Category: Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice

The Best and Worst Scenes in BATMAN V SUPERMAN

Posted on by Nick Doll in Batman, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, DC, Lists, Movies

Previously on “The Best and Worst of Batman V Superman”: The Cast.

This Time: The Strongest… and Weakest… Scenes!

It’s time again to look at the good and the bad. Because there is good in Batman v Superman yet.

There are SPOILERS ahead for Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice (unlike my Spoiler Free Review), so be warned!

 

Best: Artistic Take on the Wayne MurderBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Thomas WayneMy initial review was glowing when it came to the style in which Director Zack Snyder filmed the Wayne Murder. I don’t want to rehash my review too much, so let’s keep this brief.

The Wayne Murder has never been presented in such a visually stunning manner, from choices like breaking Martha Wayne’s Pearl Necklace with the hammer of the gun, to the overall color/look of the scene. And featuring Jeffrey Dean Morgan (The Comedian in Snyder’s Watchmen) playing Thomas Wayne… well, that’s a slam dunk!

… if you have to show the damn scene again…

 

Worst: The Wayne Murder Happens Again… Again… AgainWayne Murder Batman V Superman Dawn of JusticeThe problem is that this scene never needed to be in the movie! We all know Jesus died on the Cross, Peter Parker let Uncle Ben get shot (basically), and Thomas and Martha Wayne died in Crime Alley following a showing of The Mark of Zorro.

And we don’t just see the scene at the beginning of BvS, oh no!  Snyder cuts back to the retread of a retread of a retread of the scene later in the film to drive home a point (“Martha…”).

Warner Brothers, please don’t show us the death of the Lego Waynes in next year’s The Lego Batman Movie!

 

Best: Batman Superman (Finally) FightBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Henry Cavill Superman Pushs Ben Affleck BatmanThe title promises one thing; Batman (Ben Affleck) will fight Superman (Henry Cavill), as ridiculous a premise as that sounds (A Man Vs a “God?”… okay…  maybe the trailers and have covered that issue already).

Surprisingly, in a movie called Batman V Superman, the title players only physically fight once… and it’s not until the 3 rd act. While it was wise to save the climatic fight for what should have been the end of the movie (more on that later), I’m surprised there wasn’t a 2nd, less climatic clash earlier in the movie like every other superhero movie (likely even Captain America: Civil War). There was Batman’s “Knightmare” which doesn’t count because it was a dream(vision?) with Batman only fighting  Superman’s Soldiers… before Superman ripped out his heart. The only other in costume encounter was the stern warning from Superman to Batman not to go to the Bat Signal when it was next turned on. The two heroes didn’t fight in that scene either. Sure, Superman crashed the Batmobile, but he did it by just standing there…Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Batman Faces Superman bat Mobile Gas StationBy the time we do get to the long awaited fight it is as glorious as the trailer teased. In fact, it’s one of the more wonderful scenes in an otherwise surprisingly action-lite two and a half hour film. The visuals are still astounding (that Frank Miller inspired “Iron” Batsuit sure looks pretty in the rain) and the strategies The Dark Knight employs against The Man of Steel are entertaining; making you believe Batman really could beat Superman as a brilliant strategist… and with some weaponized Kryptonite gas… and spear!

It’s an extremely entertaining scene from the moment Superman lands to the final moment: “Martha.”

 

Worst: Why Batman and Superman FightBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Lex Luthor Jesse Eisenberg on RooftopBatman and Superman fighting over ideologies is enough! Writers Zack Snyder and Chris Terrio go overboard with unnecessary pressure pushing DC’s two biggest characters to brawl.

Bruce Wayne doesn’t trust Superman because the latter is all powerful. Clark Kent does not approve of the (murderous) Batman’s methods and “reign of terror.” Superman even warns Batman midway through the film that next time the Bat Signal is turned on he should stay home. So, when Batman prepares for battle and shines the Bat Signal in the sky to attract Superman’s attention, that should be enough!

Why does Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg) have to kidnap Martha Kent and order Superman to kill the Bat?

Answer: He doesn’t. But none of Luthor’s plans make sense in Batman V Superman. His characters complete lack of logic is one of the most frustrating parts of the film.

 

Best: Battle of Metropolis I (Zod)Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Review Ben Affleck Bruce Wayne MetrpolisEveryone’s least favorite part about Man of Steel has become my favorite scene in Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice. I also covered this scene in my initial review, so I will again be brief.

For the first time ever, we’re given Bruce Wayne: True Action Hero. He drives a Jeep between collapsing buildings, witnesses Wayne Finances collapse with his “family” inside, and runs into the 9/11-esque all-encompassing ash to help the surviving victims.

The destruction is on a whole new scale from Bruce Wayne’s point of view, both in the amount of destruction we witness and the bigger focus on loss of life. It’s really cool to see odd Spaceships without needing any sort of exposition as to why they are there and what each one does; Man of Steel covered that. Most importantly, this event is all Bruce Wayne really needed to decide to declare war on Superman.

 

Worst: Battle of Metropolis II (Doomsday)Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice DoomsdayJust as boring and overblown as the Battle of Metropolis was at the end of Man of Steel (not to be confused with the Bruce Wayne’s POV version in BvS), the finale to Batman V Superman is so bad it is mostly responsible for making what could have been a great Batman film into a measly 6 out of 10.

Everything is wrong with this scene. Even the visuals take a massive dip from what is otherwise a beautiful film. Really, the movie is a 0 out of 10 following the actual fight between Batman and Superman, with the notable exception of the amazing Bat Combat we see in the Warehouse scene when Batman rescues Martha Kent.

Doomsday looks like an Orc. The landscape is simply fire… burning rubble everywhere with no discernible landmarks. Yet we’re assured multiple times by cutaways to the military that everywhere Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) fight Doomsday is uninhabited; a severe overreaction to the destructive finale of Man of Steel.Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Review Final BattleGone is the “realism” (as much as could be expected at least) present in Batman and Superman’s fight and other action scenes. Instead, we have characters like Wonder Woman launching themselves across the battlefield (it’s hard to tell how far when everything is on fire…) in what looks like a video game… or a half-assed scene tacked on an otherwise polished movie.

One of the scene’s biggest crimes? Not giving Batman anything to do but distract Doomsday and run, unlike the Avengers films which give even mortals like Hawkeye and Black Widow something to contribute. Sure, there’s the obligatory final moment when all three heroes must work in unison to kill Doomsday, not unlike the first Fantastic Four film (a comparison you do not want). Wonder Woman on the lasso, Superman with the Kryptonite Spear, and Batman’s last Kryptonite Gas bomb! VICTORY (Sort of…)

Awful final fight. Really ruins an otherwise decent film.

 

I can write about Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice for days. And I just might do so!

Until Next Time…

The Best and Worst Cast Members of BATMAN V SUPERMAN

Posted on by Nick Doll in Batman, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, DC, Lists, Movies

While I didn’t hate Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, I didn’t exactly love it, giving it a measly 6 out of 10 in my review (which is more generous than most). I did, however, love elements of the film, so I thought I’d cover the best of BvS, countering with the film’s worst elements for a nice and balanced 2nd look at the film.

