Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) film review

Year: 2016
Running Time: 153 minutes
Director: Zack Snyder
Writers: Bob Kane and Bill Fingers (Batman created by), Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster (Superman created by), Chris Terrio and David S. Goyer (screenplay)
Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenberg, Laurence Fishbourne, Holly Hunter, Diane Lane, Jeremy Irons, Callan Mulvey, Scoot McNairy

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice will be released in Australia on March 24 (distributed by Roadshow Films) and March 25 in the United States ( Warner Bros.)

July 20 2013,Comic-Con, San Diego: Warner Bros. made the announcement that two of the greatest superheroes of our time, Batman and Superman will finally meet for the first time on the big screen with Man of Steel director, Zack Snyder at the helm. This announcement was as good as a dream come true for superhero and comic fans alike and much caution and excitement ensued.....as well as a Twitter storm with the news that Ben Affleck would replace Christian Bale as the Dark Knight.

March 2016: As predicted, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is indeed a dream come true for superhero fans...or close to it. With the obvious elements that these devotees come to expect and desire from such a film, Batman v Superman is entertaining and action-packed with superb CGI, production design and sound editing. However, for those who are not amused by the specifics of the superhero genre, Snyder's latest film will be a drawn out piece of silliness that lacks a tight-knit, convincing screenplay.

18 months after Superman's (Henry Cavill) last great battle in Metropolis, he is still being judged for bringing destruction and devastation to the city rather than being hailed a hero, which is what his alter ego, Clark Kent and fellow Daily Planet reporter, Lois Lane (Amy Adams) are still out to prove to the world. One who has witnessed the pain and suffering that Superman unleashed on the city is a man with his own secrets, Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck). The rivalry between Batman and Superman is unleashed with neither being prepared for the danger that the eccentric, Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg) is about the unleash into the world.

While Batman v Superman is a vast improvement on 2013's Man of Steel, it is far from a perfect film. Yet, one has to ponder whether a film where these two larger than life characters meet and do battle could even have had a chance at pleasing absolutely everyone? Judging the film for what it is, it does exactly what it sets out to achieve which is to entertain and provide enjoyment, especially to those of the DC fandom. As one has come to expect from a Snyder film, the CGI is incredible and the production design of Metropolis incredibly detailed. The fight sequences are carefully choreographed and highly entertaining. Hans Zimmer's incredible score adds a great deal to the film as it provides a heightened sense of tension, but also celebration of the characters.

However, even loyalists will still be able to identify the film's faults that those indifferent to superhero films will see and dislike Batman v Superman for. The obvious obstacle of any project which involves two or more protagonists is how to keep more than one storyline flowing without overbalancing or falling into the state of too much happening at once. Unfortunately, Batman v Superman commits both of these crimes, but it is obvious that screenwriters Chris Terrio and David S. Goyer were trying hard to avoid this. The beginning and end of the film feel extremely cluttered, especially the finale which drags the film out losing momentum in the process. As with other multi-protagonist films, this clutter leads to the loss of depth, emotion and connection with the characters.

This is how Batman v Superman becomes Batman's film, rather than a film about Batman and Superman equally. Try as they might for the film to find a balance between the two, Bruce Wayne/Batman is far more interesting to watch than Clark Kent/Superman and one cares more for him than they do Superman, yet it should be the other way around. Bruce Wayne is a ghost of who he once was having separated himself from meaningful relationships to avoid further pain, while Clark Kent is very emotionally invested with the women in his life. Therefore one would expect to feel more from Cavill's Clark Kent/Superman than they do. Snyder's direction of Cavill in both Man of Steel and Batman v Superman has certainly left a lot to be desired. Cavill has a greater emotional range as an actor than what we have seen as of late and the film even calls for great emotion in several scenes, but instead we see a lifeless figure who lacks charisma and on-screen chemistry with his fellow actors.

On the other hand, it is the melancholy and dark temperament of Ben Affleck's Batman that steals the show from his red-caped rival. Like all good Batmans before him, Affleck has a grand screen presence as both the Dark Knight and Bruce Wayne. Yet he is far more cynical and darker than those that have come before him and it is a welcomed change as a result of Affleck's strong performance. Fans will also enjoy the return of the Batman gadgets in the cave and also the witty performance of Jeremy Irons as Alfred.

Jesse Eisenberg's Lex Luthor also outshines that who has always been his traditional rival. While one is used to seeing Luthor as an arrogant businessman obsessed with his fortune, the Luthor in Batman v Superman is a much younger and eccentric figure. He does not come across as dangerous in the same way as a traditional villain, but rather dangerous in a way that he is so mentally unstable and quirky that it is terrifying to think what he is actually capable of.

