Phil sees BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE from Warner Bros. Pictures - May 12, 2016

In 2014, director Zack Snyder's MAN OF STEEL was released to theaters and became hugely successful despite the mix reviews from fans and critics. However, little did we realize, the film would be the precursor of what was about to come. With their announcement of their new film BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE, Warner Brothers would be finally setting the stage to begin establishing their own DC Cinematic Universe to combat the rival Marvel Cinematic Universe. Soon afterwards, both Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot would be cast as Bruce Wayne/Batman and Diana Prince/Wonder Woman respectively as well as Henry Cavill reprising the role of Man of Steel and his alto ego Clark Kent. 

Theatrical Movie Poster

The film's official synopsis: Fearing the actions of a god-like Super Hero left unchecked, Gotham City’s own formidable, forceful vigilante Batman (Affleck) takes on Metropolis’s most revered, modern-day savior Superman (Cavill), while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs. And with Batman and Superman at war with one another, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it’s ever known before.

The major difference between DC movies and Marvel movies is that DC movies are way more serious and way more intense. Not saying or implying that Marvel movies aren't serious or intense. It's that there's very little humor to be found in a DC movie. Plus, there's also an element of uncertainty that creates tension and a high level of risk. In this film, Bruce Wayne witnessed first hand how powerful Superman is and he sees him as a potential threat to mankind. In his mind, the last son of Kypton must be destroyed. However, unbeknownst to him, Lex Luthor has come to the same conclusion, but has a different idea of how to take Superman down.

Ben Affleck portrayal of the Caped Crusader is different from previous interpretations. While the other films looked at his early days of crime fighting, this Batman has been protecting Gotham City for the past 20 years. He's older, bitter and cynical, having lost so much over the years. His distrust in Superman propels him to take matters in his own hands, even though his faithful butler Alfred (Jeremy Irons) thinks he's not their enemy. It was refreshing to see this version of The Dark Knight and Affleck did a fine job of portraying both Bruce Wayne and Batman.

Henry Cavill is once again great as the Man of Steel and has a more somber presence in the film. First, he has the world debating whether or not if he's here to save humanity or to enslave it. Fear is predominately dominate throughout the film and is also one of the themes felt in the film. We have  habit of fearing the unknown which causes us to act violently. Superman must deal with humanity's fear of him, since they half of them blame him for the destruction of half of Metropolis from the first film. Plus there's the issues that Clark Kent has to deal with like his relationship with Lois Lane (Amy Adams again), his mother Martha (Diane Lane), his work at the Daily Planet where he's been clashing with his editor Perry White (Laurence Fishburne) because of his desire to report on Batman.

The film also introduces the big screen debut of the one and only Wonder Woman, played by the talented Gal Gadot. I don't know why it took so damn long to bring this beloved comic book character to the silver screen but it was damn well worth the wait. Even though we don't get too much of her in the film (after all the film's title says it all) Gadot did an incredible job of bringing the famed Amazon to life. We get a small taste of her which is fine by me. It just makes me that more anxious to see the WONDER WOMAN movie next year!

BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE is an all-out action packed superhero movie event of the year! While not perfect, it's defiantly a major step in the evolution of the DC Cinematic Universe! And it deserves to be seen on the big screen! So stop reading this and go out and see this movie! 4 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE is currently playing in theaters nationwide. The movie is also being shown at select IMAX theaters as well. Check your local listings to see if it's playing at a theater near you.  

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!