre as an antiquities dealer.  The vibe that I was getting, Indiana Jones.  When she gets a package from Bruce Wayne which showed the old picture of her and Steve with his team as well as the watch he gave her, I found that to be quite a nice gesture from the billionaire.

 

The clay reference, as far as I know was in a few origin comics (including the original as far as I heard) and I recalled it from watching the animated film of the titular character.

 

Regarding the battle scenes from each act, the fight on the beach I felt that despite being short (well…I felt the first act could have gone on for at least 5-10 more minutes in my opinion) was really well made, despite the fact that there was some CGI elements thrown in.  One of the things that I felt was used quite effectively in that scene as well as when Diana single handedly takes out that warehouse is the timing of slowly down the pacing of the fight at certain points in which it visually enhanced the scene. One scene in particular was during the No Man’s Land sequence that just basically brought out my inner geek and magnified it by 100 fold when Diana climbs out wearing her signature attire with the sword and shield and just takes to the field slowly and confidently like a badass as well as somehow being able to see the incoming bullet and deflect it with her gauntlets.

 

The town liberation in the second half of act two I also felt was a really good scene especially when viewers get to see Steve and Diana working together.  Besides using the sword and shield, the way how Diana used her lasso as well as the part in which Steve and his team used a vehicle door from an armored car to have Steve recall that moment when Diana’s trainer, General Antiope used one of the female soldier’s shield as a prop/boost to help her fire 3 arrows at German soldiers and have Diana use it to take out a sniper hiding in the steeple of the church was just amazing.

 

The final battle with the third act, I have to admit I found visually stunning.  I’ll explain why a bit later when I get to the reasons why I felt the build up was a little slow but it was nothing compared to the minor villains in the film.  What I liked however was the twist which I’m certain a lot of people including the fans didn’t see coming.

 

With the interrogation scene from the first act using the Lasso of Truth, I actually bought Chris Pine’s performance as his character felt the strains from the rope felt as if it really hurt but it really looked like Steve was being tortured in a sense and it looked painful.

 

When Diana leaves with Steve as her mother tells her “If you leave, you will not be able to return” and she replies, “Who will I be if I stayed?”, that really got to me in a way not just philosophically, but also in reality.  The amusing scenes, particularly the innuendos were impossible to not laugh about as the second act of the film started.  I quickly recalled Diana’s remark about Steve and his size when he stepped out of the pool and how he considered himself ‘average’ before deflecting to the watch and how Diana responds to his explanation about what it does “So you take orders from it?” quite funny.  However, the hilarious conversation the two have on the boat about sleeping together and marriage and Steve quickly trying to steer clear but to no avail after Diana quickly misinterpreted what Steve was trying to say was just pure humor. Also when Diana tells Steve about the books she read that the author came to the conclusion that men are terrible in bed, I could barely hide a grin at the jab.

 

The scenes in the second act that stood out to me were as follows: Diana walking into the room where the Majors, the Generals, and Captains were arguing and discussing about the possibility of an armistice and how she reacts after Steve gives them the book he stole from Dr. Poison while undercover.  The reaction that Diana gives not only is reasonable although some from that time would consider such notions outdated made me think that it’s not so far off from now…the reasoning that is.  But when Steve is caught lying to them by Diana, it was clear to me that Steve had to do things that were likely unpleasant for a reason that Diana and her naivety couldn’t comprehend at first.

 

The next two scenes are what likely got the most cheers and excitement. The first one I already mentioned earlier and the second is when Diana single handedly storms the warehouse and takes out the soldiers in it.

 

When we get to the part where Diana sneaks into the gala to confront the general, and then the village that was liberated earlier gets gassed, Diana’s reasoning as she lashes out at Steve Trevor not only shows how little she understands about human nature but without Steve to show her both sides, she would have easily given into a narrow viewpoints that her mother gave her.

 

As for the third act, I got a familiar vibe when I saw the huge plane that was to carry the huge canisters of the deadlier version of mustard gas…one from Captain America (I know…totally different comic universes, but only a true geek would have spotted that reference).  When Diana confronts General Ludendorff, I had a feeling that the solution wasn’t so simple.  What me and my brother didn’t expect was the revelation of the identity of Ares, Sir Patrick Morgan, who explains how the nature of humanity is what causes them to fight among themselves, whereas he just gave them the means to do so. I have to say kudos to the art department and the editors for not only the timing when Diana confronts him until he appears to disappear when she thinks he’s there but also the design of the armor is just spot on in terms of how he looked in the comics.  The way how Ares reasons to Diana that humanity is the cause for the current state that the world was in and how she sees past that shows that whatever her mother told her may seem to be true…to a certain extent, but Steve Trevor showed Diana more than what Diana thought to be true, that things aren’t always what they appear to be.

