Review: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

UPDATED POST with Jenna's Review: At this point in time, I could take or leave the whole superhero thing. There’s just too many shows and movies out there to keep track of. That said, the movie fan in me will never say no, so I’ll still be watching them all, even though I won’t have a clue what’s going on in some. However, the sheer number of trailers and TV spots for Batman v Superman infuriated me beyond reason. I watched the first trailer, which gave me more than enough, and by the time Wonder Woman and Aquaman were announced, I gave up.  Gutted!  I have been that busy the lsat few months that I completely missed this, I really wanted the IMAX experience as well.  I will add to this when I finally get around to watching the DVD! 

AND here I am having purchased the DVD and FINALLY watching it!

I steered clear of everything after that point, and so now I’m not sure what’s a spoiler and what isn’t anymore. I won’t mention the ending of course, now even I am that dense, but if you haven’t seen the movie yet, you might want to move along.  Now, here is where I fell down, I was desperate to see Suicide Squad when it was released, I didn't think anything of it...that is until the first 3 minutes of the film was a MASSIVE spoiler for B vs S...waaaaaaaah!!  Soooo I knew how it was going to end, before I even started it!

It’s taken me a few days to even work out what my feelings are towards Batman v Superman, but before I read too many other reviews, I think it best to get my feelings down before I change my mind about things. I want to be clear in the fact that I enjoyed watching this. It was entertaining, and I didn’t feel like it was as long as it was. However, it was a mess. The plot was all over the place. And so rather than try to write a well formed review, I’m just going to splurge my feelings all over this post.  I am struggling to form coherent thoughts about this but one thing I can say is that I DID enjoy it, even after hearing all the terrible reviews and people moaning - I still liked it!

So, in the style of the movie this post is about, here are my feelings about Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), in the order that it lands at the front of my mind:

How many times do we need to be reminded that Bruce Wayne’s parents were murdered in front of him as a child? Was there seriously anyone who watched this who really didn’t know how they died?

Let’s talk Batman himself. I’m not passionate enough about the comics to rank the multiple forms Batman has taken over the years, but I really liked Ben Affleck’s version. He’s got that grumpy charisma that I pictured. I still can’t shake the image of that batsuit looking like Lego Batman, though.

Seriously. Cannot. Unsee.

Superman, on the other hand, was the mopiest hero I’ve ever seen. Guy had a permanent ‘I can smell a fart’ face the entire time. Yes, okay, that bathtub scene was pretty hot, but then my practical side kicked in and started stressing about all the water on the floor. You’re so irresponsible, Clark Kent!

Jesse Eisenberg! He plays douchebag so well that I kind of assume him to be like that in real life. Was he really playing Lex Luthor though? He’d make a perfect Riddler, I think. Anyway, I appreciated all of his scenes, bringing the humour to an otherwise dark movie.  As one of my many obessesions, I thought Jesse Eisenberg was great, perfect combo of dark and twisty and comedy.

Wonder Woman, Aquaman, The Flash, and...the other one. Cyborg? Was there any point in them being here other than to promote their own movies? If not, couldn’t they just go Deadpool, break the fourth wall and have a sandwich board with their respective release dates on? On the subject of Wonder Woman, her score was awesome, but it felt so out of place with the rest of the soundtrack that it stood out for all the wrong reasons.  I had issues with this myself, one thing I really did dislike about this was that it didn't appear be a movie in its own right, rather a very looooong trailer for Justice League and all the individual movies that will go along with it.  I'm pretty sure I felt the same about the second Avengers movie which felt like a set up for Captain America: Civil War!!

The action scenes were really well done, and the main reason I enjoyed the movie itself. I’ve been spoiled lately with the fight scenes in Daredevil and there was one Batman scene in particular here that really stood out. It was one of those where you want to say ‘oooh, I really felt that!’

Am I remembering this wrong or was Lois Lane a total badass in Man of Steel? Her only purpose in this was to be saved. Oh, and to throw that weapon into a pool of water for no reason, only to have to fetch it again. And be saved. Doh. Man up, woman!  She didn't add much value to this one, did she?!  I do love Amy Adams though so I can't complain too much.

I have to say the action scenes were great, they weren't so fast that you couldn't see what was going on but enough action to keep you on the edge of your seat.  I liked the story, even if it was a bit confused at times but I did find myself annoyed at Batman going after Superman all the time, just get over it.  Why not just sit down and have a chat with him?! he seems like a reasonable guy "Listen Superman, people are scared of you because you are an alien and could kill everyone with a blast of your eyes - any chance you could take a sabbatical until everyone calms down?" Clark "Sure no problem, see you in a year or two, i'll be in Bali". Admittedly, it would have been a much shorter film but much more realistic!!

Did this scene remind anyone else of The Green Inferno?

Aaand that about sums it up! If you’re still reading this ramble, I both apologise and applaud you at the same time. Regular posting to resume shortly!

Liked the film, if I didn't think about it too much.  As I have just found out from the ranty rant rant above, if I overthink it I start to pick holes and enjoy it less!

Review: Gone Girl (2014)

Since starting this blog, I don't think I've ever logged in to look at our reading list and seen so many reviews flood in for just one particular movie. I'm not even sure how to review Gone Girl because I can't even explain to friends and family in person how much I loved it, but I'm going to give it a go anyway.