Warning! Unlike my review, this post will contain SPOILERS!

In this edition I’ll cover the cast, from the title characters down to Alfred Pennyworth and other supporting characters.

 

Best: Batffleck & Bruce WayneBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Ben Affleck Under The CowlWhile every review for Batman V Superman loves Gal Gadot’s take on Wonder Woman, nearly as many praise Ben Affleck for presenting what most are calling the best Batman we’ve ever seen on the silver screen. I would agree 100%; it is possible to have the best Batman in what is far from the best Batman movie.

Actors in the past have been great at Batman but less stellar at Bruce Wayne and vice versa. Ben Affleck didn’t just deliver the best Batman, but also the best Bruce Wayne (which is probably the more difficult of the two roles). Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Grapel HookThis Batman may kill… and kill… and kill… but what else is new? Batman on the big screen has been a downright serial killer, from 1989’s Batman to even the Nolan films. The latter tried to make his “One Rule” a thematic element… while allowing Bats to kill all the same. BvS never apologizes for this choice; the version of Batman that Snyder and co-writer Chris Terrio choose to use is a grizzled vet who has fought crime in Gotham for over twenty years, destroying his patience and reducing his faith that “Men Are Good” in the process. If man is not good, why not murder baddies? (I do someday want a Batman movie where he doesn’t kill… for real).Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Ben Affleck Knightmare FightBatffleck is imposing in every way, from his stature (Affleck was partially picked because he was taller than Henry Cavill’s Superman) to his terrifying voice that uses a modulator in order to avoid Christian Bale’s worst Batman trait: The Bat Voice. He’s gigantic, with Thor/Captain America sized muscles that make every Batman actor before look scrawny, even Bale. This Batman’s fighting style is smooth, fast, yet brutal in a way that seems to emulate the amazing combat of the Arkham video games and capture the feel of the comics in a way that Batman movies never have. His training sequence looked mind-boggling difficult. And his aforementioned dark(er) outlook on life completes the package: one badass, brutal Bat. Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Ben Affleck Bruce Wayne At Wayne GravesMeanwhile, Ben Affleck’s Bruce Wayne has more depth than any before. He’s not awkward like Michael Keaton or a half assed-cover story for his true Bat Identity like Christian Bale’s version. He’s charming when he needs to be, brooding like any good Bruce Wayne (but not too brooding, another poor choice made by Bale) and… a hero. Even when he’s not in the Batsuit, hidden under the curtain of night, Bruce Wayne is just as much an action hero as his alter-ego, from his heroics at the opening Battle of Metropolis to perusing the criminal underground to steal data from Luthor’s lead henchmen (you know, that Russian Dude).Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Bruce Wayne Ben Affleck Metropolis YellLong story short: Ben Affleck is the first actor to rock the roles of Batman AND Bruce Wayne.

 

Worst: Superman & Clark KentBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Henry CavillSuperman continues to disappoint, maintaining the weaknesses that made his character feel “off” in Man of Steel. In fact, Henry Cavill seems to have gotten worse at the role, making decisions that seem completely off the mark for the character, especially considering Superman is supposed to be less brooding and have more faith in humanity than Batman.Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Clark Kent Henry CavillCavill’s worst offense? Clark Kent is downright cocky. While Cavill said in interviews that he felt that Christopher Reeve’s portrayal of Clark Kent was so downright clumsy that he would draw more attention to himself than is smart when you are a superhero by night (correction: in Goddamn daylight) who doesn’t bother to wear a mask. In an effort to fix what he sees as a problem the character has had, Cavill over compensates and completely misses the mark, making Clark Kent waaaay too cocky and not the humble man he should be when he’s not wearing (dull) red and blue.

It’s as though Cavill forgot to leave the cockiness of Napoleon Solo on the set of 2015’s The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

 

Best: The New Supporting Cast – Jeremy Irons, Jesse Eisenberg, Gal GadotBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Ben Affleck Bruce Wayne and Alfred Pennyworth Jeremy IronsBatman V Superman must have had a different casting director than Man of Steel because the difference in casts are night and day, day and night (Thanks, Lex luthor, for that).

Let’s start with the Batman Universe’s 2nd most featured character, Alfred Pennyworth, played by Jeremy Irons this go around. With an older Bruce Wayne/Batman than ever before, and the 1st big screen Alfred without White Hair, the age gap between the damaged boy and his butler (now, more of a guardian, mechanic, and even sidekick) has never been slimmer. And while Michael Caine made a fantastic Alfred who was far less conventional/clichéd than Micheal Gough in the two Tim Burton and two Joel Schumacher films, Jeremy Irons does it even better. He’s more hands on from designing/fixing up the helmet under Batman’s cowl (complete with voice modulator that even makes Alfred sound terrifying) to piloting the Batwing remotely during the warehouse fight.Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Review Alfred Pennyworth Jeremy IronsAgain, while Michael Cane’s Alfred and Christian Bale’s Bruce Wayne had great chemistry, it doesn’t hold a candle to the relationship of Jeremy Iron’s Alfred and Affleck’s Bruce. They really feel like an old married couple who have been doing this crime fighting thing for 20 years, with Alfred no longer trying to talk Batman out of being Batman. But do not fear, he but is just as sarcastic about the whole situation as Caine.Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Lex Luthor Drinks Jesse Eisenberg Though most people would disagree, I also found Jesse Eisenberg’s younger, unconventional Lex Luthor  just as enjoyable as Skyfall/SPECTRE’s twenty-something Q; a real breath of fresh air. I love how he played the character, cocky at moments (like his introductory shot where he makes a basket 1st try), condescending (feeding a Military General a cherry Jolly Rancher or addressing Holly Hunter’s Senator Finch), awkward (stumbling through that speech at his Gala), and downright psychotic (Lois Lane was right!). Unlike the usual Genius-Billionaire-Rea- Estate-Mogul  we are accustomed to, Eisenberg’s Luthor is not a stable man… at all. And it works!

It’s not Jesse Eisenberg’s fault that the script makes Luthor’s plans unfollowable.Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Wonder Woman Finally, while I wasn’t as gaga for Gal Gadot’s Diana Prince/Wonder Woman as most, the character was a welcome addition to the film. Though I know little about the character, it seems like Gadot nailed it.  

