The Student News Site of Sonoma State University

Sonoma State Star

The Student News Site of Sonoma State University

Sonoma State Star

The Student News Site of Sonoma State University

Sonoma State Star

‘Batman vs. Superman’: An optimist’s opinion

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Earning $424.1 million worldwide, “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice” has recieved mixed reviews from fans and critics.

If you haven’t seen it by now, chances are you’ve at least heard someone else’s review of “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.” Undoubtedly, it’s not the most impressive film that Director Zack Snyder has ever put out.

I’m not going to try and convince you to go see this film. Truthfully, I’m not sure that I would want to see it again myself. The cinematic qualities — as discussed by my fellow staff writer Emma Devitt — are subpar at best. With that said, however, I think there are some aspects of the movie worth commending.

One of the most notable details of the film was the choice of characters featured in it. On many occasions, these beloved characters showed up just in time to save the crumbling plot and appease DC fans’ concerns that this just might be the worst superhero movie ever.  

Many of the characters from “Man of Steel,” including Henry Cavill’s Clark Kent and Amy Adams’ Lois Lane were present in the film. Seeing these familiar faces was like finding a friend in a dire time of need; although you were suffering through the unnecessarily lengthy film, at least you had someone to go through it with.

Some other much appreciated appearances were made by other members of the Justice League. The Flash, Cyborg and Aquaman (played by Game of Thrones’ Jason Mamoa) all had brief introductions, leading fans to revel in the glory of the upcoming Justice League films. The most significant cameo, though, was made by Wonder Woman, played by Gal Gadot. True to her form, Wonder Woman showed up just in time, when the both storyline and the other heroes needed her most. Some would argue that Wonder Woman stole the show in “Batman vs. Superman,” but I’d say she saved it.

Beyond the character appearances, “Dawn of Justice” also provided an opportunity for some intriguing performances by its cast. Of course, there is much debate regarding Ben Affleck as Batman. The true achievement, however, came from the crazier-than-ever Lex Luthor, played by Jesse Eisenberg.

Some have critiqued that Eisenberg’s Lex Luthor was too similar to all of the other roles that he’s played. But truly, I think that’s what made this portrayal so dynamic and fascinating. Like Mark Zuckerberg in “The Social Network,” Luthor was fidgety, clever and socially awkward.

These details added a fresh interpretation to the typically smooth-talking LexCorp CEO. Eisenberg took the character to new places in this film, allowing him to be angsty, formidable and enigmatic all at the same time.

As a whole, “Batman vs. Superman” turned out the way that many expected it to: jerky, confusing, and more than a little frustrating.

But there were some saving graces wrapped up within the mess. Amongst the wreckage of this film, the outstanding characters and the actors that played them were there, serving as the real heroes holding it all together.

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