Best of 2021

4–Deafheaven—like many, if not millions, I was concerned that they were changing “styles” and focusing on singing “softer songs” with some synths thrown in. I was not prepared for the beauty that is this album. This stunned me.  It is still Deafheaven, no doubt.  However, this shows their skill in many new facets, and in context of the whole album, the closer “Mombasa” becomes a stunning, potent, and beautiful finale.

3- Fiddlehead—“Between the Richness”—If I’m honest, I love nearly everything “Run for Cover Records” signs/publishes/promotes.  But with Fiddlehead, I have been hooked ever since they sang “Lay Low” on their first album. This album is not only better than the first, it feels like a “whole album” in ways their debut just didn’t.  At a short 25 minutes, you can listen to this many times and hear something new each time.

2-One Step Closer—“This Place you Know.”  Like Fiddlhead, I was excited to hear what these guys would do…and they deliver.  I’m a little unsure of the opener, but the album as a whole is so urgent and full of great lines, I’m hooked months later.  

1-The World is beautiful place & I’m no longer afraid to die—“Illusory Walls”—I first heard about this band back in 2013, just a month after I got married.  I quickly devoured their albums up until that point, waiting with baited breath as to what they would put out.  There was something about their build up, language and skill that drew me in to nearly every song.   I quickly preordered “Illusory Walls” and the vinyl when I saw they were releasing a new album in 2021.  Aside from their long band name, I have not listened to an album as much as this one since it came out.  It is complete, with each song building into the next, with the concept of “illusory walls” squarely in the middle of each song.  I try not to use this term, but when I think of “best albums,” 2 things spring to my mind: 1- I want to enjoy listening to the work,     2– confidently tell someone, “this is art.”  With this brilliant work coming 4 years after their previous album, this band is right back at the forefront of emo. 

Movie of the year:  No Time to Die

    Obviously, the pandemic is still hindering some movie watching in the theatre, but this one was simply my favorite.  I, and millions of others, love what Daniel Craig did for the Bond franchise.  There was something about the acting that made me believe Craig was an actual human being, not some “secret agent” with cool gadgets and a “license to kill.”  The last 3 films, connecting the dots to not just “Spectre” but to Bond as a human being, to me, really clicked, with this film ending Craig’s run in stunning fashion.

While Bond can be a major cliche in many of the films, I loved the story and villain in this movie.  It felt even more personal than “Skyfall” or even “Casino Royals,” and that is a tribute to the moments Rami has with Craig.  The years in planning the moves each made was great, creating genuine suspense and a bit of empathy.  Both men have lost something, and both men, don’t want to experience loss again.  I appreciate that the past few movies have been more personal instead of “i must destroy the world” Bond villain.  With Marvel, and Thanos especially, that vibe is getting old fairly quickly, no matter how great the build up and acting.  Personal stories, family and true stakes will always connect with audiences.  Add to the fact that while you watch the film, you know that this is it for Craig, there is a bit more “buy in” to the actual watching experience.  

While Craig’s run as Bond is very much over (Focus on more “Knives Out” movies please), I am excited to see where the next 007 may take the franchise, as the African American actress Lashana Lynch did a good job as a foil/friend/fellow agent with Bond.  I appreciated that many times she said or explicitly acted towards Bond as an agent that “earned” the right to be 007, which is great.  While she may not be the next Bond, as long as the series focuses on the human aspect of the character, the series will be in great shape, as Craig showed numerous times.

Best of 2020

 Obviously, 2020 was a different/tragic/weird/outlier of a year.  Sadly, this means that most of the music I would hear, along with millions of people, will be filtered through the word(s) of "pandemic" or "Covid."  Touring was cancelled, which means how artists would release music and then promote it drastically changed.  Knowing this means that the music needed to either "speak" to me and others differently, or it had to be just as abnormal as our quarantine methods.  For me, this meant that the music I consumed was filtered into: "speaks of quarantine emotions" (like anger or deep sadness) OR "plain fun" (so I'm not thinking of the bland day).   So, instead of 10 albums that spoke to me this year, there were many solid albums, but only 3 that truly stand out--and I continue to listen to as 2021 unfolds.

