Director Zack Snyder did his best to bring us a compelling retelling of the first meeting of the Man of Tomorrow and the Caped Crusader. While I gave a tepid pros and cons list of the theatrical version of the movie Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice, my review of the Ultimate Edition gives is a bit more hope.
The film opens with Zod’s (Michael Shannon) invasion of Metropolis from the film Man of Steel. Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) witnesses the devastation from the battle with Superman (Henry Cavill). This creates an immediate distrust between Wayne and the last son of Krypton.
18 months later, Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg) is collecting kryptonite with the help of a Russian gang. He is manipulating both Batman and Superman into a conflict that will have repercussions for Gotham City, Metropolis, and the world. In the background, Louis Lane (Amy Adams) and the mysterious Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) are working to solve what is really going on.
Zack Snyder films are a lot like Apple laptops. It is stylish, sleek, has a lot of flash, but despite all the hype, it has no heart. When I saw the theatrical version, it was good, but littered with plot-holes that left me wanting. The extended or “Ultimate” version fills in most of the plot-holes and left you wondering why he chose to cut certain scenes. For instance, the boring montage of celebrities debating on the philosophy of Superman yet they leave out an important scene that explains an important plot point.
As for the cast, I’m sick and tired of the angsty Superman. I’m ready for him to lead. As Ben Affleck, his Batman is a combined version of Frank Miller’s writings and the Arkham video games. He is brutal and gives no quarter. While I did not mind watching Batman pummel criminals, I was disturbed in his blatant disregard for human life. There was a lot of collateral damage and manslaughter. Jeremy Irons also is brilliant as a troubled Alfred. Of course, Gal Gadot stole the show in preparation for her starring role in Wonder Woman.
My main concern is with Jesse Eisenberg. He does not just bring a new twist, he abandons all familiarity with the character. He resembles the Riddler more than the brilliant mastermind whose intelligence challenges the power of Superman.
I will say, Snyder does know how to direct a fight scene. The battle between Batman and Superman, and later the Trinity battling Doomsday, is epic in the way it is cut. He brought it together in a way that is both entertaining and powerful.
Bottom line, the Ultimate Edition is an excellent upgrade from the theatrical version. It brings the story together fashionably. While it did make the movie’s plot more tenable, it did not erase the fact that it fails to inspire.
FAVORITE QUOTE: Tell me, do you bleed? You will.
PARENTAL CONCERNS: Violence, foul language, brief nudity
That is my review. What did you think? Let me know in the comments below and tell me if there’s a movie you’d like me to review. Check out my thoughts on the heist film Baby Driver. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more posts like this one.
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