The screenplay provides some wonderful dialogue driven scenes, particularly where Lex Luthor is involved. However, some of the ideas implemented to help move the story along are quite ridiculous and one feels as though Terrio and Goyer were clutching at straws trying to reac the story's desired outcome. The holes that are left and questions that remain unanswered by the end of the film are indeed menacing. However, what the Batman v Superman screenplay does do well is tie the film in with the rest of the DC universe, in particular the Justice League. It introduces the characters which will grace our cinema screens in November 2017 in a way which evokes intrigue and excitement, particularly that of Wonder Woman, played by Gal Gadot. Wonder Woman, as her alter ego Diana Prince, is a woman of mystery to both the characters on screen and those watching. The build up to her transformation is very well done and her eventual transformation perfect.

Despite it's misgivings, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice will still entertain and delight fans of the two superheroes. For those who are not lovers of the universe in which superheroes belong to, it's misgivings may be unforgivable.

6/10

The Man From U.N.C.L.E (2015) film review

Year: 2015
Running Time: 116 minutes
Director: Guy Ritchie
Writers: Sam Rolfe (based on the television series by), Jeff Kleeman and David C. Wilson (story), Guy Ritchie and Lionel Wigram (story and screenplay)
Cast: Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, Alicia Vikander, Elizabeth Debicki, Hugh Grant, Sylvester Groth, Luca Calvani, Jared Harris

The Man From U.N.C.L.E is now showing in cinemas everywhere and is distributed in Australia by Roadshow Films.

Although it is entertaining and packed with the enjoyable high paced action scenes that you would expect it have, the creative choices in The Man From U.N.C.L.E can leave those who haven't seen the television series with a feeling of not knowing whether they are missing something or if it is just Guy Ritchie's style of storytelling. In the days post Cuban missile crisis in Berlin, CIA agent, Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) approaches Gaby (Alicia Vikander) with an opportunity for her to leave Berlin in exchange for knowing where her estranged father is. He soon finds that he is not the only one looking for her father, as the two are followed by KGB worker, Russian Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer). The two are soon shocked to find that they are to work together despite their mutual hatred for each other and work towards a common purpose.

The Man From U.N.C.L.E plays the part of an origins to the 1960's television series of the same name which it was inspired by. Rather than retell a storyline featured in the show, the film is set in the time before the television series begun and this is a great advantage to those who have not watched the television show as one comes to understand how Solo and Illya come to be partners with one another without missing anything story-wise from the show. However, some of the creative choices in the film made by director, Guy Ritchie become almost an enigma for those who haven't watched the television show and know very little about it, which considering there is a 50 year gap between the two is highly likely for many. This includes that of the lead roles. The lead characters of Solo and Illya border on over-the-top and before one can criticize the direction, script or acting, they accept that this may just be the way they are in the television series. Unfortunately because the television show is not as accessible as others (although it is available on DVD from Amazon), this is not a question that can be answered quickly or simply. It is said that Ritchie looked for a balance in the film between comedy and drama, which would indicate that this borderline of exaggeration was something he was intended out of respect to i's predecessor.

However, for all the confusion it's sense of self beholds, The Man From U.N.C.L.E is entertaining, incredibly action-packed and atmospheric. It feels along the lines of a Bond film crossed with The Italian Job with it's intelligent secret agent based, but witty screenplay. The unpredictability and clever twists make for an intriguing and desirable spy thriller screenplay. The action portion of the film is a constant throughout the film, but the story does not suffer nor does it feel that the frequent use of action is being used to compensate for a weak story. The special effects are not surprisingly very impressive.

Set after the Cuban missile crisis firstly in Berlin and then in Rome, the film is extremely atmospheric and nostalgic. The majority of the filming took place on location with some incredible sites being used for the film, including the Spanish Steps and the Roman Forum, but the filming that was done on a sound stage demonstrated the use of some marvellous production design. The costume design is exquisitely done by Joanna Johnston (especially Gaby's wardrobe) and a superb musical score by Daniel Pemberton. Much of the cinematography techniques are extremely recognisable as Ritchie's style, but work well for the film and the world it belongs in.

As previously remarked upon, the performances of Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer are somewhat problematic to one who is not familiar with the television series. They are both portraying characters who have very distinctive characteristics and if one compares them to the original Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin and if this is the way the originals also were, then they have presumably done a good job. Otherwise, they are at least both entertaining and work well together. Alicia Vikander does well, but it is Elizabeth Debicki who steals the limelight as Victoria. She is as cold, hard and terrifying as a traditional female villain and her icy demeanour makes her a truly scary character. On the other hand, Hugh Grant has very little screen time, but is still incredibly likable.

The Man From U.N.C.L.E is without a doubt entertaining and has some very good points, but also encourages one to find a copy of the television series to understand who it is a bit more and decide whether Guy Ritchie is putting his own ideas to the film or replicating the television series.

7/10

Note from Nicki: Being unfamiliar with the television series, I found this review rather difficult to write. I don't believe I am alone with this as I have never physically seen the DVD's for the 1960's television series "The Man From U.N.C.L.E" on sale here in Australia, nor have I ever seen it on television. As a stand alone film, I would find the development of the characters and some of the other creative decisions which I haven't mentioned here rather off-putting, but without seeing the series I would rather give Guy Ritchie the benefit of the doubt and say that he is being true to the memory of what it is inspired from.

