Vertigo

Vertigo
Vertigo

Thursday, March 24, 2016

A New World of Heroes in BATMAN VS SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE


DC Comics’ bid to expand its super hero universe and emulate rival Marvel’s stratospheric success was a huge financial gamble coming on the heels of the satisfactory Man of Steel.  With the same director who also did Watchmen, it remained to be seen if this could be the launch of several movie franchises particularly The Justice League. The verdict is yes, it achieves that goal but with a mixed bag of great moments highlighted by haunting imagery and some scenes that never quite hit their mark.  The problem lies partly in an ambitious storyline that tries to accomplish a bit too much thematically and introduce new Metahuman heroes while trying to connect a lot of dots despite its running time is 2 ½ hours.


Similar in plot to the upcoming Captain America:Civil War, it picks up the previous film’s battle that caused massive destruction (and personal loss for Bruce Wayne, extremely well played by Ben Affleck) and leads to the government to think about Superman (Henry Cavill) as a potential threat. As mysterious industrialist Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg is a hoot) assimilates Kryptonian technology and more, an elaborate conspiracy threatens Superman’s loved ones and pits him in a one on one battle with Batman (who is pretty clever and well- armed.)  As the titans do a battle royale, a formidable threat emerges, and a new hero arrives in Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot in a cool, different take). 

The film’s moody tone might be a bit too dark for some; there is a severe lack of humor or anything to balance the sense of pessimism.  There is, however, much to savor in some good action and visual effects including one startling, shocking scene in Washington DC.  Nice support from Amy Adams, Jeremy Irons, and Laurence Fishburne and some nice cameos. (No, there is no post credit scene.) I would put this almost on par with Avengers:Age of Ultron, only longer.   

*** of **** stars (for comic hero fans)

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