Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice Review. Batman V Superman is DC’s Iron Man 2 – an okay movie that prioritizes shared universe setup over developing a coherent story and layered characters. In the aftermath of Superman and General Zod’s catastrophic battle in Man of Steel, sister cities Metropolis and Gotham begin picking up the pieces – as global leaders try to make sense of this new world where aliens threaten and protect Earth. Despite his role in the devastation, some see Superman (Henry Cavill) as a super- powered protector who intervenes whenever innocent life is in danger – while others view the Kryptonian as an unchecked alien warrior who is not accountable to anyone and, depending on the circumstances, could even pose an unparalleled threat to humanity in the future. Henry Cavill as the Man of Steel in Batman V Superman. Chief among Superman’s critics is Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck), billionaire owner of Wayne Enterprises by day, ruthless Bat vigilante by night, who is convinced the Man of Steel is both a magnet for otherworldly threats as well as a liability, should the Kryptonian ever turn on the people of Earth. At the same time, in his efforts to neutralize lawbreakers (big and small) around the world, Superman determines that Batman’s choice to operate outside of the law does more harm than good – and vows to put an end to vigilante justice in Gotham City. However, as Batman and Superman prepare for a physical (and ideological) grudge match, a new threat rises to stoke the fire – and send the well- intentioned heroes into full- on war. Director Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel was an incredibly divisive film – splitting fans and critics, alike. For some moviegoers, the movie was a refreshing change of pace from Marvel’s comparatively light- hearted superhero adaptation monopoly, while others felt Snyder delivered a flashy but hollow film (and simply wasn’t the right person to adapt Superman for the big screen). Before Batman and Superman face-off in Dawn of Justice, we take a look back at the best Dark Knight and Man of Steel fights in DC comic books. In 1992, the birth of Warner Bros. Batman: The Animated Series changed the Batman Universe forever. The dynamic series spawned a new technique in animation. Online since 1998, The World's Finest offers exclusive content including interviews, message boards, reviews, image galleries, videos, online original comics.As a result, it should come as no surprise that the director’s follow- up Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice is even more controversial than its predecessor – considering Snyder and Warner Bros. Batman V Superman is dark, and grim, with flat characters and an unwieldy shared universe story to setup (in order to pave the way for future DC Extended Universe films); yet, it’s also packed full of moments (big and small) that will thrill comic book fans and casual filmgoers, alike. Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne in Batman V Superman. More Watchmen than 3. Batman V Superman spends a lot of time establishing this DC world post- kryptonian invasion – especially as it pertains to how its inhabitants (from everyday people, to politicians, to vigilantes, to sociopathic tech moguls) each view Superman’s very presence on Earth.
Viewers going into Dawn of Justice hoping that a significant portion of the film’s runtime is dedicated to the titular fight, or other sequences of superhero action, will likely be left wanting – and, at times, outright bored by Snyder’s overly- ambitious effort: to introduce three iconic characters (Batman, Wonder Woman, and Lex Luthor), explore the ideological differences as well as similarities between the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight, set the stage for future DCEU installments, carry forward Man of Steel thematic through lines, and pull all of this material together for a third- act finale that delivers visual spectacle as well as emotional gravitas. In his aim, Snyder only partly strikes his mark – meaning that a large portion of viewers will, for good reason, be disappointed or underwhelmed by what they get in Batman V Superman. It’s an easy film to nitpick apart and, given how directly the movie is connected to Man of Steel, it’s surprising to see Snyder and Warner Bros. Minor plot holes aside (an aspect that many reviewers have leaned too heavily on), characterization is actually the film’s biggest shortcoming – because Snyder successfully establishes a compelling frame for his titular duo. Unfortunately, the filmmaker spends so much time attempting to build- up the larger DC shared movie universe that his central heroes are reduced to one- note outlines – despite the fact that audiences will appreciate and understand both of their struggles and viewpoints. Bat of Gotham vs. Son of Krypton in Batman V Superman. This isn’t to say that Zack Snyder doesn’t understand the characters, as some have claimed, or that Ben Affleck is a bad Batman and Henry Cavill should hang up his supersuit; on the contrary, the actors and the fundamentals of this version of these characters are compelling – but Dawn of Justice doesn’t ultimately do much with them. They’re locked into a collision course – and every aspect