Prelude

2016 is a year full of action-packed superhero films, and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is not only one of the most anticipated movies this year, but of all-time. Visionary director Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen) helms this film three years after the events in Man of Steel. BvS is now a cultural phenomenon, and the kind of movie that people usually seem to either love or hate. I won’t spoil it, but instead provide insight as to why this movie will be worth your time and money.

The Terrific Ensemble Cast

The movie has a large, talented cast of actors that grant this film unprecedented credibility. Gal Gadot (Fast and Furious 6) adds the first big-screen portrayal of the most iconic female superheroine, Wonder Woman (who is getting her own movie next year). Meanwhile, Ben Affleck (The Town, Gone Girl) takes on a The Dark Knight Returns / Batman: The Animated Series version of the caped crusader, with Henry Cavill reprising his role as Clark Kent/Superman.

The much debated Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network) is locked-in as the film’s main antagonist, billionaire Lex Luthor. He is publicly adored after helping rebuild Metropolis – while showcasing clear hatred for Superman as the end of human achievement. Other notable actors in the film include Jeremy Irons (The Lion King), Lauren Cohan (The Walking Dead), Callan Mulvey (300: Rise of an Empire), Amy Adams (American Hustle), Holly Hunter (The Incredibles), Scoot McNairy (Non-Stop), and an appearance by former Green Bay Packer halfback Ahman Green.

Brawling on the Big Screen

For the majority of this movie, we’ll see the two titans facing off. Many initially wondered why they are fighting each other. Batman sees Superman as an alien threat to mankind after the destructive battle in Metropolis during Man of Steel, and blames Superman. On the other hand, Superman sees Batman as a brutal vigilante – stating, “[Batman] thinks he’s above the law.” In essence, they are two sides of the same coin. Affleck recently stated in Empire Magazine, “Rather than just ‘Alien v Predator,’ where you have two monsters and they’re going to fight, you have two people who really, truly believe they are doing something heroic and necessary in their conflict.” Both the comic-con trailer and the final official trailer indicate this brawl (among other action sequences) will be a spectacle for the ages.

Soundtrack

Returning to compose the epic score is the collaboration of Hans Zimmer (The Dark Knight) and Junkie XL (Mad Max: Fury Road, Deadpool). They both masterfully composed Man of Steel, and while Zimmer is doing most of the soundtrack again, Junkie XL will be taking on the new Batman theme. Four officially released 90-second samples can be found on YouTube and SoundCloud from their production company, WaterTower Music. Rumor also has it they will score the Zack Snyder directed Justice League: Part I due out in late 2017.

The Crew Behind the Cameras

BvS reunites Affleck with the film’s new writer, Chris Terrio, as they worked together closely on the critically-acclaimed film Argo, winning Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay at the 2013 Oscars. Terrio’s writing has been endlessly praised, especially for intellectual ideology, and most notably by Jesse Eisenberg, “[Terrio is] addressing geopolitics in this movie and not in a way that’s pretentious and esoteric.” Jeremy Irons has also been quoted saying the film, “[H]as an amazing screenplay. It’s a blockbuster written from the heart.” BvS is going to exude a dark, grounded tone while still embracing the lighter comic-book side of the mythology – delivering improved humor, characterization, and dialogue.

Dawn of the Justice League

At the end of the day, while Batman and Superman will be adversaries in this film, they can’t remain enemies forever. As the subtitle hints, there’s always a chance we might see other DC Comics superheroes (or villains) briefly appear. Ezra Miller (The Perks of Being a Wallflower), Broadway actor Ray Fisher, and Jason Momoa (Game of Thrones) are destined for heroic cameos in the film, and in the case of a Doomsday scenario, perhaps a few cameos could help protect the people of Earth.

Final Thoughts

On Easter weekend, March 25, this huge Warner Brothers DC film, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, will be remembered for decades, and in the best way possible.