Best Album with all the emotions of Covid:  "The Microphones in 2020."  This isn't really a "record" so much as one man--Phil Elverum--literally processing the year via "talk singing."  It is both autobiographical as well as deeply personal, connecting with millions that are sitting at home looking out their windows.  In essence, Phil is strumming and playing background music for 46 minutes while he talks about his life, both current and past.  It is breathtaking.  The first time I heard the album all the way through, I was not sure what I heard, so I kept it on repeat and it continued to reveal knew emotions, phrases or strumming patterns that encapsulated exactly what I was feeling for nearly all of 2020.  Anger, check. Regret, check. Optimism, check.  Serenity, double check.  The album was so good I ordered it on vinyl and was stunned to see how the concept of his album played out in the vinyl format.  Before you start digesting new music for 2021, give this one a listen and let peaceful longing fill your soul....BEWARE: The Microphones don't start singing until 7 minutes in...and yes, that was a pun.

Favorite Album of 2020: Nothing "The Great Dismal."  It is possible to have a Best album, but actually enjoy listening to a different one.  Personally, I like this band and album simply because you can see all the ways in which they are also digesting 2020.  Unlike The Microphones somber tone, these guys mix up a lot of different sounds, from loud to quiet and back again, into one cohesive whole, each track hitting me at just the right time, no matter the mood I am in.  This album pushed me to re-listen to their other albums that I possess, but hadn't gone back to in several years.  Again, it was so good front to back that I had to purchase the vinyl.  

Most Fun Album of 2020: Slick Shoes "Rotation & Frequency."  I admit this freely: Slick Shoes announced they were working on material and I rolled my eyes, thinking "Another band trying to copy MxPx and their longevity...and late 90's nostalgia."  What do we get here?  A band that is truly better, more focused and fun than they ever were when they started.  Just my opinion, of course, as their early stuff is great, just not refined like this album.  Whenever anyone asked me what I was listening to, this is the album I was more than happy to boast about, as the guys struck gold due to one simple reason: FUN to listen to.  If you want a good pick me up as we fly into 2021, give this one a listen and a BUY...the vinyl colors are legit!

Best Movie: Tenet.  It's Nolan with a convoluted script about time and actors literally going backwards while we watch a movie going forward.  I'm truly not sure what I watched, but I know I enjoyed every moment and am still talking about it.  You will see all the typical Nolan set pieces and action moments, but what you won't expect is the stunning ending that will force you to go on Reddit and ask "explain the ending to Tenet."  Enjoy this one.  They don't make them like this!

Best of 2019

Music:
Album of the year:
1-Tool
When “10,000 days” came out, i had just finished college with my bulky IPod classic.  Tool had helped carry me through a lot of the studying time, along with being a trusty companion for the college bus rides i had to endure.  Fast forward to this year and Tool absolutely kills it.  This has been on constant repeat, with more notes, nuances and necessities being discovered with each listen; it is an album that avoids our societies attachment to quick hits and “singles released.”  It must be listenened to in its entirety, as the band truly intended.  I am proud to say that i put the kids down for a nap and listened to it in utter civility...for an entire week.  Months later, i still do this...with a big grin of satisfaction.  I always thought 13 years was a bit much in between albums, but man, this is stunning, and yet, essentially Tool.  When Maynard sings “struggling/to remain/relevant” i felt that as a husband, dad, etc.

2-Pedro the Lion—“Phoenix”
I have always enjoyed Pedro the Lion and David Bazaan solo material.  But none of the albums stood out to me, until this one.  I listened to it and then happened to watch his documentary “Strange Negotiations” on a long road trip.  Maybe it was because i did this all in one sitting, but at that moment, much of my childhood and life seemed to come together in serveal moments.  I remembered riding my yellow bike as a kid “Yellow bike” and causing hurt feelings over something i said to a friend “Quietest friend.”  Whatever the moment, subtle though it may be, Bazaan seemed to capture it, put it to gorgeous music that needed to be replayed and replayed.  I enjoyed Tool more, but this album was played and “felt” more throughout most of 2019.
3-Weyes Blood
This album is on most “End of the year” lists, and for good reason.  The entire albums seamlessly fits together in one gorgeous Titanic moment.  When i hear about music being “art,” this is what i think of.  A band/artist working through their voice, their identity, wrestling with communicating humanity to the rest of the world in beautiful ways.  Listen to this if you love beauty and want time to stand still.

