Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice Film Review

Director: Zack Snyder
Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Jesse Eisenberg, Amy Adams, Gal Gadot
Series: DC Extended Universe
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Length: 151 Minutes

The CGI Action Figure Slaparound of the Century!

Here it is...

I remember being a child and hearing they were going to make a Batman versus Superman movie. I was excited. What comic fan wouldn't be? The two most legendary of all heroes, testing their prowess against one another. Of course, as a kid, I wasn't worried about what bullshit reason would need to be conceived in order for these titans to get in the ring, I just wanted to see, on a movie screen, a version of what I saw in my head when I took my Batman toy and my Superman toy and bashed them into one another again, and again. Apparently, Zack Snyder felt the same.

Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Film Review

by The World Weary

Director: Sidney J. Furie
Cast: Christopher Reeve, Gene Hackman, Margot Kidder, Mark Pillow
Series: Superman
MPAA Rating: PG
Length: 90 Minutes

 

Nuclear Powered Bitchslap

(Spoilers for the previous three Superman films are below).

After the flop that was Superman III, Christopher Reeve felt the series was becoming too campy and chose to shy away from doing another sequel. However, after being given the power to help shape the story, he quickly changed his mind. With Lawrence Konner and Mark Rosenthal, Reeve developed a story fit for a Man of Steel adventure as well as something that would appeal to the fans. Unfortunately, the studio didn’t have the same reverence for the film and barely supported it throughout filming and post. The result is a unfinished, unsatisfying mess of a film.

Watchmen Comic Review

by The World Weary  

Authors: Alan Moore
Illustrators: Dave Gibbons

Publisher: DC

Genre: Graphic Novel

Series: Watchmen

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A Stronger Loving World

 

Watchmen is the single greatest achievement in the comic book medium of all time. The brilliantly layered story, told through the eyes of the characters, news articles and books, and the fictional comic Tales of the Black Freighter is stirringly relevant. Alan Moore’s writing is astoundingly beautiful, and his ability to capture the voices of humanity makes the book breathe life into a tale that begins as a simple murder mystery, but becomes an unflinching and morally ambiguous discussion of our species’ self destructive nature. Dave Gibbon’s art perfectly blends with the narrative to create powerful, iconic imagery that makes almost every panel totally unforgettable. If you ever read one comic, read this one, as it is not only the greatest superhero story ever told,  but also one of the greatest pieces of literature of the twentieth century.

When Superman rose to fame in the 1930’s, I’m sure many Americans wondered what it would be like to don a costume and roam their towns and cities looking for wrongs to right. The idea must have been wondrously intoxicating, as it most assuredly is today. But what if? Alan Moore tackles that question with eloquent grace in his limited series Watchmen. Yet, there are many other questions that Watchmen asks, and each one has a relevant and totally morally ambiguous answer that might just leave you asking questions of your own like, “How much evil does it take to move someone to do good?”

Superman: Red Son Comic Review

by The World Weary

Authors: Mark Millar

Illustrators: Dave Johnson

Publisher: DC

Genre: Superhero

Series: Superman

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Red Son Ascendant

Superman: Red Son is a fascinating and dark look at an Earth where the Man of Steel didn’t crash land in Kansas, but instead was discovered in the Soviet Union. The book draws upon decades of lore and remains faithful, while at the same time creating something totally fresh. With beautiful art and brilliant writing, this is an alternate take on Superman that is not to be missed.

Superman is as American as you can get. His earnest vow to uphold, “truth, justice, and the American way” has cemented him in our history and culture as a symbol of what we as a nation strive for. So what happens if Superman didn’t land in the United States? What if he landed in Stalin’s U.S.S.R.? This is the question that writer Mark Millar answers in his unflinchingly dark take on the Man of Steel’s legacy.

All-Star Superman Comic Review

by The World Weary

Authors: Grant Morrison

Illustrators: Frank Quitely

Publisher: DC

Genre: Superhero

Series: Superman

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The All Star

(This article contains spoilers for The Death of Superman).