 

Worst: The Man of Steel Returning Cast – Amy Adams, Henry Lennix, Lawrence Fishburne, Kevin CostnerBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Lois Lane Amy Adams Henry Cavill Clark Kent Perry White I hate to speak in absolutes, but NONE of the returning cast from Man of Steel brings anything interesting to the Batman V Superman. Maybe the reason isn’t a different casting director, but character fatigue (already) as we’ve seen all these cats in Man of Steel. Of course, it’s also possible (and very likely) that Luthor, Alfred, and Wonder Woman are just more complex characters than the following two dimensional place holders.Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Henry Cavill Saves Lois Lane Amy Adams Amy Adams may have been the victim of a bad script, but she didn’t save the role of Lois Lane like Jesse Eisenberg did with Lex Luthor. She’s the victim most the film (Superman saves her 3 times!) and her lack of investigative reporting skills make you wonder how she figured out Superman’s identity in the first film! How long does it take to track a bullet back to Lex Luthor and LexCorp, really? Worst of all, her performance doesn’t add any weight to Superman’s death at the end of the film. Somber Bruce Wayne and Diana Prince lingering the background carry more emotion than Clark Kent’s girl.Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Perry WhiteEveryone else is also just so “Meh.” Henry Lennix is great on NBC’s The Blacklist, but is the world’s most boring Military General in Batman V Superman. Lawrence Fishburne plays Daily Planet Editor Perry White as though he has never read a Superman Comic, but once watched J.K. Simmons as Daily Bugle Editor J. Jonah Jameson in Spider-Man nearly 15 years ago and said, “I’ll do that!”

Worst of all is Kevin Costner who gets to appear as the figment a dream (in a movie full of them). A farmer telling a story about a farm incident that has little to do with the plot, unexplainably on the top of a mountain? This does seem to be a theme as there are a lot of stories/metaphors that don’t make any sense in BvS. The role is certainly a stretch (not) for Costner , who often plays farmers and doesn’t seem to realize he’s in a move in which someone invested $250 million dollars.Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Michaek Shannon as Zod CorpseMichael Shannon as Zod is actually the best cast member to return…and he’s just a corpse!

 

But that’s not all the Best and the Worst of Batman V Superman! Yes, we all know there is a lot to cover in the “Worst” department, but there is actually more in the “Best” column as well, I swear!

Want more? Read “The Best and Worst Scenes In Batman V Superman” Now!

Batffleck Soars and Visuals Are King In Uneven BATMAN V SUPERMAN

Posted on by Nick Doll in Batman, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, DC, Movies, Reviews

Note: This is a Spoiler Free! Review of Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice. If it wasn’t in the trailer (a disappointingly large amount was) or the 1st act, I won’t reference anything too directly. There are so many universe building moments and DC Easter Eggs for a Geek to pour over that I will likely cover in a follow up discussion full of spoilers in the coming days.

How many reviews have you read for Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice that were written by someone who has seen it twice? How many reviewers are self proclaimed amateur Batman Scholars? And yet, not so blindly obsessed with the Caped Crusader  that he proclaims a ridiculous “20 out of 10! Best Movie Ever!” Well, soon you will have read one such review!

Batman V Superman is not the best superhero movie ever made, in fact, it doesn’t come close, not even cracking my top 10… or likely even top 20 Comic Book based films. Yet, it’s also far from the worse. Neither should be a surprise in today’s world where we have received 2-6 Superhero Films a year since 2002’s Spider-Man.

Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Review Heroes Face Off Henry Cavill Ben AffleckBvS is both better than I expected, yet still a bit of a visually beautiful mess. After all, Zack Snyder is at the helm; the controversial Director behind a horrible film (Sucker Punch), a fan favorite I hate (300), an incredibly average comic book film (Man of Steel), and another beautiful mess that I have a soft spot for (Watchman). Snyder continues to showcase the same weaknesses (plot, story pacing) and strengths (incredibly rich CGI visuals that truly brings comics to life). Luckily, Snyder has help from writer Chris Terrio who has written Academy Award nominated films like The Town, saving BvS from being the complete train-wreck it could have been.

The opening credits scene is a perfect sampling/representation of the film as a whole.

The movie opens with Martha and Thomas Wayne’s funeral (yes, we’ve seen this before), which flashes back to the Wayne Murder in Crime Alley (something we’ve more than any other Comic Book scene). I went to Batman V Superman with my best friend, a self proclaimed Superman fan, who has watched everything Batman with me from The Dark Knight films, to animated features like Batman: Year One and The Dark Knight Returns, and even TV’s Gotham, in addition to having read countless comics. More than most, this friend has a hatred for the Wayne Murder that pops up in all these stories, especially the once artistically genius choice to showcase Martha’s pearls crashing to the ground; that by this point has become just as repetitive a image as as young Bruce Wayne screaming under the spotlight of a street lamp.Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Review Wayne MurderWhen we saw the funeral, and then the flashback to a family walking out of a Zorro film, yet again, we both sighed. Then something amazing happened… Zach Snyder actually presented the scene in a way we’ve never seen it before with an very creative and bold choice. Instead of Joe Chill (the man who murder’s Bruce Wayne’s parents) ripping the necklace off Martha’s neck, he slips his gun against her throat so that the gun’s hammer holds the necklace tight between her neck and the gun. When the gun fires, the hammer recoils, splitting the pearl necklace and dropping the pearls in a very visual pleasing, surprising, and brutal way.

The film as a whole (with one giant exception) offers great visual takes on heroes and action set pieces we’ve seen before (in one case, literally, but that in a later…), much like his Watchman film flawlessly captured what looked like actual panels from a comic book. It’s not just perfect CGI, it’s great choices including a visual tone that doesn’t just feel richer than Man of Steel‘s faded look, but also more true to a comic than Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy (visuals and a certain actor being the ONLY way the film tops the now sacred trilogy). The characters, costumes, settings, and action look fantastic from this new take on the “Pearl Scene” to the rained out battle between Superman with a fantastic rendering of the Batman “Battle” suit that’s even better than how Frank Miller was drew it in The Dark Knight Returns.Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Review Ben Affleck Steps on Henry CavillVisually, things do fall apart in the grand finale, where you have a boring flaming backdrop (EVERYTHING is on fire!) and messily animated Heroes literally lunging/flying at each other over football stadium length for epic punches, even when said characters are not known for flying.

Back to the opening scene: though presented in a brand new brilliance, we’ve seen it all before… many, many times. So follows the rest of Batman V Superman; though we’ve never watched Batman fight Superman in live action, we’ve seen all the pieces before. Superman’s scenes don’t feel fresh, which isn’t a terrible crime as this film is direct sequel to Man of Steel. Though he’s never looked so good, we’ve seen Batman in a ridiculous amount of movies. Marvel has already stolen the magic of bringing multiple titans to the same battlefield, and the destruction of the finale may be over red burning ground instead of Man of Steel‘s grey rubble, but really, what’s the difference (besides the not subtle at all lines about how everywhere anyone fights in Gotham or Metropolis is “uninhabited”)?

Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Review Ben Affleck Bruce Wayne MetrpolisThe 2nd scene, though one of the best in the film (if not the best), is not just a repeated image like the death of the Waynes and the ever present Pearls, but a literal repeat of the Battle of Metropolis from Man of Steel, this time from Bruce Wayne’s (Ben Affleck) perspective. The scene is visceral and real with painful yet effective 9/11 imagery, from Bruce’s race to the Wayne Fiances skyscraper to the building’s collapse and the remaining, living victims. The destruction is more real and seems to be on an even larger scale when we are watching the laser vision of Zod and Superman (Henry Cavill) rip Wayne Fiances to pieces from a far, with the two “Gods” (really Aliens) just specks in a sky flying around giant ships exploding, destroying nearly everything.

