MOVIE REVIEW: Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice: The IMAX 3D Experience (2016)

BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE (2016) Review
Directed by Zack Snyder

The red capes are coming, the red capes are coming. The hype for Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice has been far too long and we’re here now, Warner Bros. and DC Comic’s second installment to their DC Extended Universe has arrived. The film was originally to be released July 2015 and then moved to May 2016 and finally, March 2016. Delaying a film’s release is not a new thing in Hollywood, it also happened to The Seventh Son, Jupiter Ascending and G.I. Joe: Retaliation. If you noticed, the films I’ve given are disappointing ones because Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice sadly has the same fate as these blockbuster films. Delaying the film will not always mean it is bad, but you’ll smell something’s fishy most of the time.

Reintroducing Bruce Wayne in its universe clearly is vital in Batman V Superman, of course, even with Christopher Nolan’s highly acclaimed The Dark Knight Trilogy, the audience needs to know that Batman indeed is and finally enters a universe wherein co-DC superheroes will join him to fight. But things are more interesting in BvS for the caped crusader.

The political touch of the film is its strongest point but only was discussed in its first act. You get to see these superheroes get to be accountable of their actions or at least what their actions have done for other people and their surroundings. The film wants to dive deeply into that until Lex Luthor came in. Jesse Eisenberg is an effective demented scientist and looks like he’s just in the early stages of being hungry of power. But that’s cool since the film wants him to be that way.

Gal Gadot will probably make an impact on everybody, her mysterious charm is spellbinding that you won’t leave your seat whenever her character, either as Diana Prince or as Wonder Woman is on screen. Henry Cavill still has that manly and godlike body and can both look as innocent as Clark Kent and as a fighter like Superman. Ben Affleck, while some are concerned about him, taking the role of the Batman after a successful trilogy that starred Christian Bale who personified the voice of “I’m Batman,” gives you all the right reasons to make him your favorite Batman, if not at least one of. Affleck has the angry look in his eyes, even with his suit on, you can see the grit and the years of pain he’s been through as Bruce Wayne.

The film is half getting ready for the “Batman Vs. Superman,” while Clark Kent/Superman is obviously a foe you can’t win, Bruce Wayne gets ready for the fight he never wanted but has to because of the dangers Superman poses. The dynamics between the two felt forced, not that it wasn’t effective, it just lacks a better build up. And half, stalling and bringing in its main event which is bigger than Man of Steel‘s.

You really want to love the film because they are your childhood heroes or for some, even when they’re already grownups. But Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice isn’t clear on their stand with humanity. Yes, they battle the bad guys normal people can’t but the destruction these battle causes is too much, too much that their concern for humanity isn’t evident in their actions. You actually thought that maybe, with all the bashing with Man of Steel being too much will make Batman V Superman less likely to have the same fate as Superman’s re-launching movie, but it did not.

You’ll find the whole film enjoyable but not satisfying. Casting was not the problem, they were terrific but you won’t be satisfied with what you watch because of these faces, these actors. The story and how it was translated in the screen is the problem. The film is crowded, not only with characters but with ideas. And it leads the film into something uneven and confusing as to where these heroes really stand. It’s an epic film, no doubt about that. And its tease to its universe makes you excited but it needs room to breathe its epicness and be more aware not just of its characters but of its world.

The IMAX screens are perfect for its grand battles though seeing it in IMAX Mall of Asia, the scenes shot in IMAX cameras are hardly noticeable, since they’re projecting it in digital format rather than the 70mm. But films like BvS is no doubt should be seen in the IMAX screens. The 3D is decent, especially its opening seuqence. But unless IMAX Mall of Asia brings back its 70mm IMAX projection or upgrade to laser IMAX, it doesn’t feel an IMAX experience at all. Might as well go to the newer IMAX Theatres where it is also projected in digital IMAX format.

3 OUT OF 5 STARS

“Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice” opens in Philippine cinemas March 26, 2016 (Black Satuday) nationwide from Warner Bros. Pictures. Also available in 3D, 3D/4Dx and IMAX 3D. Rated PG by the MTRCB.