Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

You know that Hollywood could be doing better financially when the big-budget flicks are starting to be released way before May--the kickoff month for the summer season. First, "The Divergent Series: Allegiant" was released recently, and secondly, we have now in the offing, "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice". Is this now the new summer? If it is, when does the next big-budget film become released, next week?

Following his titanic struggle against General Zod, Metropolis has been razed to the ground and Superman/Clark Kent (Henry Cavill) is the most controversial figure in the world. While for many he is still an emblem of hope, a growing number of people consider him a threat to humanity, seeking justice for the chaos he has brought to Earth. As far as Bruce Wayne/ Batman (Ben Affleck) is concerned, Superman is clearly a danger to society. He fears for the future of the world with such a reckless power left ungoverned, and so he dons his mask and cape to right Superman's wrongs. The rivalry between them is furious, fueled by bitterness and vengeance, and nothing can dissuade them from waging war. While Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg) orchestrates and manipulates the intense hatred between Batman and Superman for his own selfish means, a dark new treat arises in the form of a third man-- Doomsday created by Luthor, and this one has the a power greater than either of them to endanger the world and cause total destruction! So it's up to Superman and Batman to set aside their differences along with Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) to stop Lex Luthor and Doomsday from destroying Metropolis.

Others to round out the cast are Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Diane Lane as Martha Kent, Clark Kent's mother, Laurence Fishburne as Perry White, Editor of the Daily Planet, Jeremy Irons as Alfred, Holly Hunter as Senator Finch, Scoot McNairy as Wallace Keefe, Callan Mulvey as Anatoli Knyazen and Tao Okamoto as Mercy Graves.

This was directed with grit and a ton of energy by Zack Snyder ("Dawn of the Dead" '04, "300" '06, "Watchmen" '09, "Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole" '10, "Sucker Punch" '11, "Man of Steel" '13). Certainly this film isn't a film this filmmaker hasn't done before, hence his resume. So with this being familiar ground, his knowledge of managing a plethora of actors together in a bazillion scenes is something he can handle, which can be difficult for the most seasoned director. It was effectively written by Chris Terrio and David S. Goyer based on the DC Comic Books--"Batman" created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger and "Superman" created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. This took quite the feat to write this considering that it covers not one, but two franchises--the Batman and Superman franchises. While this was written as well as anyone could expect, considering all that was going on, there were some choppiness and inconsistencies in how one scene would relay to another The cohesiveness between scenes could have been a bit better. Hey, don't get me wrong, with as many actors, scenes that were used, AND two franchises were incorporated, this storyline actually was quite solid. Both writers are pros in their field. Terrio wrote "Argo" and Goyer has written many films including "Dark Knight". The best developed character here has got to be that of Jesse Eisenberg's Lex Luthor. Eisenberg really pulled off this role with elements of humor and creepiness all rolled into one. The visual effects predominantly created by Weta Digital, Double Negative and MPC (Moving Picture Company) were seamless, however one would have to know this before you walk into the theater.

As film franchises go, this was a very solid film--nothing Academy Award worthy, but does anyone really go to these types of films to see an Academy Award winning screenplay or even best acting performances? I don't think so. This is the quintessential popcorn film with all the trimmings all in an IMAX and 3D format if you wish. Have fun.

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                   Rated: PG-13                            151mins.