 

I’m not familiar as much with some classic films despite having seen the iconic scenes (ie: Casablanca) and I sort of got that feeling when Steve Trevor tells Diana that he has to be the one to take out the plane.  I tried to keep my composure despite knowing how it would end.  When Diana’s abilities start to awaken after she loses it seeing Steve die, I was really impressed with how it turned out visually.  Once the sword was destroyed, it was clear to both me and my brother that the real “Godkiller” was Diana herself.  Also, the way how the Greek gods were portrayed was a bit…grounded in terms of their abilities.  Speaking of which, Diana’s was somewhat clear but it remains to be seen whether or not she’s going to fly or get the invisible jet like how it was in the early comics from the 70s and the TV series (which to me and I’m sure to most fans wouldn’t stick) but people know that at the moment she can float/glide.  However, in terms of villains, there’s only one that I know that can overwork Wonder Woman to the point of getting a heart attack.  As far as I could tell, it consists of speed, strength, stamina, and flight in terms of abilities, but that last one might be taken out if the invisible jet is given (which would be considered lame to many fans and a terrible plot device).

 

Besides the innuendos from the first act transitioning into the second act of the film, there was quite a good amount of quotes that I really liked and I have to say kudos to the script writers for that one.

 

 

“If you leave, you may never return”. –

 

“Who will I be if I stayed?” – Diana

 

The reason why I like this brief exchange is that while Diana’s mother wants to protect her, she is also blindsided from the fact that the views of the world that she has is also likely outdated.  To Diana, staying on Themiscrya would literally equate to being caged up while the world suffers despite their duty to protect mankind.  While the reasoning from her mother seems understandable, it also brings up the discussion between Diana and Steve about how his father about if something was wrong with the world, you can either do nothing or you can do something.

 

“I’m an actor.  I never wanted to be a soldier. No one hired me because I am brown.  Everyone is fighting their own battles.  Even you Diana”. – Samir

 

The reason why this quote somehow stuck with me is that I figured that the situation that he faced is no different from now.  Not just in Hollywood, but in filmmaking in general and the other half is what has been going on ever since.  Near the end of the film, Diana acknowledges that humanity has both light and dark and that they have a choice to make.  She even acknowledged what Ares said about humanity, but then does a follow up. “They’re everything you say that they are, but they’re so much more”.

 

“It’s not about what they deserve, it’s about what you believe.  And I choose to believe in love”.

 

Steve’s sacrifice and how he understands that humanity can make mistakes and that maybe they don’t deserve help from a higher power, but it’s more about what one believes is what not only makes Diana’s humanity come through but also how both inspired and helped each other.

 

The soundtrack, despite having listened to some of it, I know is actually really good.  Having watched it a second time, the film never ceases to amaze me.  I have a feeling that this was worth the wait.  Mind blowing I would probably say is putting this movie lightly.  Amazingly wonderful would be more like it.

 

Overall Review:

 

Diana states that once she used to want to save the world, but that was when she was young.  Over time, despite all that she has experienced, she observed that humanity has both light and darkness within them and that her real mission, is to try and save them through love. Visually a treat, the movie had just the right balance on humor, story, and action.  Pacing was a really minor thing that was outweighed by the characters and how the story was carried as well as made. This version of an iconic character shows that it doesn’t represent feminism at all, but despite being a demigod, she experiences most of the same things that humanity does and that she may be a warrior, but she is also a woman…one who understands that there’s more to a person than what’s on the surface.  She is strong, determined, capable of great feats, an inspiration to both genders, not just women.  Simply put, this Amazon really is a wonder.

Regarding the original trinity of DC, if there is one that I would be glad to fight alongside with in battle, it would be Wonder Woman 

My rating: 9.5/10

 

 

Batman vs. Superman NOT the Fight of the Year? (My Review on the Film)

WARNING: Major spoiler alert for those that haven’t watched the movie.  Those that don’t want to be spoiled just go to my overall review at the end of the blog post.