I was shocked by the flood of love for this film and had to get out there and see it myself.  I was delayed somewhat so Allie saw it before me and explained how much she loved it so I was ridiculously excited when I got to the cinema (I didn't even stop for sweets!)

You must have seen at least a trailer by now, but if not, Gone Girl is based on a book written by Gillian Flynn. It tells the story of a seemingly happy married couple, Nick (Ben Affleck) and Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike). On the day of their anniversary, Nick comes home to find that his wife has disappeared under unsettling circumstances, and alerts the police. As time goes by and the search for Amy continues, the media and public begin to question Nick's behaviour and involvement in the disappearance of his wife.

I went into the cinema last week with mixed emotions. I was really looking forward to seeing the movie but at two and a half hours long, I wondered how a seemingly simple 'did he, didn't he' plot could keep me entertained throughout. If you hadn't already worked this out, I hadn't read the book either, although my Mum had and nearly blurted out how happens before I stopped her!

Prior to actually watching Gone Girl, I tried not to think too much into what might happen, I didn't want to spend the whole day before trying to work out what happens before I even saw it. I just can't help myself though! The actual story is almost split into three parts which definitely helps with the run time. It was fascinating trying to work out whether Nick had any involvement with Amy's disappearance, I kept questioning my own thoughts, and just when I thought I might figure it out, part two kicked in without any real warning, and blew me away.

Well, I never thought that the hype of a movie could lead to such disappointment.  Don't get me wrong the film was entertaining and the suspense and acting was superb but (and this is not a small but) I was expected so much more.  I wanted bigger twists.  I predicted pretty much every twist (bar one) before they happened and found myself disappointed when I was right and when nothing else happened.  Now I can't be certain whether this is the same response I would have had, had I not seen so many positive reviews for the movie.

This movie has to be enjoyed spoiler free so no more on that from me, let me talk about Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike. Although I wouldn't class him as one of my favourites, I do like Ben Affleck's work and he didn't disappoint me in Gone Girl. However, Rosamund Pike, who I've never really seen before, was absolutely amazing and if I could, I would hand her an Oscar right now for her performance, she was really that good. 

Although, I wasn't 100% sold on the plot, my love for Affleck and Pike remains, they were both fantastic in the lead roles and the support characters provided the perfect background for this time hoping adaptation.  The voice over diary entries were a brilliant way to show how Amy and Nick met and their marriage prior to Amy's disappearance.  The characters saved this one for me, they kept me interested and entertained even when I was waiting for something better to happen.

What surprised me the most was how much dark humour was in the movie. I wasn't expecting it at all but some parts had me laughing out loud to the point I had to hide my face in my cardigan! There was some great humour in this, Tanner Bolt (Tyler Perry) made me laugh out loud as the hardcore lawyer.

As you know by now, I watch most films on a Wednesday where I can get half price tickets, which I really enjoy as the screen is always full, as was the case with Gone Girl last week. Never before have I witnessed a reaction at the ending of a film like this. It was an audible gasp from everyone, followed by stunned silence, and then crazy whisperings and looks of amazement as we all left.  I actually just sat there for 5 minutes wondered what had just happened and whether they were 'just joking' when the end credits rolled!

If this isn't my new favourite movie of all time, it's at least my favourite of the year by far, without a shadow of a doubt. I don't like giving out 10/10, but I can't fault the movie in any way.

I am fully aware that I am going very much against the crowd with my opinion on this movie (that's part of the reason why I love the blogging community, so many different ideas) but it just didn't quite match up to my expectations as I hoped it would.

Looking Forward to Seeing at the Cinema this Month...October 2014

Wow, where has September actually gone? One second it was my Birthday and we were having a barbecue, and the next I'm writing up my Christmas shopping list. Someone tell me when it's acceptable to start watching Christmas films?

I thought September was a fairly quiet month actually after the all the summer blockbusters, but it's been a great time to catch up on some other films I've been meaning to see. Here's what I'm really looking forward to this month though:

I've heard the name Gone Girl floating around Twitter for quite a while now, but funnily enough I saw the trailer for the first time about two weeks ago. It hooked me instantly, it's just my kind of film. I was so excited I rambled on to my Mum about it who shockingly told me it's based on a book, which she's read. My Mum will read a book once every 2 years so this is why I was so surprised! She almost blurted out how it ends too before I could shut her up.

Just a couple of honourable mentions if I may for Nightcrawler and Horns, because they look great too. Finally, if like me you're entirely oblivious to highly anticipated films due out soon, here's the trailer for Gone Girl:

Gone Girl is released in UK cinemas on 2nd October, 2014

So here's the thing, I was desperate to see this film and I get back off holiday and Allie informs me that its been on and finished...heart broken!  Then a few weeks ago we rocked up at the cinema and the place was swarming with TMNT posters, with the date 17th October in GIANT LETTERS!!!!  I hadn't missed it at all!

 

 

I used to LOVE this cartoon when I was a kid so the prospect of a film (back in 2007) was so exciting and then it turned out to be less exciting and more...well...crap!  So, here I am all excited again for another Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie but this time live action...what could possibly go wrong?!

 

I am also quite excited because Paramount Studios gave me a huge version of the poster above as part of my tour around the studios (there's one wall I don't need to wallpaper now!!) :-)

I also have an honourable mention this month, they hadn't yet released the date for Dracula Untold when I wrote this and now I know it's in October it's pretty much a front runner with this!!

 



Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is released in UK cinemas on 17th October, 2014