Batman v Superman

“Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” directed by Zack Snyder, stars Ben Affleck as Batman, and Henry Cavill as Superman. This film puts two major superhero icons against each other while giving a new unique taste of the superhero genre, offering more than your average brainless superhero action. The film itself is a sequel to 2013’s “Man of Steel” and sets up for next year’s “Justice League” movie. This movie is full of subject matter to discuss and think about, provoking thought about the ramifications of having a superman.

This film is bold and beautiful, with cinematography by Larry Fong, the visuals are striking. The structure of the film gives the feeling of reading a graphic novel, while the characters within the movie are compelling and complex, making you think about their motives and mentality throughout the film.

 The music score composed by Junkie XL and Hans Zimmer is dramatic and gives a new dynamic to the film with its powerful and heartfelt compositions and heart pounding themes when the action is on the rise.

Ben Affleck gives a quality performance as both Bruce Wayne and The Dark Knight, offering us the best on screen Batman to date. His brooding, more experienced take on the character is much needed.

 This adaptation of batman has devoted the last 20 years of his life to fighting crime, he feels that it has done no good in Gotham, leaving him with no hope for fellow humankind. We revisit the climax of “Man of Steel,” as two Kryptonians duke it out in Metropolis wrecking the city and destroying one of Bruce Wayne’s own buildings and killing several of Wayne’s employees. He feels a new sense of purpose as he gets deeper and deeper into his fever of rage, he has convinced himself that superman is earth’s greatest threat.

Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne’s butler is played by Jeremy Irons. He gives an excellent performance and has wonderful chemistry with Ben Affleck on screen, making quick witty comments as he is known to do. This version of Alfred is hands on, helping Bruce in his vigilante endeavours.

Gal Gadot slays the film, portraying the first big screen adaptation of Wonder Woman. She is nothing short of marvelous in the movie and we will be seeing much more of her in years to come, as a Wonder Woman movie will be released in 2017. She is set to return in the Justice League film as well. This movie sets up for the upcoming Justice League movie, showing its audience that there is much more to come in the DC Extended Univers.

‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ aims for a more intellectual approach to the genre   and is not for the average viewer looking for the classic superhero escapism film. This movie gives us a more indepth look at superheroes, asking philosophical and political questions about the backlash of having a “superman” on earth. It is filled with Mythological and messianic symbolism, with Superman being referred to as a god frequently. In addition to  the mirroring of the movie Excalibur seen throughout the film, an Excalibur movie poster which can be seen early in the film just before the Wayne murders.

If you are prepared to watch more than just your average superhero action film, consider giving this movie a watch.

by Tyler Malm