It’s not just the visuals that make this stand-out scene so emotional, for the film’s other greatest strength is also essential in saving what could have been boring Batman/Bruce Wayne scenes in any other Batman actor’s hands. I’m of course referring to Ben Affleck, who is indeed the Batman AND Bruce Wayne we have always deserved (no actor has pulled off both sides of the coin so evenly). His brooding and anger are the only real thing in this film (because all those visuals I’ve been praising were manufactured in a computer).Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Ben Affleck Bruce Wayne Looks At BatsuitQuick props to Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor and Jeremy Irons as the latest Alfred Pennyworth for both not playing their roles conventionally, yet still delivering satisfying versions (especially Jesse Eisenberg!).

Back to the opening of the film: it’s a dream! And this film has an overabundance of dreams/possible visions, from Bruce’s apocalyptic “Knightmare” (get it?) of a world run by a heartless Superman, to Clark Kent seeing Pa Kent (Kevin Costner) in the mountains. These kind of scenes drive the story forward (and even begin to set up the greater universe including the Justice League) in a movie that feels surprisingly slow with so many characters packed in.

A great fear of mine going in was that, not unlike Watchmen (which also had soooo many characters and events to cover) or overstuffed semi-messes like Spider-Man or even Avengers: Age of Ultron, this film would feel rushed, trying to get to the big battle referenced in the title as quickly as possible with little thought and space given to the connective plot tissue.Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Review Final BattleQuite the opposite is true, in fact. The movie is almost too slow, allowing the themes of what it means to be just a man in a God’s world  and absolute power corrupting to breath for the 1st two acts. That is, before any theme or reason from earlier in the film is quickly forgotten in favor of “Smashy, Smashy, Punch Time” in the 3rd act.

Are there plot holes? God, yes, but I don’t want to go in so far as to spoil any plot points, nor am I trying to be “Honest Trailers” or “How It Should Have Ended.” Some plot holes and choices do make more sense as a comic fan as they are less of a stretch for someone who has read variations of these stories in the comics. Others are just dumbfounding, but even the Marvel films are guilty of that sin.

One thing The Avengers did pull off that BvS fails at, is giving Batman something to do when fighting a villain meant for the likes of the more powerful Superman and Wonder Woman. While armies of aliens or robots in the two Avengers films gave heroes with no powers (Hawkeye and Black Widow) or limited ones (Captain America) something to fight, Batman runs and stands around more than he fights in the grand finale, waiting for Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot, who is okay, but doesn’t shine) and Superman to do all the real fighting.

So, there you go! A review written by someone who had the chance to put the thoughts generated by not one, but two viewings of Batman V Superman down on (digital) paper.

Is this a Batman V Superman that rivals The Avengers? No. Is it a watchable film that actually makes you excited for the prospect of Justice League: Part One? Absolutely!

The old, classic, Zack Snyder mixed bag.

5_Star_Rating_System_3_stars

 

 

 

BATMAN V SUPERMAN Trailer 2: Bruce Wayne Has “A Bad History With Freaks Dressed As Clowns”

Posted on by Nick Doll in Batman, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, DC, Movies, Trailers, TV Shows

The second full length trailer for Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice has arrived by way of Jimmy Kimmel Live, just as the 1st Captain America V Iron-Man Captain America: Civil War trailer was released last week. Kimmel certainly seems to have the best Bookers in late night TV!

Almost entirely new footage, the latest trailer goes as far to show us the film’s true villain, because a there was never a chance that Batman and Superman wouldn’t join forces at the end to fight a common villain, likely from Superman’s Rogue Gallery. So, if you don’t want the spoiler of who the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel fight in Act III, aside Wonder Woman, don’t watch this trailer!

Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Trailer #2 Lex Luthor Jesse Eisenberg Introduces Bruce Wayne Ben Affleck and Clark Kent Henry CavillOn the other hand, if you want some wonderful banter between Clark Kent (Henry Cavill) and Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) about the violent Bat Vigilante and the dangerous Alien, do watch the trailer! And there’s nothing like Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg) not only introducing Kent and Wayne, but also gleefully claiming responsibility for it!

It does look like Kent V Wayne part of the conflict may be more interesting than watching the two heroes wail on each-other, especially after the Captain America: Civil War showed us beautifully choreographed Capt. & Bucky V Iron Man combat vs the smashy-smashy chunkiness and raw power of Bats V Sups.Batman V Superman Trailer #2 Wonder Woman Gal Gadot ShieldSpeaking of Captain America, I think he wants his shield back…

There’s even a bit of levity in the trailer, most noticeably when Batman and Superman meet Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) at the end of the trailer. Batman films have lightened up… in the smallest increment possible.

Watch the trailer now! And, because it is really awesome, I did include a picture of the main villain after the trailer. I included some space so you don’t see it if you don’t want to.

 

 

 

 

Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Trailer #2 DoomsdayDoomsday! I guess the rumors where right.

Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice comes out March 2016,

BATMAN V SUPERMAN “Gotham” TV Spot Raises Questions: Where’d That Eye Makeup Go?

Posted on by Nick Doll in Batman, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, Comics, DC, Gotham, Movies, Original Screen Grabs, Trailers, TV Shows

Last night during  Fox’s Batman (Villains)-Centric TV show,   Gotham, we were “treated” to the 1st Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice footage for the since the official trailer and the more expansive Comic-Con sizzle reel.Batman V Superman Gotham TV Spot Ben Affleck in ChainsRather than an actual trailer, which will follow tomorrow on Jimmy Kimmel Live (as the trailer for Captain America: Civil War did last week) this Wednesday the 2nd of December, Gotham fans were offered an odd clip that gives some hope that Ben Affleck will crush it as Batman / Bruce Wayne, but also raises serious issues about Superman… and whether or not Batffleck wears black eye makeup of not.

First, the “TV Spot” (It’s really a clip…):

Okay…

Both actors, Affleck as The Dark Knight and Henry Cavill as The Man of Steel are both looking pretty intense in this short teaser; some may use the clip as evidence that Superman has gotten too dark and intense, not at all resembling the Superman of Action Comics. Batman V Superman Gotham TV Spot Henry Cavill Holds Bruce Wayne's MaskI’ve always been a fan of his casting, and Affleck still seems perfect as The Caped Crusader and Gotham’s #1 Playboy Billionaire, bringing an intense rage with nuances cementing him as the incredible actor he can be. I almost feel sorry for Cavill having to try to out act the very seasoned Affleck, especially caught in a scene that is sooo not Superman.Batman V Superman Gotham TV Spot Ben Affleck as The Dark KnightSuperman’s anger and apparent army are one riddle this trailer offers… Is Supes under Lex Luthor’s (Jesse Eisenberg) control (we get that same look of anger as he looks up at Luthor after Lex rests his hand over him in the Comic-Con trailer)? Did Batman accidentally lead to the death of a loved one like Lois Lane (Amy Adams)? Or is Superman just really, really, angry?Batman Pearching with Rifle from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Lex Luthor Over SupermanBatman Pearching with Rifle from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Superman Bows to Lex LuthorBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Comic-Con Trailer Superman Angry at Lex LuthorScreengabs from the Comic-Con Trailer. He looks angry there too!

