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Ryan_claffey_writer
Reviews
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
So badly wanted to like it... SPOILERS
First of all I wasn't a big fan of MAN OF STEEL. I thought it focused on trying too hard to be real it lost the sense of the Superman mythology. This film was even worse. Affleck was great as Batman, it was a new take on the character and I responded well to that. However, the narrative was a mess. I was just in the cinema desperately waiting for something to happen. When the throw down finally happened, credit where credit is due the small fight scene was awesome, but for me they had terrible material. Henry Cavil in all honesty was nothing special as Superman. Its not like he brought anything unique to the role. Ben however provided us with a different character, he didn't try to be like Bale or Keaton. I haven't seen this Batman on film and I want more of that. There wasn't much action, the point out to the Justice League was beyond cheesy. The dialogue was beyond a joke. I mean seriously... They're going to kill Martha... Oh yay our mothers share a name, lets be friends. The writer didn't know how to interrupt the brawl. Lois Lane served one purpose, to prove that Superman was being set up, then to be thrown off a building so Superman could find out his earth mum was in trouble... There were a million ways Superman could have gotten Lex to talk. By the end of the film superman is "dead" but we all know not really and he's revealed to the world as Clark Kent. Seriously??? Oh and btw he Lois are in a relationship when before they were just friends. I mean it was just a complete mess. It was rushed, and lets be honest it was a money cow.
I genuinely wanted to like this film. I was so excited to see it but yet so saddened when I had the urge to walk out 20 minutes into the film. I stayed to make sure I wasn't missing anything. I got excited when Superman and Batman met face to face I thought, oh yeah, now its getting good. Some how he magically knew he was Bruce Wayne, fair enough he could done his x ray vision thing, but we don't know. Some how he knew he was really Clark Kent but I don't remember that being explained. It just all sucked and I don't understand why its so hard to get the screenplay so very wrong when there are so many resources out there. Countless graphic novels, I mean just watch Smallville and that will tell you everything about Superman.
I would seriously be in to seeing a stand alone Batman film with Affleck's Batman. I'm looking forward to Suicide Squad. But it would be nice if we kept Superman buried for awhile...
Resurrection of Serious Rogers (2010)
Awesome Flick
I really enjoyed this micro budget flick. I loved Angelo Bell's integrity and boldness to attempt to make a neo-noir crime flick. For what little he had to work with I think it had a strong premise and would highly recommend to a lover of micro budget filmmaking. I was particularly impressed with Mercedes Manning's acting. I loved how she presented herself in several different lights. I thought she played the femme fatale type extremely elegantly. I like the elements of politics. Also the fact that the director/writer in this case has chosen to go over the type and make the characters larger than life. I don't think the film is set with an extreme serious tone, which I like. Its just full of fun entertainment. Overall a great cinematic experience.