In Man of Steel (reviewed here), the Superman story was 'rebooted,' and we were introduced to Clark Kent as he became protector of Earth against General Zod. Three years later, we get the sequel, Batman v Superman, and all is not well in Whoville (or Metropolis and Gotham, as it were).
In Batman v Superman, we see a world on edge. Yes, they have their champion in Superman . . . and we all need the occasional superhuman rescue. But what's to stop Supes from going rogue and destroying the Earth himself? How do you hold such power in check? Can humans coexist with a being that's nearly a god? Batman- and Lex Luthor- have their doubts about Superman, and (separately) make plans to keep the Man of Steel in check. Meanwhile, the Big Blue Boy Scout casts a suspicious eye on the Caped Crusader and his unorthodox methods. A showdown is brewing . . . but when a larger threat emerges, can this dynamic duo learn that together is better?
Critics have widely panned this movie; I rather enjoyed it. The action is good, the tone is dark, and the characters are fun (in a grim way), but what sold me on this movie was the themes explored. Let's face it: we're scared of things more powerful than we, and so we look to control them. If we can't . . . well, maybe we'd prefer to do without the help. We at once require and destroy our saviors. This and similar theological ideas are explored, and I loved that. They didn't necessarily explore them enough- many good questions are raised, but few answers provided. But the focus was admirable, and this is worth a second watch. In fact, I plan to do so- with pen and paper- to more fully record and contemplate the themes.
Rating: A-
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