Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (7/19/2016)

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action throughout, and some sensuality.

Starring Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenberg and Laurence Fishburne

Directed by Zack Snyder (Man of Steel, 300, Watchmen)

The battle may have been epic, but the movie was not.

Fearing the actions of Superman are left unchecked, Batman takes on Superman, while the world wrestles with what kind of a hero it really needs. With Batman and Superman fighting each other, a new threat, Doomsday, is created by Lex Luthor. It’s up to Superman and Batman to set aside their differences along with Wonder Woman to stop Lex Luthor and Doomsday from destroying Metropolis.

Obligatory warning: Contains spoilers for Batman vs. Superman.

While critics and audiences often disagree, I have to say that the divide between the two for this film is significant.

I’m divided on the cast. Henry Cavill, Amy Adams and Laurence Fishburne are all really good. They are familiar and continue to bring those famous characters to life. Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman is also really good. We don’t see a lot of her in action, but we want to see the Justice League movie even more. Speaking of the Justice League movie, Aquaman, Flash and Cyborg look superb too. But Ben Affleck was the biggest surprise. I still can’t believe how much I liked him as Batman and Bruce Wayne. He’s older and more seasoned than other incarnations of the Caped Crusader. He has seen his share of violence and death and it has left an indelible impact on him.

So who didn’t I like? Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor. I have a difficult time understanding why filmmakers can’t get Lex Luthor right. In the 70’s and 80’s he was played by a Gene Hackman. He was silly, exaggerated and not intimidating at all. Then Kevin Spacey had a turn…we all know what a disaster that was. That being said, Eisenberg is my third least favorite Luthor. Yeah he was that bad.

Lex Luthor is charismatic, charming and one of the most intelligent people in the world. He’s a billionaire with a brilliant scientific mind, but Eisenberg’s Luthor felt more like an underachieving Joker. Plus, we never really get a clear understand as to why Lex hates Superman.

I’m divided on the story. There were parts that were exciting and thrilling, but others felt rushed and even cliché (yes, we see another version of the same Batman origin story). Maybe you will like the story, maybe you’ll hate it, I don’t think you can deny that there were several significant plot holes and unanswered questions. Questions like: Why was Gotham Manor a burnt-out ruin? How did Lex acquire the data on Wonder Woman, Cyborg, Flash and Aquaman? How long has it been in his possession? Why is the World Engine wreckage just left floating in the ocean? Why does Wonder Woman need to use an ATM?

I like most of Zack Snyder’s films, but this one was not great. It seems like he tried to do too much and the 151 minute run time still wasn’t enough to get it all down.

I know you can’t please everyone. The critics hate this one, the fans have embraced it…I’m still divided so I’ll give it a “Rental.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Although there is no nudity, there is a scene where Amy Adams is shown in a bathtub. And then Henry joins her (he is fully clothed) and they kiss.

While there is a lot of violence in this film, it is PG-13 rated and not gory. It is also darker and more intense than most superhero films and may not be suitable for younger viewers.

PLEASE NOTE: The DVD release will feature an R-rated version for sequences of violence. There is no nudity or sex and actually makes it a better film.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. What is at the cause of the fight between Batman and Superman?


2. When was the last time you had a fight or conflict with a friend or family member? What happened?


3. What caused it?


4. Was it resolved?

Read Proverbs 15:1

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.


5. How can this verse help us when we are in the midst of conflict?