of the story around them is pushing to make that fight happen, often at the expense of nuanced character development and the layered ideological banter that makes Batman and Superman crossovers in comic books so rewarding. In Dawn of Justice, they aren’t as differentiated as they might seem, they actually see things very similarly, arguably too similarly: specifically, both Batman and Superman believe the other is operating above the law and without accountability. For that reason, die- hard comic book fans could find that, while it’s pleasing to see the characters on a big screen together and there’s reason to be excited for future DCEU team- up movies, Dawn of Justice doesn’t dig deep enough below the surface of Batman and Superman’s complicated relationship to be a stand- out World’s Finest story or serve as a particularly insightful philosophical juxtaposition. Still, Snyder offers a lot of fan service and world- building that should amuse those same viewers; but, at the risk of overwhelming casual attendees who came for super- powered CGI spectacle, not shared universe setup. Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor in Batman V Superman. The external drive that pushes the movie toward setting up the title fight and overarching DCEU world is most apparent in Snyder’s positioning of Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg). An already controversial casting choice, Eisenberg lays an intriguing foundation for Lex but the character (and Lex. Corp itself) are mostly used to move the plot forward – with only minor references and quirks to frame this Lex as a new take on a beloved villain. Fortunately, while Lex’s eccentric personality will require time (and more film appearances) to unpack, his actual plan in Batman V Superman is far more shocking and downright sadistic than any of his previous big screen counterparts (making him all the more terrifying) – even if his motivations, this round, get lost in a shuffle of grandiose quotables. Similarly, Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) is a scene- stealer – both as Diana Prince and as a fully- armored amazonian warrior. Where Lex drives the heroes toward their inevitable grudge match, Diana serves as an entry point for viewers to learn about the bigger DCEU plot (both its threats and its heroes). Created by Bob Kane. With Kevin Conroy, Tara Strong, Mathew Valencia, Efrem Zimbalist Jr. The further and darker adventures of Batman with a new Robin, a closer. Poison Ivy is an enemy of Batman. She is depicted as one of the world's most prominent. In spite of comparatively little screen time, Wonder Woman is Batman V Superman. Even for viewers who don’t care for what Snyder has delivered in Dawn of Justice, Wonder Woman should still make it easy for skeptics to get excited for future adventures in the DCEU. Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman in Batman V Superman. As suggested, Cavill is solid but underused in his Man of Steel role – and isn’t given enough in Dawn of Justice to win- over critics who felt his take was too dull in first solo outing. The one area that could have significantly livened- up the character, his alter- ego Clark Kent, is weighed- down by the same frustrations as his superhero persona and is near- indistinguishable from Superman (read: possibly the least convincing disguise of any live action Superman). Yet, the actor continues to inject necessary humanity into Kal- El – ensuring that, in spite of his abilities and alien ancestry, Superman is a relatable person first and foremost. Aside from the face- off with Batman and final climactic fight, the film is pretty light on Superman action – especially after those eye- popping kryptonian- on- kryptonian battles in Man of Steel. Instead, Snyder shifts the focus of his DCEU storyline onto Ben Affleck’s aged Dark Knight – who, after initial Internet backlash to the casting back in 2. Batman ever put to film (though, fans who were bothered by a neck- snapping Superman will likely be bothered to find that Snyder has made similar revisions to Batman’s moral code). While Affleck’s time as Bruce Wayne is mostly spent brooding, his Batman is nimble, efficient, and calculating – providing several of the coolest Batman brawls in live- action (complete with slick implementation of bat- gadgets). Similarly, as a testament to the success of this iteration, the actual fight with Superman should put questions of how Batman could beat Superman to rest – as Snyder makes smart use of his tech- savvy Caped Crusader to deliver a memorable and believable fight between man and god. Like other elements of the film, Dawn of Justice mostly lays a foundation for future adventures with the hero – but that foundation is a sturdy one. The DC Extended Universe Arrives in Batman V Superman. Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice is also playing in 3. D and IMAX 3. D – and fans who are all- in on the superhero showdown won’t regret springing for the extra screen space and higher fidelity sound. Thanks to a rich visual flair, and striking cinematography, Snyder’s films have always looked great on a big screen in 3. D, so it’s no surprise that Dawn of Justice clears that bar too – especially since several of the movie’s slickest action set- pieces were shot for an expanded IMAX- exclusive picture ratio. Nevertheless, the final battle is a near- non- sensical piece of CGI overload that is even more disconnected from practical environments than the final brawl in Man of Steel. Best Batman V Superman Fights in DC Comic Books. Long before The Dark Knight and the Man of Steel were scheduled to face- off in Zack Snyder’s Batman V Superman feature film, the heroes had already fought- out their differences in comic books on multiple occasions. Previously, we explained how Batman could beat Superman in a fight, borrowing examples from over fifty years of source material battles between the two Justice Leaguers. Batman V Superman is reported to take a lot of cues from Frank Miller’s seminal Batman graphic novel, The Dark Knight Returns but the director has previously stated that other comic book storylines have also impacted development of the feature film. No doubt, it’s unlikely that the fight in Batman V Superman will involve mind- control spores or alternate dimensions but, with the two heroes finally set to share the big screen in 2. Dawn of Justice by studying past battles between the two heroes. Our list doesn’t include every single altercation between Batman and Superman, and admittedly many of the actual fights each come with a caveat (Batman wasn’t prepared, Superman was holding back, etc); nevertheless, we’ve culled through years of DC Comics to gather our favorite Batman versus Superman stories. As usual, feel free to share your own favorites in the comments below! The Dark Knight Returns (1. Issues: The Dark Knight Returns #1 – 4. Backstory: After a lengthy retirement, an aged Batman returns to his vigilante ways – employing brutal tactics that blur the lines between crime- fighting and outright violence. As a result, the U. S. Batman: Hush (2. Issues: Batman #6. Backstory: Under the control of Poison Ivy’s neurotoxin spores, Superman takes- on Batman; though, the Man of Steel is “holding back” (as a result of Kal- El’s subconscious simultaneously attempting to fight- off the mind- control poison). The Batman V Superman Fight: With no time to plan, Batman runs away from Superman but employs the use of pre- made anti- Superman gadgets that Wayne had prepared, including a kryptonite ring, should the Man of Steel ever lose control (we always wondered what he kept in the center of his utility belt). Ultimately, Batman gains the upper hand by manipulating Kal- El through emotional attachments, endangering Lois Lane (with the help of Catwoman) to snap Superman out of Ivy’s mind- control. Winner: Batman stands his ground – but only because the Kryptonian’s spore- controlled body was being held back by Superman’s conflicted will. The Dark Knight Strikes Again (2. Issues: The Dark Knight Strikes Again #1 – 3. Backstory: Following the events of The Dark Knight Returns, The Dark Knight Strikes Again sees Batman back in the cape and cowl – this time battling a Lex Luthor backed military dictatorship. While superheroes like Green Arrow and the Atom assist Batman, several other Justice League heroes (Superman, Wonder Woman, and Shazam!) are coerced, via lethal threats to their loved ones, to aid the U. S. However, when the Dark Knight lures Superman into the Batcave, he beats the Man of Steel into submission with kryptonite gauntlets (with aid from fellow Justice League heroes). Winner: Batman. 7. Superman: Red Son (2. Issues: Superman: Red Son #1 – 3. Backstory: An Elseworld story, Kal- El’s escape pod lands in the Soviet Union (rather than Kansas) – where he is raised to be a Russian military commander. Turning the country into Earth’s preeminent world power, Superman rules over the Soviet Union with harsh dictatorial intimidation. When the parents of Batmankoff (not Bruce Wayne) are killed by communists, the future- vigilante begins training to take the Kryptonian down alongside the malevolent government he serves. The Batman V Superman Fight: Russian Batman tricks Soviet Superman into entering a room filled with solar lamps, which (unknown to Kal- El) emit the same radiation as Krypton’s red sun. Weakened, Superman is helpless as Batman beats him into submission. Winner: Russian Batman wins – until Superman is saved by Wonder Woman. Fearing retribution from Superman, Batman commits suicide (via an explosive device implanted in his own chest). Lex Luthor: Man of Steel (2. Issues: Lex Luthor: Man of Steel #1 – 5. Backstory: Bruce Wayne receives a piece of Kryptonite from Lex Luthor – and uses it to attack the Man of Steel (who he perceives to be a potential threat to humanity). The Batman V Superman Fight: More a showcase for how strong a fully- powered, non- brainwashed Superman would be in a battle with Batman, than an actual fight, the Man of Steel uses super- breath to blow Luthor’s gifted Kryptonite out of The Dark Knight’s hands – then grabs Batman, flies him into the sky, and tosses him back onto the street below. To prove his superiority, Superman throws a lethal punch toward Batman’s face – but stops short. Winner: Superman wins. Superman Sacrifice (2. Issues: Superman #2. Part 1), Action Comics #8. Part 2), Adventures of Superman #6. Part 3), and Wonder Woman #2. Part 4)Backstory: After hacking the bat computer to discover the weaknesses of each Justice League member, Maxwell Lord mind- controls