When I usually check on reviews on films, I usually tend to ignore the critics most of the time and that includes ones like Rotten Tomato and IMDB mainly because it’s usually their own opinion.  Now when it comes to adaptations from comics, I always figured that comic books fans (including myself) tend to think that there’s something bound to go wrong with trying to keep things close to the material and that usually falls on the screenwriter and the director.  The only thing that I recall which makes sense is that if you go exactly as how a book was written, then why bother reading the book if it’s just a re-telling of the exact story?  However, after I watched the second half of the animated film The Dark Knight Returns on DVR, I then noticed that the second half of the movie was adapted from a few of the comics, but when it comes to adapting, of course you want to stay true to the source material but have it get to the same conclusion.  The fight between Batman and Superman was just as much on different points of view regarding justice and judging people than an actual slugfest between a veteran fighter versus an alien.  While some fans may argue that Superman has an understanding of that, despite working for the government, what’s clear is that sometimes the big guy needs a reminder of what it is to be human and doing the right thing.  Sometimes that means also going against the majority, even if they’re higher up and Batman sometimes does exactly that.

However, when I watched Bats reaction when he saw Superman fighting Gen. Zod and then see how the world presumably views him, I had a feeling that the film was literally going to also touch a bit on post 9/11 a little in the opening scene as well as the fact that when humans are overwhelmed by fear, they get so irrational that some people wonder if a psychiatric ward would do any good for those that are delusional and mentally traumatized.  There’s a line that obviously rings true and I have heard it both used in film and a few games that shows how we as humans tend to take certain things for granted and also how the superheroes in comics are sometimes vilified by the general populace which goes as follows: “In spite of everything that you do for them, eventually they will come to hate you”.  While most viewers would say that I am quoting from Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man, the quote actually makes sense for both the fictional superheroes as well as the people that risks their lives (police, firefighters, military) to protect innocent lives.  This brings up another quote that rings true for many of us: “People fear what they do not understand”; however, when we get ruled by fear, it tends to make us irrational mentally.

As for the portrayal of Lex Luthor, there was something about Jesse Eisenberg’s portrayal that seemed a little bit…odd.  While he got the slightly insane because of his presumed genius mentality down, I couldn’t help but cringe not due to his acting but some of the lines that the screenwriters put in it.  What made me cringe even further, and I think Superman fans would have as well is that the whole story arc of Superman was ruined…in a manner.  Now I haven’t read the comics but have heard of the “Death of Superman” story arc.  I did watch the animated film ‘Superman Doomsday’ which is based from that arc.

Fans of the DCU probably have already played a game called “Injustice: Gods Among Us” and oddly enough, despite having played it myself…what was clear “plot-wise” is that Superman is terrible ‘mentally’ more than Batman.  Since the film mentions about the character Darkseid in the “nightmare sequence” that Batman is in and also shows Superman going rogue, the Flash from the future was supposed to give a message to the Batman in the past, yet realizes that he went a bit too far when mentioning that Lois Lane is what literally “grounds” Superman & prevents him from going rogue.  Definitely not a coincidence since that is practically the same plot device used in the game that I just mentioned.

As for the cameos of Cyborg, Flash, and Aquaman…I will admit that they look really good and give a glimpse into what will eventually form the Justice League.  However, there were a few…theories regarding the cube that was active during the short sequence of Cyborg and one video I spotted on Youtube gives an explanation regarding the “nightmare scene” as well as when Bruce is overlooking the folders regarding the “meta-human” project that Lex had going (I will put the video below afterwards for those that are curious) which gets stolen by Diana but Bruce manages to get back.

Even though I haven’t listened to the entire soundtrack, I will admit that Gal Gadot playing as Wonder Woman was a nice introduction into the character and since I had the feeling the upcoming movie for the character will be different  I really liked her entrance into the fight with Doomsday as well as the musical track that played which depicted her as a badass Amazonian warrior.  I tip my hat off to the wardrobe department for doing a great job.  I wasn’t sure how much symbolism was noticed besides the painting that was in the house of Lex Luthor and the Omega sign in the nightmare sequence which hints at Darkseid, however I will admit that Bats was a bit out of character because technically, he doesn’t kill people with guns.  When I watched the second half of The Dark Knight Returns, Batman uses a sniper rifle as a means of a grappling gun.  Despite the whole representation of Batman referred to as the mental side and Superman as strength, what I do recall is that Lex Luthor represents that mental side as well in Superman’s case.  The only thing that seems clear to me is that kryptonite isn’t the only thing that is Superman’s weakness.  Since the whole film is mentioning on how to prevent Superman from going rogue most DCU fans would say that the subtitle for the movie is “Injustice” with reference to the video game.

