BATMAN V. SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE (2016) Movie Review
Nobody Wins With Conflict.
For years, we have enjoyed the stories of Marvel comic books on the silver screen, and we will do so for years to come. It should then come as no surprise that DC Comics would follow in its stead.
The film, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice , marks the beginning of a ten film DC franchise, which will premiere between now and 2020. The second to premiere this year on August 5 is Suicide Squad. Wonder Woman is the third to premiere June 2, 2017.
Proverbs 12:18 says, “Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.” (NLT)
In order for the future Justice League to get along, Batman and Superman must first settle some differences and find some common ground. Better to get that fight out of the way (unlike Captain America and Iron Man).
Batman v Superman is a fantastic display of conflict’s destructive potential. Batman and Superman are both heroes. They both strive for the same cause. They both value the lives of innocent people. Even though their intentions to help the world are the same, their differences keep them at odds. But should they?
Superman is a humble savior. He is powerful. He is selfless. He is loving. Though he is persecuted and feared, he continues to selflessly save lives from the evils of the world.
Batman, on the other hand, is a VERY tortured man. The tragedies of life make him angry, hopeless, and vulnerable to the lies that tarnish Superman’s reputation. The extent of Superman’s power threatens Batman, enough to try to destroy him.
Mark 13:22 says, “For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones.” (NLT)
Who is the false prophet? Non other than Lex Luther, Superman’s mortal enemy. In his obsessive desire to destroy Superman, Luther uses the only man powerful enough to confront him.
He manipulate Batman’s rage with misinformation and fear.
There is, however, one thing Luther did not count on: mutual interests and experience. In this case, they are both men who love their mothers unconditionally. Batman, having suffered the loss of his mother, feels an undeniable empathy for superman when his own mother is put in harm’s way.
Who is the honorable witness to bring the message to Batman? Lois Lane, a journalist who spends her career seeking truth, defending Superman’s reputation, and defending the world from Luther. Superman’s message of hope, service, and sacrifice to Batman falls on deaf ears until Lane finds a way to speak to his experience.
The death of Batman’s parents marks the beginning of Batman’s journey. His tragedy gives him the drive to prevent that experience in others and protect them from evil. Learning that Superman has a mother not only humanizes Superman in his eyes, it also reminds him of the reason he becomes Batman in the first place.
Lois Lane succeeds to bring the two together where Lux Luther tries to tear them apart. Thus, Batman and Superman form a union that marks the beginning of a very exciting franchise.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” (NLT)
The darkest, most isolated hero in comic book history finds a way to work in a team, because he finds common ground with a colleague. If Batman can do it, anyone can do it.