If anyone has seen the television show and can compare it to the movie, I would love to hear from you because I have found it hard tracking down someone who has to answer the questions I have about it.

Man Of Steel (2013)

Year: 2013
Director: Zack Snyder
Cast: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Russell Crowe, Michael Shannon, Diane Lane, Kevin Costner, Laurence Fishburne
Man Of Steel is now showing everywhere. Check your local cinema listing for times and details

Superman films have in recent years become a dangerous project to take on. Not because of the so called Superman Curse (although some may argue that this MAY have something to do with it), but because they have so much history and so much to live up to.

Man Of Steel has created so much buzz from film and Superman fans alike with a wonderful cast and Zack Snyder's history with visually astonishing action. However, with all that comes incredibly high expectations and a wave of depression when you realise that Man Of Steel isn't all you wanted it to be. The biggest disappointments being an incredibly weak screenplay and overly self-indulgent direction by Snyder.

Man Of Steel opens with the first natural birth of a child on the planet, Krypton for centuries. Sensing unrest and the end of the world as they know it, Jor-El (Russell Crowe) sends his new born son to Earth to live among the humans and give his race hope. Kal-El grows up being known as Clark Kent (Henry Cavill) and possesses extraordinary strength which sets him apart from others. When Clark sets out to find out who he really is, he encounters reporter, Lois Lane (Amy Adams) who is on a mission to also find out who he really is. Unfortunately, there is someone who knows exactly who Clark is and that is General Zod (Michael Shannon) who is set on rebuilding Krypton even if it means the destruction of Earth and the human race.

One has to wonder how different the reception to Man Of Steel would have been if it was the first we had ever known of Superman or if it was a stand alone film. It is almost inconceivable to think of it this way and therefore is hard to say what we would think about it if it was. Superman has been in our culture for over 60 years now and as a result, it isn't an option for Man Of Steel not be compared to its predecessors.

The major thing that is lacking in this film in regards to past Superman films (particularly those Christopher Reeve films) is there is a lack of suspense and lack of excitement and thrill, which is what Superman is all about. The first half of the film is completely void of any excitement or suspense. The second half admittedly does get better, but 143 minutes is just too long for the film. There was a point where it should have just finished and it would have been the perfect feeling for the action packed conclusion. Yet it just feels like Snyder went overboard with trying to prove what he could do special effects wise and it becomes a little too much. However, don't be alarmed. This is an improvement on 2006's Superman Returns.

It isn't just the final scenes which are a little too much when it comes to the special effects and cinematography. Man Of Steel is primarily a 3D film and that is how it appears even when you watch it even in 2D. There is so much going on that the story is sometimes lost in the crazy CGI and special effects. There is no denying that the special effects are incredible, especially during those scenes on Krypton and in Metropolis. The costume design is also incredible. Then there are the moments that give the impression that a handheld camera is being used and it doesn't add anything to the film.The choice to have flashbacks continuously through the film is also quite annoying and does not allow the film to run smoothly at all.

What die-hard Superman fans may not like about Man Of Steel is that there are several aspects of the film which contradict the original Superman stories. You can tell that what story creators, Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer were trying to do with the story was to not make it exactly like the original Superman so that it wasn't an exact remake. It is really quite admirable as it gives the story some originality and makes for a different take on how Kal-El/ Clark Kent becomes Superman.

However, you cannot fault any of the actors. Henry Cavill was a great choice for the lead role. He shows great character development throughout the film and completely embodies all that both Clark Kent and Superman should be. He has some wonderful emotional moments showing his true acting ability that lies behind the Superman suit.

Amy Adams can clearly do everything and with Man Of Steel she can add action to type of films that she has now conquered. She is a very convincing Lois Lane and her and Cavill work brilliantly together. Michael Shannon does evil very well as General Zod and has some truly terrifying moments. Russell Crowe is far from terrible as Jor-El. He does well and is actually quite fun to watch. Both Diane Lane and Kevin Costner do very well as Clark's parents, Jonathan and Martha Kent. They both are wonderful and very convincing in regards to the emotion they show to their son.

Man Of Steel is let down by a Snyder's thirst for creating as big an impact with CGI action as possible and a very jerky screenplay. The high expectations of anything Superman related didn't help it's cause at all. Yet, it is still Superman and there is always interest when it comes to the man who is faster than a speeding bullet.

5.5/10



You may also be interested in reading our article about whether there is a Superman curse or not. Check it out and decide for yourselves!


You may have also seen Amy Adams in....
Julie & Julia as Julie Powell
The Fighter as Charlene Fleming
The Master as Peggy Dodd

You may have also seen Michael Shannon in......
The Iceman as Richard Kuklinski

You may have also seen Russell Crowe in....
Robin Hood as Robin Hood
Les Miserables as Javert