Whatever the case may be, Superman removes Batman’s mask, leading to an even larger question… where’d that classic Batman black eye makeup dissipate to in seconds?

In order to reproduce the look of the Iris-less white eyes of Batman as he is drawn, all the big screen Batmans have worn black eye makeup under their cowl from Michael Keaton to Christian Bale. It looks like Ben Affleck has it one too… but OOPS! Then it’s gone.Batman V Superman Gotham TV Spot Ben Affleck as The Dark KnightBatman V Superman Gotham TV Spot Ben Affleck ChainedDefinitely some black eye makeup above…Batman V Superman Gotham TV Spot Henry Cavill Removes Ben Afflecks Mask 2Batman V Superman Gotham TV Spot Henry Cavill Removes Ben Afflecks MaskBatman V Superman Gotham TV Spot Ben Affleck Unmasked by Henry CavillTa-Da! It’s…. Gone! Just super intense… and pissed… Ben Affleck!

Maybe it’s a trick of the mask!

Hopefully tomorrow’s new trailer puts a few things into perspective… including this puzzling scene. Why would Superman have a prison and soldiers? Why unmask Bruce Wayne when he can see through his mask?

Check back later when I post the Jimmy Kimmel Live Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice trailer! Here just in time for placement on Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

 

Padcast #22: One Degree of Marvel

Posted on by Nick Doll in 007, Age of Ultron, Ant-Man, Avengers, Batman, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, Captain America, Daredevil, DC, Gotham, Marvel, MCU, Movies, Podcasts, SPECTRE, Suicide Squad, Trailers, TV Shows

Nick and Andrew return… With A Vengeance! Though talk switches from Suicide Squad and Batman V Superman to Jurassic World, everything always ends up Marvel!

BATMAN V SUPERMAN Complete Set Of Screen Grabs From Comic-Con Trailer Part 2

Posted on by Nick Doll in Batman, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, DC, Movies, Original Screen Grabs, Trailers

PART 2 of My Complete Set of Original Screengrabs from Comic-Con’s Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice trailer.

You know the second half has all the meaty action!

(PART 1 IS HERE)

Haunted By A Dead Robin And Arch-nemesis.Batman V Superman Dawn of JusticeBruce Wayne Robin SuitBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Comic-Con Trailer Robin Suit Jokerl

 

Superman’s (Henry Cavill) SoldiersBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Superman SoildersBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Superman Angry Hallway

 

Turn On The Bat Signal! Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Batman Bat SignalBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Batman Bat Signal LightningBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Batman Bat Signal UncoverBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Batman Bat Signal LiteBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Batman Bat Signal and glowing EyesgBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Bat Signal and BatmanBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Bat Signal In The SkyBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Bat Armor

 

Aguaman? Is this a reference to you?Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Aquaman

 

The Wild West? Ok, Zack Snyder, Stop Fucking With Us Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Horses

 

The Wayne Murder At The Hands Of Joe Chill. They just had to include it in this movie too!from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Wayne Murder Joe Chill Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Wayne Murder Thomas WayneBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Wayne Murder GunBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Wayne Murder Young BruceBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Wayne Funeral

 

Batwing Destruction!Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Batwing

 

Lois Lane (Amy Adams) In Peril!Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Lois Lane Amy Adams

 

Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) Getting Sassy at a Party With…Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Bruce Wayne Party

 

Gal Gadot who plays…Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Gal Gadot

…Wonder Woman!!!Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Wonder WomanBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Wonder Woman Shield

 

It’s Not Often You See The Batman In Daylight. He has only appeared in daytime once onscreen in The Dark Knight Rises.Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Batman Desert Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Superman Soldiers FiringBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Batman Fighting Soldiers

 

 

Batmobile and Batman fighting Montage!Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice BatmobileBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Batman StrikesBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Batmobile 2

 

 

Superman Does Not Approve. Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice superman looks

 

 

 

It’s Alfred (Jeremy Irons) Again Everybody!
Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Alfred Pennyworth 2

 

Lexcorp! Now with Kryptonite!  Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice LexcorpBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Lex Luthor Krptonite

 

Two Capes Battle In The StormBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Armor Strike Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Leaping onto SupermanBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Armor FallsBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Batman Land Armor

 

More Sweet Action!Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Wonder Woman HitBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Laser Eyes FlyingBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice laser visionBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice dark knight returns lightningBatman v Superman Dawn of Justice grappling hook

 

Lex Luthor Be Crazy!Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Lex Luthor Cape Vs Cape

 

Doing What Batman Does Best. Break windows.Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Batman Crashes Through Window

 

Trailer Finale: Superman Dings Batman’s Ride! Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Batmobile Crashed Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice opeing batmobile Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Face off BatmobileBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Standing Face to Face in Batmobile

Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice can’t come soon enough!

But it will come… in March 2016. 😦

 

BATMAN V SUPERMAN Comic-Con Trailer Complete Set Of HD Screen Grabs Part 1

Posted on by Nick Doll in Batman, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, DC, Movies, Original Screen Grabs, Trailers

Part 1 of a COMPLETE Set of Screen Grabs from the Comic-Con Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice Trailer!

From Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) at the battle of Metropolis through meeting Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg).

Superman (Henry Cavill) Goes To Washington
Batman v Superman Dawn of Justice Comic-Con Trailer Superman ProtestBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Comic-Con Trailer Superman In Front of ProtestBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Comic-Con Trailer Superman CourtroomBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Comic-Con Trailer Superman Courtroom 2Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Comic-Con Trailer Superman Faces Court

 

 

 

 

Bruce Wayne at the Battle of Metropolis. From Man of Steel!Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Comic-Con Trailer Bruce Wayne WatchesBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Comic-Con Trailer Bruce Wayne YellBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Comic-Con Trailer Wayne Tower FallsBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Comic-Con Trailer Bruce Wayne Runs Toward DangerBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Comic-Con Trailer Bruce Wayne Runs Toward Danger 2Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Comic-Con Trailer Bruce Wayne Runs Toward Danger 3Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Comic-Con Trailer Bruce Wayne Holds GirlBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Comic-Con Trailer Bruce Wayne Holds Girl Wayne Tower Sign

 

Batman Taunted Out of Retirement… By An Old Friend?
Batman Pearching with Rifle from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Trailer Joker Newspaper Clipping MessageBatman Pearching with Rifle from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Trailer Angry Bruce Wayne

 

 

 

 

Bruce Wayne TrainsBatman Pearching with Rifle from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Trailer Bruce Wayne Trains

 

The Batsuit and a Brooding Bruce
Batman Pearching with Rifle from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Trailer Batsuit DisplayBatman Pearching with Rifle from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Trailer Pissed Bruce Wayne

 

Alfred Pennyworth (Jeremy Irons)!

