Batman V Superman? Why it could just start a new Trend!
Batman v Superman, Dawn of Justice is the new take from Hollywood of two huge fictional legends. Many of us have grown up on Batman and Robin which became just Batman, and gradually there evolved what can only be simply described as darker and darker takes on the legend. Gone are the days where these characters were lightweight toy-like clowns who entertained us all with “Bam!” “Kapow!” and “Wham!” in their tight fitting nylon suits and capes. Now we are treated to a Batman who is somehow more substantial, more sinister and definitely more powerful. The same can be said of Superman in this film – even his costume defies the originally mostly primary colours when he too was a comparative lightweight in days gone by when we saw him regularly on television saving the day in more ways than one. This film is quite lightweight on showing either of the two well-loved heroes saving people from distress however.
In this take Ben Affleck is The Batman and Henry Cavill (Man of Steel) is Superman but they definitely do not see eye to eye. A little disappointing perhaps is the characterisation of journalist Lois Lane who is portrayed as a flimsy and less glamorous roving reporter than on previous takes. Batman’s butler is played by Jeremy Irons who seems a little care worn and reliant on his wine intake but nevertheless convincing and warm adding cachet to the role.
This movie is designed with multiple explosions, lots of fiery backdrops, the now predictable car chases when anything can happen and usually does, and if anything, more than its fair share of bad guys. Though the actual plot is quite hard to follow, the huge amount of scene changes does provide diversion and there is definitely not one moment of boredom to be felt whilst watching the story unfold.
Pitching Batman against Superman is a little like getting Arnie as Terminator to fight Sylvester Stallone as Rambo or indeed in the female sphere, Lara Croft Tomb Raider against say Wonder Woman! It is a new and unexpected take on these well loved comic book characters and I can envisage small boys getting their plastic models of the heroes out to fight and trash each other up. Well I suppose unlike in Casablanca, where Rick – the American and Victor Laszlo go off together almost hand in hand, the movie would not be the same if Batman and Superman became huge buddies. Look out for the surprise appearance of Wonder Woman who ultimately saves the day from the “unstoppable” killing machine Doomsday getting his way against both our heroes. As for a sequel, time will tell if the future could change their dysfunctional relationship with a happy ever after finale! Watch this space!
Penny Nair Price