To everybody's surprise, most of the critics have hated Batman v Superman - which doesn't mean at all that the movie will not be bankable. On the contrary, its debut is heading north of a $150 million debut in the US, and $350 million worldwide. So, all things considered, it is actually a success.
But this doesn't mean that an alarm signal wasn't pulled. In the past few days, the movie’s director, Zack Snyder, as well as its bigger stars, have defended Batman v Superman in all possible ways, from dismissing the negative reviews to explaining the actions of the characters (when they should have spoken for themselves).
From here on, you might want to look away, since some spoilers may be revealed.
The director explained why this version of the Dark Knight is so much more violent than expected. In the trailers, we caught a glimpse of that, with Batman brutally beating thugs, and even branding them. However, the Caped Crusader goes the extra mile and uses lethal force in Batman v Superman.
According to Zack Snyder, this wouldn't be a first for the character, since the previous incarnations (the Nolan and Burton versions) have also killed - even if indirectly. You can check out the reasoning in the video below. But, to sum things up, the director added that the Caped Crusader also killed in the comics, even in the The Dark Knight Returns.
Ultimately, his more violent nature is explained by the fact that he is older, and has lost too much in the past. But, as some have pointed out, this doesn't explain why so many important villains were just caught (Suicide Squad and the Joker), while the lesser bad guys were killed.
The director also said, “I’m a comic book guy, and I made the movie based as much as I could on that aesthetic. I don’t know how else to do it 100 percent, so it is what it is.” So, basically, when he made the movie, he was egotistical and only had his own vision in mind, without taking into account what the audiences might want to see - we didn't say that; it was the fans.
On the other hand, Henry Cavill said that the critics' opinions shouldn't count so much. As Batman v Superman is part of a business, the opinions that count the most are the audiences’, since they are the ones who pay to see the movie. Which is just another way of saying that there is nothing wrong with wanting more Transformers movies"¦
Lastly, Amy Adams said, "Zack doesn't make the movies – or none of us – are making the movies for the critics", which is a bit weird coming from a five-time Academy Award nominated actress. However, what she said next makes more sense: “If you’re interested in a film, you should see it and form your own opinion, rather than just going on the word of somebody else.”
All in all, Justice League will start shooting, no matter what, next month.