Superman, tricking the Kryptonian into fighting his fellow Justice League team members – believing that he’s actually battling his greatest enemies (such as the villain Darkseid). The Batman V Superman Fight: Superman ambushes a completely unprepared Batman in the Batcave. Blindsided by the all- powerful Superman, who believes he’s in a life- or- death battle with Darkseid to protect his friends, Batman takes a beating. Eventually Wonder Woman intervenes, snapping Maxwell Lord’s neck, and severing his control over Superman. Winner: Everyone loses. Batman suffers severe injuries and Superman is distraught when he awakens from his brainwashing (discovering he had attacked his teammates). Superman/Batman: Super- Bat (2. Issues: Superman/Batman #5. Backstory: During a fight with Silver Banshee, Superman’s powers are transferred to Batman – who goes on to purge Gotham City of all crime. Powerless, Superman is finally able to lead a normal life – free from the burden of being a god- like hero. However, with no one to stop him, Batman grows drunk with power, becoming increasingly aggressive and dangerous, while Clark, unsatisfied by his normal life, is crippled by depression. The Batman V Superman Fight: After Batman defeats Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Firestorm, Red Tornado, and Hawkgirl, Supergirl appeals to Bruce Wayne’s sense of reason – while Zatanna uses magic to distract him. Clark Kent confronts Batman – taking punches from the Dark Knight until Zatanna can reverse the spell. Winner: Kent takes a beating from Batman but achieves the moral victory – willing to suffer injury in order to save his friend. Justice League: Origin (2. Issues: Justice League: Origin #1 – 6. Backstory: As part of the New 5. Justice League: Origin features the “first” Batman versus Superman fight in the new continuity – pairing a newcomer Superman against an established Batman (who believes the super- powered alien could be a danger to Earth). The Batman V Superman Fight: Since Superman is fresh on the scene, Batman is unaware of the Kryptonian’s superhuman abilities. Employing various bat- gadgets, to no avail, Batman is outmatched. Even with the aid of Green Lantern, Batman is defeated at every turn by the Man of Steel – until the two talk- it- out. Winner: Superman wins but Batman learns the value of communication. Injustice: Gods Among Us (2. Issue: Injustice: Gods Among Us #3. Backstory: After the Joker detonates a nuclear device in Metropolis, and tricks Superman into killing Lois Lane (as well as the pair’s unborn child), Kal- El decides the only way to protect Earth is to impose a totalitarian government ruled by former superheroes and super villains – appointing himself High Councillor. Batman, on the other hand, leads an insurgency determined to restore freedom to the world. The Batman V Superman Fight: The Man of Steel enters the batcave and breaks The Dark Knight’s back over his knee (Bane- style). Winner: A painfully brief Batman versus Superman fight wins – until Alfred intervenes (armed with a super- power giving nanotech pill), headbutts the Man of Steel, and rescues Batman. Batman: End Game (2. Issues: Batman: End Game #1 – 6. Backstory: Under the control of a poison that transforms Justice Leaguers into Joker hybrids, each member of the team takes- on Batman. In spite of unchecked use of their powers, The Dark Knight battles each Justice League hero until only one remains: Superman. The Batman V Superman Fight: Batman dons power armor – trading out his usual Kryptonite gloves for gauntlets with microscopic red son attachments. After taking a red sun- fueled beating, the insane Man of Steel unleashes a super- powered barrage on Batman, Metropolis, and innocent bystanders – until Batman spits a piece of Kryptonite laced synthetic polymer (read: gum) into Superman’s eye. Winner: Weakened by the Kryptonite, Superman is defeated but, overlooking the destruction of Metropolis, Batman outright states that nobody “won” the fight. Dis(honorable) Mentions: Superman #7. Retold in Superman/Batman Annual #1 (2. Exhausted from their dual lives of crimefighting, Bruce Wayne and Kal- El independently book tickets for an ocean cruise – only to arrive and discover the ship has been overbooked. Rather than give up their spots, the two agree to share a room – in the same bed, wrestling for space and control of the covers. World’s Finest #1. Batman and Superman team- up to defeat a Superman Museum janitor – who was transformed into a half- Batman, half- Man of Steel evildoer, known as Composite Superman, after being struck by lightning while cleaning the Legion of Super- Heroes trophy case. Dis(honorable) Mentions: World’s Finest #1. Blasted by a ray that evolves him 8. Batman of 8. 00,0. A. D. The presence of Kryptonite Man both strengthens Batman while weakening Superman – though Batman is not in control to enjoy his new- found power. The World's Finest - The #1 DC Animation Resource. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has provided the following press details announcing a special one- night only theatrical screening of Batman and Harley Quinn, the forthcoming DC Universe Animated Original Movie. The one- night only event will be held on August 1. Batman and Harley Quinn is set for a digital release on August 1. August 2. 