All Star Superman is the single greatest Superman story ever told. With rich characters, fantastic storytelling, truly beautiful art, and a strong emotional core, this is the best experience I’ve ever personally had reading comics.

Superman has died before. In 1992 DC Comics ran the Death of Superman arc, where the Man of Steel was bested by the demonic Doomsday. Naturally, it turns out Superman wasn’t dead, but instead in a coma like state. He was awakened and promptly returned to being the end all badass. Where some might find that arc lacking emotional impact, those who read All Star Superman will find the opposite.

Superman: The Movie Film Review

by The World Weary

Director: Richard Donner
Cast: Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman, Marlon Brando
Series: Superman
MPAA Rating: PG
Length: 143 Minutes 

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You’ll Believe

Everybody knows the story. Little Kal-El of the planet Krypton is launched in a ship away from his home by his wise father Jor-El as the planet explodes. Years later the boy lands on Earth and is discovered by Jonathon and Martha Kent. The Kents take the boy and raise him as their own. As the boy grows, he discovers that the sun’s rays give him super strength and speed.

Upon his 18th birthday, and after Jonathon suffers a fatal heart attack, Kal-El finds a mysterious crystal that grows into a giant fortress. Inside the fortress, Jor-El has gathered all the knowledge of the 28 known galaxies and imparts that alongside a healthy dose of paternal wisdom to his son. Twelve years later, Kal-El tasks himself with the protection of his new home and it’s inhabitants. Thus, was Superman born.

The Killing Joke Comic Review

by The Wanderer   

Authors: Alan Moore

Illustrators: Brian Bolland

Publisher: DC

Genre: Superhero

Series: Batman

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Madness Is The Emergency Exit

In 1988 Alan Moore had just finished writing arguably the greatest graphic novel ever, Watchmen. His next project saw him jump into a world inhabited by a mainstream superhero, the world of Gotham City, the world of Batman.  While Batman plays an important role in Moore’s story, he instead focuses on the psychology behind his arch-nemesis, the Joker. In what is easily one of the best Batman stories ever told, The Killing Joke introduced major new plots for future Batman writers, especially concerning Batgirl, and it defined the Joker’s backstory.

Harley Quinn: Hot in the City Comic Review

by The Wanderer   

Authors: Jimmy Palmiotti 

Illustrators: Amanda Conner and Chad Hardin

Publisher: DC

Genre: Superhero

Series: New 52 Volume 1

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One of the two greatest character creations from Batman: The Animated Series, Harley Quinn gets her own comic as part of DC’s New 52 relaunch.  Thus far I have not been a fan of DC’s New 52 comics, they’ve been decent at best, and sadly this comic is no different. Below is back-cover quote from Amazon about the plot:

“Fresh from BATMAN: DEATH OF THE FAMILY and SUICIDE SQUAD, Harley Quinn returns to her first solo series in the New 52! The writing team of Jimmy Palmiotti (ALL STAR WESTERN) and Amanda Conner (BEFORE WATCHMEN: SILK SPECTRE) unleashed Harley on an unsuspecting DC Universe, as she encounters various heroes and villains … and leaves no one unscathed in her wake! With art by Chad Hardin and a slew of comics’ best artists including Darwyn Cooke, Sam Kieth, Tony S. Daniel, Paul Pope, Walter Simonson and Art Baltazar!”

Two things should immediately standout with this quote.  One: there’s no mention of a plot … because guess what … there isn’t much of a plot (only a weak shadow of one).  Two: there are a lot of artists mentioned here, a lot more than you will find in any other typical comic.

Batman and Robin: Born To Kill Comic Review

by The Wanderer 

Authors: Peter J. Tomasi

Illustrators: Patrick Gleason and Mark Gray
Publisher: DC

Genre: Superhero

Series: Batman and Robin New 52 Volume 1

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The New 52 Batman and Robin Volume One

As part of the relaunch of DC’s New 52 relaunch agenda, Batman and Robin: Born to Kill is the first volume, and a new take, on Gotham’s legendary crime-fighting duo. The story focuses on two plot threads: a new villainous threat to Gotham and the relationship between Batman and Robin.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Comic Review

by The Wanderer 

Authors: Frank Miller

Illustrators: Klaus Janson, Lynn Varley
Publisher: DC

Genre: Superhero

Series: Batman

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It was tough work, carrying 220 pounds of sociopath to the top of Gotham Towers — the highest spot in the city. The scream alone is worth it.

