3. That Fight!
Although many would argue that the Airport fight scene dwarfed that of the Doomsday battle, the headliner and main lure for many a cinemagoer of both films was the lead protagonists going head to head. What was of particular interest to me was the fact that Batman V Superman‘s fight ended upon a reveal whereas Civil War‘s fight began on one, that of Bucky’s shady past. Whereas I disappointingly guessed Bucky’s involvement in Stark’s parents death early on in the film, I must admit as a lifelong DC fan I never put two and two together or rather, Martha and Martha together.
It never crossed my mind that both Bruce and Clark shared anything other than their unflinching moral compass, so when Batman was about to land the killing blow, this held a large resonance with me. Even as a Batman mega fan, the film still managed to shock me as well as keep me engaged. The fight as a whole was brutal, unflinching and in my opinion shut many a critic up who doubted a mortal’s ability to bring the Man of Steel to his knees.
2. Ben Affleck as Batman
Regardless of the side you fight on in this debate, one thing seems to have been unanimous, Ben Affleck killed it as Batman. Although I strongly disagree with the viewpoint of some that there is an Anti-DC agenda amongst critics and some Marvel fans alike you have to admit, many wanted this film to fall flat on its face from the moment Affleck was cast. What’s more ironic is many of those who condemned Affleck viewed him as one of the film’s only redeeming features. Dark, brooding and battle weary, Ben Affleck’s presence was always felt onscreen with and without the cowl.
The introduction of new characters in the MCU or in Civil War for that matter has one thing in its favour: an extended universe to develop characters across a plethora of films. Batman v Superman managed to do it in just one, once again highlighting DC’s desire to go it alone, not wanting to imitate or rely on Marvel’s tried and tested conventions. Their incarnation of Batman highlighted a bravery for me that rivals and in my opinion surpasses any that Marvel have taken, whether that be their choice to have Iron Man as their first film in the MCU or having a film with a talking racoon.
1. Trusting the Primary Audience Off the Bat
The biggest issue of contention for me in this whole debate is the two main criticisms levied at Batman v Superman: a pointless villain with a convoluted, unbelievable scheme and the believability of the film’s plot, a man in a metal suit taking on a Super powered hero. Ladies and gentlemen I introduce you to Luthor’s Marvel counterpart: Zemo and a super powered soldier vs. a man in a metal suit! Marvel is just a guilty of committing the same crimes! The problem is this and for me it’s one that brings this debate to a close, Synder and Warner Brothers’ desire to put fans of the source material first, I believe is what truly sets both films apart. Batman V Superman decided to take a risk that I believe Marvel has been too afraid to do as of yet outside of its TV Series and that is to cater for an adult audience first and foremost. I mean after all, fans of the DC graphic novels are used to seeing such depictions of Batman and Superman in the comics.
Batman branding people, snapping bones and killing Superman to many a gasp from children in all three of the screenings I saw (all be it temporary), was intense and high stakes. I can’t say I got that with Civil War; the closet we got to that was when War Machine was rendered paralysed from the waist down only to have his ailment cured post-haste by Stark. I mean, Batman v Superman got criticised for its handling of Bruce and Diana beginning to assemble the Justice League. For the love of God, Captain America – a man frozen in the 1940’s – left Stark a mobile phone after kicking his shell head in!
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