Why This Sucks: Batman V Superman Trailer
I don’t typically feel compelled to write 500 words on a movie trailer, but I think there’s no denying that the recently released Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice trailer was a pretty divisive experience for many fans. Rather than just go on a full-blown social media tirade, I’ve decided to come here to air my grievances. As a lifelong Batman fan I want nothing more than for this movie to do well but after this most recent look at the film I can’t help but think there’s NO FUCKING WAY they’re getting this anywhere close to right.
The Acting
I know judging the acting in a film based off of a trailer is ridiculous but it cannot be ignored just how distracting Jesse Eisenberg comes across in this promo. I think most of us have been curious to see how he fares but now that we have gotten a decent look at his take on the character there is a lot to be desired. Personally, I don’t have much of a connection to Luthor outside of Gene Hackman’s performance in the Reeves films. There, Luthor was a cheesy icon, but he works really well in that film. Here, Eisenberg seems like…well…Mark Zuckerberg, and I don’t think any of us wanted that. Cavill also looks to be incredibly vapid as a badass as well. His angry face when he rips off Batfleck’s mask is ridiculous. All that being said, I am liking what Affleck is bringing to the table here. I think he has a take on the character that we haven’t seen before and I really do believe that when he decides to kick the shit out of someone he is going to do it. Maybe that is a bit of hero bias, I can’t honestly say one way or another.
The CGI
I know this is a popular thing to harp on but take a good hard look at this trailer and you tell me why so much of what’s happening here had to be CGI. Granted, computer effects are a great tool when used SPARINGLY, and obviously with Superman you have a character who flies regularly, but I just don’t think that this particular style is going to translate well to film. Seeing the grounded and somewhat reality based Bruce Wayne squaring off with Doomsday or whatever the fuck that is is never going to look good. The tone of Batman just won’t work well with this. Which brings me to my next gripe:
The Direction
Part of what I love about Batman is the realism. It looks like that is being completely ignored/looked over for this film. I expected a level of fantasy and spectacle here but I did not think that we were abandoning any attempt at real-world grounding here. Also, I absolutely hate when Batman is utilizing a gun and it makes him look especially silly when standing next to Wonder Woman and Superman. Somehow, putting Batman in that situation lessens him as a force, which was one of my biggest worries going into this. It is fairly clear from the trailer that he will be in a largely reactionary capacity, which is a shame. Also, if Zack Snyder could fucking explain why they just decided to copy the Abomination from The Incredible Hulk and make him Doomsday I’d love to hear it. Great. Yet another superhero movie where the hero/heroes must fight a giant mongoloid monster in the third act. Gee, I wonder if they can put aside their differences for the greater good in time? Also, can we bet the over/under on super slo-mo shots here? Anyone know the line?
The Feel
This section is difficult to describe, but I just don’t think this trailer is properly capturing the feel of what this movie should be. It seems like there are a few aspects of the film that are pretty good on a fundamental level. Having a Batman that is aged and rugged is great, but I’m curious as to how he is supposed to interact with Superman who is relatively green to all of this. Aren’t they supposed to be relative equals? Despite his powers it looks like Affleck could take Cavill ALL FUCKING DAY DOOD. That’s a problem already. I thought that maybe Snyder would find a way to flesh him out a bit but he seems to have lost his way there. Wonder Woman looks like a sequel-baity joke. Wonder Woman looks like the punchline to a cruel joke that we haven’t been told yet. The inclusion of scenes from Man of Steel is intriguing but I find myself not really caring about them much. For a film that’s trying to separate itself from the Marvel movies and define a new cinematic universe it seems to be relying on hokey imitations of tropes already used in the aforementioned studio’s films. I would love it if I am dead wrong about this movie but Snyder’s track record suggests that I won’t be. An equally wise man said on Facebook just this past week the following:
“Soooo… Batman V Superman looks like complete dog shit. If you disagree I no longer trust your taste, about anything.”
-J.E. Kupka
Kupka, I can’t help but agree with you here buddy. Hopefully Affleck makes it out unscathed because FUCK THIS MOVIE. And THAT is why Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice Trailer 3 SUCKS!