 
Frank Miller’s take on Batman in 1986s The Dark Knight Returns ushered in a new style and era for the long-time caped crusader.  Gone are the never ending onomatopoeia’s, the campy one-liners, and the silly humor. The darker, morally conflicted version of Batman reached its prominence with this comic, and it certainly delivers one of the most thoughtful superhero stories out there.

Batman: Knight Terrors Comic Review

by The Wanderer
 

The New 52 Dark Knight Volume One

Authors: David Finch, Joe Harris, and Ed Benes
Illustrators: David Finch, Ed Benes, and Richard Friend

Publisher: DC

Genre: Superhero

Series: Batman Dark Knight New 52 Volume 1

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The New 52 continues to disappoint, this time with DC’s greatest traditional hero, Batman. With the lack of a meaningful plot, and the absence of logic – which is kind of important for a story featuring the world’s greatest detective – Knight Terrors not only denigrates previous Batman stories, it denigrates good stories, period. It’s a shame DC can’t hire a detective to find themselves a decent writer. Or maybe it’s time they make Alan Moore or Frank Miller an offer they can’t refuse.

Superman Returns Film Review

by The World Weary

Director: Bryan Singer

Cast: Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey, James Marsden

Series: Superman 

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Length: 154 Minutes

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Return to Form

Superman fans were never really given a great follow up to Superman: The Movie. Superman II had the epic showdowns, but ruined it with lame comedy and weak subplots. Superman III and IV were more or less the same in the fan dissatisfaction department. Superman IV did so bad with fans and critics alike that it caused the franchise to go into a 19 year hiatus. During this time, Christopher Reeve became paralyzed in a tragic accident, forever spoiling plans to bring him back for a fifth film. After many failed attempts to bring the legendary hero back into the cinemas, Bryan Singer finally brought one project to fruition.

Man of Steel Film Review

by The World Weary

Director: Zack Snyder
Cast: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Kevin Costner, Laurence Fishburne
Series: DC Extended Universe
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Length: 143 Minutes

Buy on Amazon!  

 

Hope for Tomorrow

Superman films have had a rocky history. Looking at the Christopher Reeve films it’s hard not to see why. Superman: The Movie embodied everything that people loved about the All American superhero, but the sequels were each more disappointing than the last. Then came the extremely under appreciated Superman Returns. Now, Zack Snyder, the director of Watchmen and 300 steps up to the plate to attempt to reboot the weakened franchise.

Superman III Film Review

by The World Weary

Directed: Richard Lester
Cast: Christopher Reeves, Richard Pryor, Robert Vaughan, Annette O'Toole
MPAA Rating: PG
Length: 125 Minutes

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Superlame

(Spoilers for the previous two Superman films are below).

Superman II was a sloppy and uneven film, primarily because of the change in directors after the original director, Richard Donner, had already filmed most of the movie. The new director, Richard Lester, filled in the blanks with some lame slapstick comedy and ultimately ruined the film. Soon, after the success of Superman II, Lester was invited back on for Superman III, and with him he brought David and Leslie Newman, the writers that Donner originally replaced because of their lame humor. With this shit cocktail of a production team, Superman III was sure to be a slap in the face.

Superman II Film Review

by The World Weary

Directors: Richard Lester, Richard Donner

Cast: Christopher Reeves, Morgot Kidder, Gene Hackman, Terrence Stamp

Series: Superman (Original)

MPAA Rating: PG

Length: 127 Minutes

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Kneel!

(This article features spoilers for Superman: The Movie).

Superman II is a film that tries to capture the fun and grandeur of the original and winds up coming short. Several gags and some bad plot twists mar what could have been an awesome film. The villain’s three antagonists take center stage and occupy most of the films best scenes. The direct continuation of the story from Superman: The Movie is another one of the stronger suits of this movie, but it quickly loses momentum.