Batman Pearching with Rifle from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Trailer Alfred Pennywoth Jeremy Irons

 

GCPD Encounter a Batman Solved Crime. With a real rough ending for the criminal!Batman Pearching with Rifle from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Trailer Cop Car in GothamBatman Pearching with Rifle from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Trailer GCPD Police OfficersBatman Pearching with Rifle from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice BatteragBatman Pearching with Rifle from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Captured CriminalBatman Pearching with Rifle from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Batman Scar

 

Perry White (Laurence Fisburne) Doesn’t Want Clark To Investigate The Batman

Batman Pearching with Rifle from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Perry WhiteBatman Pearching with Rifle from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Clark Kent at Daily Planet

 

Superman Is a Symbol… and a HeroBatman Pearching with Rifle from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice serious supermanBatman Pearching with Rifle from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Superman Chest SymbolBatman Pearching with Rifle from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Superman Symbol House FloodBatman Pearching with Rifle from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Superman Helps Flood

 

Old Wayne Manor? Batman Pearching with Rifle from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Trailer old wayne mannor

 

The New Batcave?Batman Pearching with Rifle from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Trailer New Batcaver

 

 

Superman Saves The Day… Again… And Is Worshiped like a GodBatman Pearching with Rifle from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Superman RescueBatman Pearching with Rifle from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Superman WorshipedBatman Pearching with Rifle from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Rocket ExplodesBatman Pearching with Rifle from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Superman Flys with RocketBatman Pearching with Rifle from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Superman Saves Rocket

 

Enter Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg)Batman Pearching with Rifle from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Lex Luhor Jesse EisenbergBatman Pearching with Rifle from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Superman Bows to Lex LuthorBatman Pearching with Rifle from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Lex Luthor Over SupermanBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Comic-Con Trailer Superman Angry at Lex Luthor

 

And Finally… the saved corpse of General Zod! Rumored to be used to unlock the Doomsday gene.Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Comic-Con Trailer Zod Corpse

 

PART 2 IS NOW HERE, which will make this set of original Screen Grabs from the new Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice trailer 100% Complete!

Comic-Con BATMAN V SUPERMAN Trailer Brings Us The Darkest Knight

Posted on by Nick Doll in Batman, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, Movies, Trailers

Let me start by saying… Excellent Fucking Trailer!

The Comic-Con Trailer for Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice is amazing, delivering everything you want to see and more! Things you never thought you’d see!

Watch it now before I spoil it in my excitement.

Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) running to save his staff at Wayne Tower Metropolis during the climatic battle in Man of Steel! Joker messages taunting the Batman out of retirement! Evidence of a “lost” Robin (Jason Todd?)! Lots of Batman fighting, flying the Batwing… and fighting! In multiple types of suits! The body of Zod (Michael Shannon), rumored to be used by Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg) to unleash the Doomsday gene! Loads of creepy new Luthor… now with hair and Kryptonite! Alfred Pennyworth (Jeremy Irons)! Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot)! And so much more!Batman Pearching with Rifle from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Trailer Joker Newspaper Clipping Message

I may be a Marvel man, especially after the “meh” Man of Steel, and I may not trust Zack Snyder, but this movie looks awesome. More importantly, Batman looks awesome! And darker, with one of his captures literally branded with the Bat Symbol.

I have the 1st round of a complete set of Screen Grabs ready if you CLICK HERE!

Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice hits theaters March 2016.

Zack Snyder Teases Two Stylistic Posters For BATMAN V SUPERMAN

Posted on by Nick Doll in Batman, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, DC, Movies, Posters

On the eve of what was supposed to be the IMAX premiere of the trailer for Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice (though it actually hit the web on Friday. Watch it now!), director Zack Snyder has released two really cool looking posters for the film, likely a prize that will be handed out at these IMAX screenings to make sure people will come  and line-up even though they can watch the trailer at home.

Without further ado, here they are. And they are glorious.Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Poster The Dark Knight Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Poster Man of Steel

 

I really dig this style. The Batman symbol ripped from Superman’s face really brings a Dark Knight vibe to the marketing; reminiscent of posters of Batman’s past.

So, show up Monday at one of those IMAX screenings of the trailer… and hopefully you’ll go home with something…

 

 

Batffleck Shines (In The Dark) In Full, HD Trailer for BATMAN V SUPERMAN

Posted on by Nick Doll in Batman, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, DC, Movies, Trailers

I just realized I’ve been calling Batman V Superman, “Justice Begins,”not ‘Dawn of Justice” in past posts. Whoops. It’s a lame subtitle anyway…

But what’s not lame? At all? The Batman heavy trailer for Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice!

Watch it now!

I’m just gonna say it… Batman and all his wonderful toys have me so excited for this movie! Though we have no dialog in his own voice, Ben Affleck has at least nailed the haunted look of damaged Bruce Wayne. And I love, Love, LOVE the fact he is using a high tech voice modulator. He sounds scary, but not ridiculous.Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne in Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Trailer

I wonder if Kevin Smith is creaming his shorts… he proposed such a way to disguise Bruce Wayne’s voice before the film started shooting. Good call, Mr. Smith.

Superman is certainty vilified in this trailer, yet also held up like a God in several places.Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Trailer Superman Lifts MissleBatman V Superman Dawn of Justice Trailer Superman Squad Kneels

Says Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor:

“We know better now, don’t we? Devils don’t come from Hell beneath us. No, they come from the sky.”

Batman in Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Trailer

Alfred has some words of wisdom himself, though it sounds like it is more about Bruce than Superman, me thinks. Or even Lex Luthor.

“That’s how it starts. The fever. The rage. The feeling of powerlessness. That turns good men… cruel.”

 

Batman Pearching with Rifle from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Trailer

 

And finally, synthesized Batman has a few words for the Man of Steel.

“Tell me, do you bleed? You will!”

Ben Affleck as Batman In Armor from Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Trailer 1Batman faces Superman in Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice Trailer 1

 

The trailer draws heavily from the beloved Frank Miller graphic novel, The Dark Knight Returns, which probably offers the best showdown between the two heroes in all of comic-dom.

And there are plenty of Easter Eggs to find! I saw a classy “?” gratified somewhere in that trailer…and let’s not forget we get looks at the Batwing and Batmobile!

March 2016 can’t come fast enough! I want to see Batman somehow kick Superman’s ass!

BATMAN V SUPERMAN Teaser for the Teaser Trailer Gives You One Thing You Want To See

Posted on by Nick Doll in Batman, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, DC, Movies, Trailers

Okay, so Trailer number two today, for Batman V Superman: Justice Begins, (check out Trailer #1, the new Star Wars trailer here!) is so quick and content-less, that I’m slightly embarrassed to be sharing it here.

