The classic matchup in comic book lore.

They’ve fought over 100 times. Guess who wins more often?

Bruce.

Why? It’s unconventional storytelling. Consider symbolically; B = Earth : S = Krypton.

How? The Bat plans ahead and brings 3 things:

• Gadgetry – Batvehicles, lead lined spaces, turret cannons
• Allies – Nightwing, Batgirl, Green Arrow, etc.
• Kryptonite – You know…

Batman v Superman is the first to attempt this onscreen.

It is the 3rd in viewing order, following Man of Steel & Wonder Woman.

Noxious Public Opinion

The greatest fumbling in contemporary cinema is Warner Brothers’ response in the wake of Man of Steel’s critical disfavor.

Zack Snyder’s fall from critical grace coincides with peak enthusiasm for Rotten Tomatoes, the critics’ megaphone. The derision for DC’s new direction permeated public discourse. I would hear friends’ parroting empty arguments w/o ever having seen the film.

Thus critical dissent infected the masses. Handwringing studio heads cripple Snyder’s vision.

Sever the inspired legs

Snyder filmed an R-rated film. WB responds to public opinion. This wouldn’t do, not with all the dissent aclamor.

Theatrically they release a neutered version. PG-13 and only 151 minutes long. Cohesiveness and relatability be damned. An incomprehensible followup to the grounded entertainment of MOS & WW.

The Ultimate Edition (182 minutes)

The ONLY way to watch BvS.

Is this a conversation?

Late 2016 I’m shooting the breeze w/ 3 mid-twenties friends: Peter, Paul & Judas.

Peter, Paul & I saw MOS & BvS together. Including our 2nd BvS viewing; this time, The Ultimate Edition.

Talking film; somebody mentions DC.
“Superman is the worst,” Judas says.
“Why?” I ask.
“Too many powers. Nobody can beat him.”
“I can relate to that. Have you seen Man of Steel?”
“No, but I heard it sucks.”
“I’d recommend, think you’d enjoy,” I gesture to Peter & Paul, “Saw it with these two jags,” who remain silent, “Guys – did you like Man of Steel?”
They confirm flatly.
“What about Batman v Superman? That sucked, right?” Judas asks.
Peter & Paul wear poker faces.
“Well which version…” I pause & reapproach, “…did you see it in the theater?”
“Naw, I never saw. Everybody says it’s terrible…”

…and the conversation ends further back from where we started.

Intellectual regression

Folks are unafraid to speak with conviction armed with only second-hand knowledge.

Judas is not irrational. He enjoys film too. And, watched in earnest, WOULD like BvS: DOJ (TUE). But I guarantee he hasn’t. Despite my masterfully measured responses.

The most baffling part: Peter & Paul’s silence. We’re not in a group setting where they’re in danger of being judged. Both brilliant and thoroughly onboard with Snyder/DC’s recent direction.

So why the fear? Why not just tell Judas how he’s missing out?

Believe in…

Don’t emulate critics / popular opinion; see the film and form your own discourse. Try to dislike The Ultimate Edition – I dare you.

Don’t be Judas.

Be Jes…er, Stephen.

★★★ ★★★ ★★★

Briefer takes at IMDb & Letterboxd.