9th, 2. Complete details for the event, held by DC Entertainment, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and Fathom Events, can be found below. The Dark Knight is Back for a One- Night Cinematic Eventwith All- New Animated DC Universe Original Movie. Batman and Harley Quinn on August 1. Warner Bros. Studios, DC Entertainment and Fathom Events are proud to announce a special, one- night cinema event for the latest DC Universe Original Movie, Batman and Harley Quinn, on August 1. One night prior to the Digital release and 1. Blu- ray and DVD, Batman and Harley Quinn will screen Monday, August 1. In addition to seeing the film, audiences at the one- night screening will be the first to experience an exclusive featurette spotlighting the film’s star character, Harley Quinn. Tickets for Batman and Harley Quinn can be purchased beginning Friday, June 3. Fathom. Events. com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U. S. A complete list of theater locations will be available June 3. Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change). Produced by Warner Bros. Animation from an original story spawned by animation icon Bruce Timm, Batman and Harley Quinn finds Poison Ivy and Jason Woodrue (a. The Floronic Man) embarking on an ecological quest to save the planet – and, unfortunately, eliminate most of humankind along the way. To save humanity, Batman and Nightwing are forced to enlist Harley Quinn to catch Poison Ivy, Harley’s BFF and frequent partner- in- crime. But Batman’s patience is put to the test by the unpredictable and untrustworthy Harley during the twists and turns the reluctant companions face during their bumpy road trip. The result is a thrill ride of action, adventure and comedy no Batman fan has seen before.“Fans of DC Universe Original Movies are a devoted legion, and never was that so evident than with the enthusiastic embracing of our Batman: The Killing Joke Fathom Events presentation,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Vice President, Family and Animation Marketing. The fan favorite voices of Batman: The Animated Series – Kevin Conroy as Batman, Loren Lester as Nightwing – take the protagonist leads, while Paget Brewster (Criminal Minds) and Kevin Michael Richardson (The Cleveland Show) provide the voices of the villainous duo of Poison Ivy & Jason Woodrue, respectively. Sam Liu (Batman: The Killing Joke) directed the film from an original story by Bruce Timm (Batman: The Dark Knight Returns) with a teleplay written by Timm & Jim Krieg (Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox). Co- Producer is Alan Burnett (The Batman). Executive Producers are Sam Register and Bruce Timm. Benjamin Melniker and Michael Uslan are Executive Producers.“Seeing Batman and Harley Quinn on the big screen and among fellow fans is truly the best way to experience it,” Fathom Events VP of Studio Relations Tom Lucas said. On that night, we’re expecting audiences to pack theater auditoriums just like they did for Batman: The Killing Joke.”About Fathom Events. Fathom Events is recognized as the leading domestic distributor of event cinema with participating affiliate theaters in all 1. Designated Market Areas. Owned by AMC Entertainment Inc. Fathom Events takes audiences behind the scenes and offers unique extras including audience Q& As, backstage footage and interviews with cast and crew, creating the ultimate VIP experience. Fathom Events’ live digital broadcast network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live and pre- recorded events to 8. DMAs. For more information, visit www. About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Inc.: Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment’s home video, digital distribution and interactive entertainment businesses in order to maximize current and next- generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu- ray Disc. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees. About DC Entertainment. DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash, etc.), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables, etc.) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating across Warner Bros. Animation. Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) is one of the leading producers of animation in the entertainment industry, producing and developing projects for multiple platforms, both domestically and internationally. WBA’s TV series include Justice League Action, Teen Titans Go! As home to the iconic animated characters from the DC Comics, Hanna- Barbera, MGM and Looney Tunes libraries, WBA also produces highly successful animated films — including the DC Universe Animated Original Movies — for DVD, Blu- ray. One of the most- honored animation studios in history, WBA has won six Academy Awards. For more information on the animated feature, check out the Batman and Harley Quinn subsite right here at The World’s Finest. The subsite includes videos and images not available anywhere else, along with additional content and details. Be sure to keep checking back for further updates here at The World’s Finest and on our Twitter feed. Discuss this news at The DC Animation Forum! Follow The World’s Finest on. Facebook – Twitter.
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