But it’s the tiny bit of content that is exciting! In this most teaserly of teaser trailers for a teaser trailer, you will see one amazing thing: a shot of Batman’s new, glorious cowl!

We’ve seen it pictured before (below), but seeing the suit through the lens of a camera, even if CGI’ed… is amazing. Here’s the original peek we got months upon months ago.Batman Vs Superman: Justice Begins Batman and Batmobile Ben Affleck

I didn’t notice the stitched together look of the new suit until this “teaser trailer,” but it is evident in the picture above when examined closely.I love this stitched together look which is simpler, less-armor, more-classic Batsuit that really hearkens more to the costume of Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns than Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy.Batman Vs Superman Justice Begins Batsuit Stiched Look Chest

Its even go ‘dem short ears I love! And the nose is more human than past masks that gave Batman more of a mini-beak! (In the trailer at least; the original image below is more beaky.)Batman Ben Affleck Batman Vs Superman Justice Begins

Batman V Superman: Justice Begins has been generous (though not nearly as generous as Marvel of late!) with official pictures of other key characters like Superman (Henry Cavill), Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), and even Aquaman (Jason Momoa). And let’s not forget Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg)!

Let’s look at those now, shall we?Superman Henry Cavill in Batman Vs Superman Dawn of JusticeWonder Woman Batman Vs Superman Justice BeginsBatman Vs Superman Justice Begins AquamanBatman Vs Superman Jusitce Begins Lex Luthor Jesse Eisenberg

I’ll wager you can tell which is which.

Today’s teaser was meant as an invitation from director Zack Snyder to see the first full, real Teaser Trailer at IMAX on Monday… if your state gets it…

The rest of us will hopefully get the full trailer online next week as well.

Until then, all we really have is dirty laundry. Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice Superman Suit

Jared Leto Gives Us A Sneak Peak of His Joker… KILLING JOKE Style!

Posted on by Nick Doll in Batman, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, DC, Mad Max: Fury Road, Movies, Suicide Squad, Villains

Its been an entire day of 1st looks at comic book characters’ big screen counterparts. First, we got a full look at Vision from Avengers: Age of Ultron. Then, the Thing from FANT4STIC (Fantastic Four) and Yellowjacket from Ant-Man showed us their lovely mugs.

Now, we have our first look at Jared Leto, not going “Full-Joker,” but sporting green hair none-the-less and recreating a Joker image that will make any comic book fan cream their jeans.

Suicide Squad Comic With Harley Quinn and DeadshotI haven’t discussed DC’s other 2016 blockbuster Suicide Squad on the site yet, but the David Ayer directed film focusing on Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn and Leto as the always iconic Joker is basically coming together as the perfect opportunity to introduce Batman’s rogue gallery while the hero is busy in his own 2016 film: Batman Vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice.

Here’s the film’s synopsis from IMDB,; obviously based on the comic of the same title:

“A secret government agency recruits imprisoned supervillains to execute dangerous black ops missions in exchange for clemency.”

Without further ado, here is the first look at Jared Leto’s Joker from Suicide Squad!Jared Leto as The Joker in Suicide Squad The Killing Joke Pose

See. He’s got the green hair! He’s doing the Killing Joke pose from the cover of the graphic novel (see below)! Otherwise… it still looks like Leto needs to go pale… full-pale. Gots to get some Joker makeup, son!'The Killing Joke' Cover Joker Camera

See? Just give the man some white make-up and some red lipstick and you’ve got the joker, baby! (And some gloves and a purple suit. He’ll need those too.)

Meanwhile, though the typical green color, Leto’s more modest haircut (compared to Heath Ledger’s Joker) does recall the Joker from the another beloved graphic novel: The Dark Knight Returns.

Though this picture comes from the animated film version of 'The Dark Knight Returns,' it is a great representation of The Joker's least wild hairdo.
Though this picture comes from the animated film version of ‘The Dark Knight Returns,’ it is a great representation of The Joker’s least wild hairdo.

My one wish for the DC Cinematic Universe’s Joker: No Scars!

Though Jack Nicholson and Heath Ledger’s Joker sported horrific scars, Joker in the comics never has any, especially not in Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns. Just give Leto some white face paint and some lipstick and we’ll be off to the races!

Suicide Squad comes out in 2016 with Batman Vs. Superman: Justice Begins. DC has been just as generous with Marvel lately so expect to see a lot more of Leto’s Joker in the coming months. Meanwhile, that first Batman Vs Superman trailer is set to appear on May 15th’s Mad Max: Fury Road.

Enjoy all these Comic Book Cinematic Universes, kiddies. Before the bubble finally bursts.

Podcast #12: The ‘Daredevil’ Dare

Posted on by Nick Doll in Age of Ultron, Avengers, Batman, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, Comics, DC, Marvel, MCU, Movies, Podcasts

Nick and Andrew recount the horror’s of ‘Daredevil’ before jumping into Ben Affleck’s new reality as the Dark Knight. They cover the DCCU (DC Cinematic Universe) including ‘Aquaman’ casting and the troubles of ‘The Suicide Squad.’

The 6 Best Scenes from ‘The Dark Knight’

Posted on by Nick Doll in Batman, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, Comics, DC, Gotham, Lists, Movies, TV Shows, Villains

Ben Affleck as Batman in 'Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice'(And they’re not just action scenes!)

Batfleck Vs. Superman (also known by the silly title ‘Batman V. Superman: Justice Begins’) is still over a year away with a scheduled release date of March 25th, 2016. In the meantime, I think we should all take a step back to admire the greatest comic book movie of all time; Christopher Nolan’s 2008 film ‘The Dark Knight.’

Breaking Batman
Breaking Batman

I wanted to do the top 5 scenes of the entire ‘Dark Knight Trilogy,’ but that was too limiting as there are too many fantastic scenes in my ‘The Dark Knight Trilogy’ to cover here. I couldn’t even narrow just ‘The Dark Knight’ down to 5 favorite scenes. I need 6 to do the job!

Without further ado, here are the top 6 scenes from ‘The Dark Knight’ in the order they happen in the film’s narrative.

1. The Heist

The Bank Heist is quite the little scene to open and therefore establish the tone of the 2nd movie in Nolan’s Batman Saga. Inspired heavily by the Michael Mann film ‘Heat,’ the scene twists a classic heist into the Joker’s (Heath Ledger) plot, all while setting you on complete edge using the heights of IMAX and the sharp cords of the Joker’s theme… all screaming “Chaos.”

The Joker poses as one of his own henchmen.
The Joker poses as one of his own henchmen.

2. Decent Men In An Indecent Time

The Joker’s heist may kick off the movie, but it is a decision made by three men that really set events in motion.

