Hello and welcome to episode 10 of DC Movies Podcast. It’s been a long time coming, but one of the most anticipated comic book movies of all time was finally released in North American theaters on March 25, 2016 – Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. On this episode, your hosts, Chris Doucher, Rose Moore and Tony Kim are joined by our friend and former co-host Gregg Katzman, to give you their review of this box-office smash hit – well, a hit as it relates to profits, that is. Long story short: many people disliked or even hated it, whereas others liked and even loved the film. It was nerd versus nerd at the intersection of Twitter St. and Facebook Ave. And we took a page from Zack Snyder’s book, and are happy to give you a special extended cut in our two-hour epic review. Enjoy it, and then come yell at us or praise us on Twitter.
Official Batman v Superman synopsis:
“Fearing the actions of a god-like Super Hero left unchecked, Gotham City’s own formidable, forceful vigilante takes on Metropolis’s most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs. And with Batman and Superman at war with one another, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it’s ever known before.
Directed by Zack Snyder, the film also stars Oscar nominees Amy Adams (“American Hustle,” “Man of Steel”) as Lois Lane, Jesse Eisenberg (“The Social Network”) as Lex Luthor, Diane Lane (“Unfaithful,” “Man of Steel”) as Martha Kent, and Laurence Fishburne (“What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “Man of Steel”) as Perry White; Oscar winners Jeremy Irons (“Reversal of Fortune”) as Alfred, and Holly Hunter (“The Piano”) as Senator Finch; and Gal Gadot (the “Fast and Furious” films) as Wonder Woman/Diana Prince.
Snyder directed from a screenplay written by Chris Terrio and David S. Goyer, based on characters from DC Comics, including Batman, created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger, and Superman, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The film is produced by Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder, with Wesley Coller, Geoff Johns and David S. Goyer serving as executive producers.
Snyder’s behind-the-scenes creative team includes director of photography Larry Fong (“300,” “Watchmen”) and production designer Patrick Tatopoulos (“300: Rise of an Empire”), and from his “Man of Steel” team, editor David Brenner, costume designer Michael Wilkinson and visual effects supervisor John “DJ” DesJardin. The music is by Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer (“The Lion King,” “Man of Steel”) and Junkie XL (“Mad Max: Fury Road”). “
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I went to see BvS for a 2nd viewing last night (IMAX 3D) and it was great, even better than the first time. After a week of listening to and reading criticism of the film, I was looking for what the harshest critics had described, but I saw none of it. One of the main issues cited with the film is the plot makes no sense and on first viewing I agreed somewhat. However, during the second screening certain things became clear which I hadn’t picked up on first time.
1. Superman is blamed for an incident in Africa. Critics complained that it couldn’t have been superman as there were guns involved, so why did the US government hold him responsible. It was clear on second viewing that they are not blaming superman for the incident, but for getting involved in the situation and making the ongoing civil war worse for the populace of the country. It’s a statement on US foreign policy I suppose but not a plot hole.
2. The bombing of the senate building. Again critics asked why did this turn people against superman if the film states quite quickly that it is Scoot Mcnairy’s character that had the bomb. Again the public doesn’t hate superman because they think he was guilty, but that the presence of superman has consequences which effect mankind and not always for the better. No superman, no injuries for scoot, no bomb. So must there be a Superman?
3. Why does Lex want Batman dead? I’ve seen that written in reviews and heard it discussed in podcasts and it’s not true, I also thought he did on first viewing, but it’s just not there in the film. Lex merely uses Bruce’s hatred of Superman (which he fuels throughout the film) to ensure the conflict. He then asks superman to either kill batman to save his mother, proving God is not all good, or lose to batman and let his mother die proving that Superman was never a god as he was beaten by a man. Lex just never bargained on them teaming up when Batman realises superman is just a man with a mother like bruce was as a little boy.
4. Critics moaning about the “Martha” thing. Superman says Martha instead of mother as he is still trying to protect his identify, watch it again. Lou’s clarifies that Martha is his mother as she realises there is no choice. Batman doesn’t suddenly become friends with superman because their mums have the same name. It’s because they both have mothers and they are both men, fallible, heroic and brave. Batman realisation of this changes him.
Ok rant over I could go on but I won’t. I love this film and can’t wait for the extended version on Blu-Ray. Let me know your thoughts good or bad, I love when a film gets people debating.
Laters.
P.S. Granny’s peach tea?