A Reel Preview: Everything You Need To Know About BATMAN V. SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE

 

Who are the two most popular, storied, and iconic superheroes ever created? Without a doubt, it is Batman and Superman, and on any given day during any given debate, any one of them could be declared as the #1. It’s a case of 1A and 1B, and this week, for the first time, the cinematic versions of these two characters finally meet on the big screen when BATMAN V. SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE arrives in theatres. Here is everything you need to know going into this highly anticipated film.

What is this all about? – DAWN OF JUSTICE is the second film in Warner Bros. Pictures’ new series of connected films based on characters from DC Comics, with the first film being Zack Snyder’s MAN OF STEEL in 2013, which introduced a new Superman and supporting cast to the world. In this second entry, WB/DC are introducing a new Bruce Wayne/Batman, who is seeking retribution after the cataclysmic events of MAN OF STEEL. Along with a new Batman, this film will also introduce new versions of famous DC characters such as Bruce Wayne’s long-time butler Alfred, Superman’s nemesis Lex Luthor…along with the first big-screen versions of Wonder Woman and Aquaman.

Who is playing who? – The extra-large cast has Henry Cavill reprising his role as Superman, and Ben Affleck (ARGO) as our new Caped Crusader. The new cast includes Gal Gadot (THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS) as our new Wonder Woman, Jessie Eisenberg (THE SOCIAL NETWORK) as Lex Luthor, Jeremy Irons (DIE HARD 3) as Alfred, and Jason Momoa (TV’S GAME OF THRONES) as Aquaman. Reprising their roles are Amy Adams (AMERICAN HUSTLE) as Lois Lane, Laurence Fishburne (THE MATRIX) as Perry White, and Diane Lane (UNFAITHFUL) as Martha Kent. Also along for the ride are Holly Hunter, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan.

Who is behind the camera? – DAWN OF JUSTICE is directed by Zack Snyder, who helmed MAN OF STEEL in 2013. His other credits include 300 (2007), WATCHMEN (2009), and SUCKER PUNCH (2011). The script is written by Chris Terrio, who won an Oscar in 2012 for Ben Affleck’s ARGO (Best Adapted Screenplay), and David S. Goyer, who wrote MAN OF STEEL and Christopher Nolan’s DARK KNIGHT TRILOGY. The score is provided by Hans Zimmer, who scored Nolan’s Batman films along with GLADIATOR (2000), and THE LION KING (1994), and Junkie XL, who provided the score for last year’s MAD MAX: FURY ROAD.

Random Facts – This version of Batman has no connection to Christopher Nolan’s three Batman films, and is a fresh-start (reboot) on the character * Christian Bale, who played Bruce Wayne in the Nolan films, was offered to reprise his Batman role in DAWN OF JUSTICE * This is Ben Affleck’s second time out playing a superhero; he played the lead in DAREDEVIL in 2003 * This is the 10^th time Batman has been portrayed on the big and small screen since 1943. Superman has been portrayed 16 times since 1939 * The “v.” in the title is an abbreviation of the Latin word “versus”, meaning “against”. The title of the film is styled in the way court cases are titled. The first party is the claimant taking action because they have grievances with the second party *.

What to expect – For the past year, it seems that Warner Bros. has been going out of their way to tell us how epic and huge the fight between Batman and Superman is; which is fine and good, but it still needs to have a story behind two titans punching each other. Starting with the script, Goyer and Terrio have had success by writing very workman-like scripts; nothing mind-blowing but functional enough to get characters where they need to go. The cast, which reads like a list of nominees on Oscar night, are certain to do their jobs well, and this Blogger has believed from day one that Ben Affleck will give his all as the new Bruce Wayne…and the same goes for newcomer Gal Gadot. DAWN OF JUSTICE will truly crash or fly depending on its director, Zack Snyder. Snyder is known for great spectacle and visual treats, but has struggled with lacing together a story in the past. Delicacy is not his strong suit, but for a film that seems to want nothing more than fighting, that may be the story Warner Bros. wants to sell. We can expect lots of action, with what’s behind it all the real question-mark.

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BATMAN V. SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE takes flight March 25^th