To defeat Gotham’s biggest recognized problem, the mob, Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Lieutenant James Gordon (Gary Oldman), and Batman (Christian Bale) make a pact that will dictate the fate of all three involved, as well as collateral damage of Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhaal).Harvey Dent, Jim Gordon, and Batman Meet on the Roof

Gordon warns,

“We’re going after the mob’s life savings. Things will get ugly.”

Replies Dent,

“I knew the risk when I took this job, lieutenant.”

Dent Lights The Bat SignalDent accepts the risk willingly, as do Batman and James Gordon.

It is this pact that will determine the destiny of all three men; destroying them all by the end of the film.

3. Dent’s Dark Side

‘The Dark Knight,’ specifically the scene just covered, is largely based on my favorite graphic novel ‘The Long Halloween’ by Jeph Loeb and by Tim Sale.

Nicholas D'Agosto's Harvey Dent in 'Gotham'
Nicholas D’Agosto’s Harvey Dent on ‘Gotham’ has quite the temper.

In the comic, Dent’s dark side is hinted at early in the story; long before the accident that scars him. Let’s just say he may may have done more than take a henchmen down an alley and flipped a coin to decide his life. But we’ll get to that now.

Dent spends half the movie as Gotham’s “White Knight,” the honest and law-fairing District Attorney bringing hope to Gotham. I would argue that Dent’s dark side is introduced too late in the movie; around the hour mark. Even here, the film form is not as severe as his comic version. Hell, ‘Gotham’ showed Dent’s short fuse in the first episode introducing the young assistant D.A.

Shift Thomas wearing Rachel Dawes' name; signaling her as Joker's next victim.
Shiff Thomas wearing Rachel Dawes’ name; signaling her as Joker’s next victim.

The 1st sign something is amiss with Gotham’s White Knight is when he interrogates Joker’s henchmen Shiff Thomas; the man wearing the name tag pegging “Rachel Dawes” as the Joker’s next victim.

The Darker Side of Harvey Dent.
The Darker Side of Harvey Dent.

Thomas gets the ‘ole coin flip multiple times, gun held to his head, until Batman stops Dent. The Dark Knight warns the D.A. that if anyone saw what Dent was doing, faith in the White Knight and Gotham would fail.

Even going off the cuff, Dent left the fate of  Shift Thomas to his double-sided coin. He (likely) meant Shift Thomas no terminal harm.

Still, that Dent darkness has to appear somehow.

4. Batman Interrogates The Joker

Batman’s one rule comes back to bite him in the ass. By a rabid dog chasing cars.

"You Complete Me!"
“You Complete Me!”

It’s really hard not to love this scene. Though Batman has the Joker in his gauntlets, Joker has all the power.

“You have NOTHING! Nothing to threaten me with. Nothing to do with your strength.”

The Joker, Beaten but Still LaughingIt really is powerful to watch Batman wail on Joker to no avail. His “one rule” that prevents him from killing leads to the deaths of others in the film. This same number was over 600 by the time the pair face off for the final time in Frank Miller’s ‘The Dark Knight Returns.’

In this case, his one rule kills Rachel and blows Dent halfway to hell. But it is this rule that separates Batman from the masked villains. Even though he may lose to the Joker this scheme, I think he may get him in the end…

5. An Unmovable Object and An Unstoppable Force

Willem Dafoe's Green Goblin dies the old fashioned way.
Willem Dafoe’s Green Goblin dies the old fashioned way.

‘The Dark Knight’ breaks the superhero’s genre one rule, established in classic films like 1989’s ‘Batman’ and carried on to nearly-modern day ‘Spider-Man’ (2002) and ‘Batman Begins’ (2005): kill off your villain so the end is nice and tidy.

The Caped Crusader does toss the Clown Prince of Crime off the Pruitt building… only to catch him with his grappling hook, much to the Joker’s disappointment.

“Oh, you. You just couldn’t let me go, could you? This is what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object. You truly are incorruptible, aren’t you? You won’t kill me out of some misplaced sense of self-righteousness. And I won’t kill you because you’re just too much fun. I think you and I are destined to do this forever.”

Joker and Batman: Destined to BeBoom! That’s comics in a nutshell.

Spider-Man doesn’t kill the Green Goblin in the comics (well he does, several, but some come back… and, you know, crazy Marvel stuff); they clash again and again and again. And there are very few foes that have been clashing longer in the comics than Batman and the Joker.

6. The White Knight Vs. The Dark Knight

Rachel Dawes and Harvey DentThe real finale. The one we were promised when Gordon, Dent, and Batman meet on that rooftop in the first act.

Things got dirty. And all three of these decent men in an indecent time were torn to shreds by the joker, but none more than tragic Harvey Dent.

“What happened to Rachel wasn’t chance. We decided to act! We three!”

Batman knows what’s up! Cause he’s the world’s greatest detective.

But Harvey Dent is the apparent loser in the room, having lost his fiance (and scared his face), with no knowledge that Bruce carried similar feelings for Rachel.  Two-Face Finale

In the comics, Bruce Wayne blames himself for not revealing to Harvey Dent who he was. For not showing Dent who fought alongside him for the soul of Gotham. For remaining anonymous and letting Gordon and Dent take the brunt of mob vengeance.

In the movie, even in this immense time of crisis, Batman is able to vocalize the importance of Harvey Dent to Gotham; why he was chosen.

“Because you were the best of us! He wanted to prove that even someone as good as you could fall.”

So rests the soul of Gotham in these three-warriors-torn-asunder’s final moments together. Harvey “Two-Face” Dent deciding each of their fates with a flip of the coin.Dead Two-Face from The Dark Knight

This scene completes the movie. Three young men with rose-color glasses are wrung through the shredder as a promise they made destroyed their partnership and their lives. Classic Nolan/Batman tragedy.

Podcast #8: Catwoman’s Meow

Posted on by Nick Doll in Age of Ultron, Avengers, Batman, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, DC, Gotham, Marvel, MCU, Movies, Podcasts

Nick and Andrew watched 2004’s ‘Catwoman’ starring the right place, wrong time actress Halle Berry. They discuss. On a more accurate Batman related note, they also discuss TV’s ‘Gotham.’ Somehow the Avengers also come into play… somehow.

Podcast #7: The Reapening – Ultron Comes To ‘Gotham’

Posted on by Nick Doll in Age of Ultron, Avengers, Batman, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, Gotham, Jurassic World, Marvel, MCU, Movies, Podcasts

Nick and Andrew are back after a summer hiatus! Plans of discussing the brand new  ‘Avengers: Age Of Ultron’ trailer and the TV show ‘Gotham’ are often derailed by the excitement 2015 bring-ith.

Ultron stands aside Scarlet Witch and Quicksiler
Ultron stands aside Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver
Captain America in Age of Ultron
Capt, runs from flying cars!

Some more screen grabs from the epic trailer posted previously.

Age of Ultron Avengers Asunder
Bruce Banner/ Hulk gets seriously spooked!
No Strings
Creepy-Ass string-less robot!
Hulk V. Hulkbuster
… And Hulk Vs. The Hulkbuster!