Some of the action sequences were pretty good, but I really disliked the build-up to the so-called fight between Batman and Superman.  The one with Doomsday was in a way visually more entertaining to watch and I liked how they showed the aftereffects of a nuclear explosion even though it was mostly CGI and how it affected Superman.  That tiny bit I could tell was a slight element similar to The Dark Knight Rises but the only thing that I felt was missing was the EMP aftereffect since technically that is what would follow after and then sometime later the nuclear winter.

Overall, the story was lacking quite a bit since the focus was on the actions of Superman and what was done in the Man of Steel movie but the way the actual storyline was butchered is something that I don’t think I will ever get over since the movie went way too political on the ramifications that Superman did and only briefly focused on the points of view between him and Batman but I felt that something else was missing.  The build-up I know I mentioned already and I think fans will agree that it wasn’t as good as it seemed.  Oddly enough, when technology is overused in movies, it tends to ruin the whole experience especially when it comes to trailers since the new generation doesn’t know how to exclude stuff without giving anything away.  Now to get to the most minor problem yet somewhat good part of the film, the Doomsday battle.  I could not get over the face make-up for it as well as the supposed concept art.  Anyone that has watched Lord of the Rings should easily get what I mean.  Yes, it looks exactly like the cave troll. While the fight did seem sort of drawn out for a bit, I had to admit that the solution was a bit…too obvious.  The first time I saw the spear, I was already thinking in my head ‘It’ll be used later.  I’m sure of that’.  I know that I mentioned the screenwriting was terrible but I felt that the director was also to share the blame for actually going through with it.  So to quickly sum up the actual review which some would have easily put up faster than I would but is more or less the same: Screenwriting was bad, the build up to the Batman vs Superman fight wasn’t good, the focus of the film didn’t add up, anything that would cause Superman to completely lose his head needs to be prevented was pretty much a dead giveaway and that plotline was recycled thanks to a video game, a little too much focus on political views early on which messed up Superman’s storyline from Man of Steel, and the only saving grace of the movie was Gal Gadot’s portrayal of Wonder Woman.

Simply put, some of what I already said is what others would possibly think but I will admit that there were some good quotes from the movie.  A few of them that I happen to like are the following:

“Everything’s changed.  Men fall from the sky, the gods hurl thunderbolts, innocents die.  That’s how it starts, sir.  The fever, the rage, the feeling of powerlessness that turns good men…cruel”. – Alfred.

“We’ve seen what promises are worth; how many good people are left Alfred?  How many stayed that way?”

“Is she with you?”

“No.  I thought she was with you”. (Superman to Batman after Wonder Woman appears).

“You’re not brave…men are brave.  You say that you want to help people, but you can’t feel their pain…their mortality.  It’s time you learn what it means to be a man”.

What I like about the last quote that I put up is that although Batman is addressing it to Superman, the thing that is clear about him as a character is that although he is alien and immortal (in a sense)…Kal-el understands (to an extent) what it means to be human, however…what is immensely clear is that he lacks control over himself.  Controlling your abilities is one thing, controlling your emotions…that can be difficult, especially for someone as powerful as Superman.

Now I know that I mentioned that the viewpoints between the two have been briefly brought up and the only scene in which the viewpoints of Batman and Superman are in a manner “compared” is the scene in which Clark is talking with Mr. Wayne at a social gathering event held by Lex Luthor, but even then that scene I felt wasn’t enough to help with the buildup to the fight between the two characters in which there was actual disagreement which would lead to a fist fight.

However, the only other quote that has gotten me thinking not just with regards to those with superhuman abilities but relates to both Marvel and DC in terms of superheroes is the all-too-familiar human view mentioned by Senator Finch and yet…I can’t help but think that those that know better than those within the government know that it can be used against them by their villains.  In short, I don’t fully agree with the quote.

“The world has been so caught up with what Superman can do that no one has asked what he should do”.

Here is where I would eventually draw the line and knowingly, if I took out Superman and replaced it with “he”, I know that it sounds vague because the quote doesn’t explain who is being referred to.  The reason why is that a similar plot line is also being brought out with the next dividing viewpoint leading to fist fight conflict film in Captain America: Civil War.  This is why despite being my own opinion, that despite how the government and military is being portrayed that in a way…some of that portrayal does ring true.  At some point, one needs to go against human authority because what seems absolutely clear with regards to us humans…is that we think we know what we want…when we actually don’t.  To end…I will close with a quote that I heard in the trailer for Captain America: Civil War and I think Batman would agree as well to this.

“Sometimes the best hands for the job are still our own”.

Overall: 6.5/10

Flash Cameo in Batman v Superman Explained