“The greatest gladiator match in the history of the world” – Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg)
Two years ago, we were promised that 300, Watchmen and Man of Steel director Zack Snyder was going to bring the greatest gladiator match to the big screen. Finally, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice is here. All the hype and talk has build up to this moment fans and movie goers alike have been waiting for.
Watching these two titans clash it out was definitely something to look forward to. Ben Affleck did an exceptional job as Bruce Wayne, but did one hell of a job as the Batman (as predicted). Henry Cavill still remains to be my favorite Superman (I, for one, enjoyed the Man of Steel movie). The supporting cast was great; Jeremy Irons (The Lion King, Man in the Iron Mask) makes a good Alfred Pennyworth – what good is a great Bruce Wayne without a good Alfred, right? The chemistry between the characters was superb, if I may add. I thought Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman was a not the best choice at first, but here comes Wonder Woman in action to prove the naysayers wrong.
In my opinion, Jesse Eisenberg also did well as Lex Luthor, though it took a while for his character to develop to be as likeable as the rest of the cast. He was good, but he did not own the role. Why? Coming out of this movie, you would think of someone better to play the role, but Jesse Eisenberg did okay as Lex.
Everyone had their own shining moments. Henry Cavill delivered as Superman and owned it. Ben Affleck will definitely change your perspective as to who your favorite Batman/Bruce Wayne is, as they brought him back to his graphic novel Bat persona. Gal Gadot was a great choice for Wonder Woman, especially with the extra KGS, and let me just say that she really looks great in the costume. Even the Batmobile had its goosebump moments. Everyone did a really spectacular job. And of course, the Bat of Gotham against the Son of Krypton – goosebump moments everywhere. Hands down, seeing these two icons collide is an experience every fan deserves to have.
This is me nitpicking. Not every movie is perfect and yes, this movie has its flaws. As mentioned, they could have picked a better Lex Luthor. There were short dragging moments in the movie that I wanted to tone down Jesse Eisenberg for being a little over-the-top. Mark Strong (Kingsman, Rock’n’Rolla) or Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad, Godzilla) would have been perfect choices for Lex Luthor. Due to the excitement to see Batman duke it out with Superman, I felt that I wanted more head-bashing among the Batman and Superman, but not like the MoS fight scene with Superman vs General Zod (Michael Shannon). Also, the movie was focusing too much on the “Dawn of Justice” part that I felt was trying to be a Justice League movie.
Doomsday (as shown in the second trailer) is another one of my few gripes about the movie. This was not the right time for Doomsday to appear – too early at this point of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) since they only have two movies so far. Bizzaro, Gorilla Grodd or Metallo could have been better choices. However, Zack Snyder did an incredible job blending Doomsday into the movie, which made a gripe to a little nitpick.
Building up to this moment, it was an experience like no other seeing your favorite DC heroes in one big screen. And the two-year buildup was worth all the hype. This is a feeling you won’t get in other movies nowadays. I walked out of this movie wanting more even if it was a long movie; but still, give us a sequel, give us a Justice League! Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is a great sequel following up Man of Steel.
OHH. One more thing: no after-credits scene will be shown at the very end. 😉