4-Slaughter Beach Do—I fully admit to being an emo guy, but i fully admit and admire the fact that i still love and miss the great emo band known as “American Baseball.”  The lyrics, chemistry and fast paced commentary on society just seemed to click when i listened to them.  Sadly, they are on hiatus, but Jake Ewald pressed on, and has realeased mulitiple solo albums as Slaughter Beach Dog.  “Safe and Also No Fear” is the perfect title as we press forward into 2020 and the future.  We long for “safe placed” but we pretend we aren’t fearful in front of others.  We yearn for true hero’s, paying billions to see them interact with bad guys (Hello, Avengers), but as Jake sings, “Sometimes the good ones aren’t as good as you recall,” leaving you with a saddened sense of purpose; the idea of hero can be part of your identity, but only if the government says so.  The whole album is truly indie and yet, “dad rock.”

5-State Faults/Inter Arma
I admit to liking “screams” at times, but in the right context: tough day, long run, lack of sleep, etc.  Then, there are bands that just must be listened to because of their passion and skill.  Both of these bands released albums this year, and they are vastly different, but i like them for the same reason:  they do what they do with excellence and passion, shredding in different ways, screaming with one unity.  If you like Deafhaven, i would gather you would enjoy State Faults album “Clairvoyant.”  If you like to see a band build to a frenzy, then listen to Inter Arma “Sulphuric English” while you work out those New Years Resolutions you have already abandoned...and be glad your screaming about it.

Runner Ups:
American Football
Big Thief—Both albums
Better Oblivion Community Center
Great Grandpa
(Sandy) Alex G—listen to “Hansel” and be haunted


Movie:  Joker

Having taken a lot of film courses, one thing that absolutely drives me nuts is when a blockbuster comes along and people claim that “the acting is top notch.”  While I won’t deny that the actors put in time and effort to make something fun (“Avengers”),  entertaining (“Crawl”) and “great” (“Us”), there are very few actors that truly devote themselves to their craft and art.  When Christian Bale plays a magician in “The Prestige” and comments that “this, this is the act...their entire life and being is the magic trick,” he could also be speaking about Hollywood. Christian Bale may be weird and himself “hit and miss” when it comes to roles and how well they do, the man is usually all in on his films.  From Dick Cheney “Vice,” to his overweight con man in the great “American Hustle,” Bale at least tries in the roles he signs up form.  The best is still Daniel Day-Lewis. He always put his entire life into a character, and it is why he would only do 2-3 films every 5 years.  Today, you have big name stars doing 5 movies a year, but none really standing out.  Enter, Joaquin Phoenix.  This, this is acting.  Mr. Phoenix loses 55 pounds, isolates himself for days/weeks for the role, and works on developing a haunting laugh.  This is acting, and it comes from a man who already creeped many people out with his “emperor” role in “Gladiator,” along with his excellent role as Mr. Johnny Cash in “Walk the Line.”  When “Joker” realizes the brilliance/irony of his plan at the end of “Joker” and looks at the camera and says to us/therapist that “we wouldn’t understand” the brilliance is palpable.  Here is a man that says things we all relate to “is it just me or is it getting crazier out there?” AND lives in an isolated life, despite being surrounded by people; things most wrestle with internally, but never act on.  Joker finally acts on things and it is truly stunning.  This is a film in which I knew I had watched a character truly come to life, yet spur something deeper.  The ending and film continue to be discussed, and it was an easy film of the year choice—no debate needed.

Runner up:  “Us.”  If you want to be haunted and ask “what did I just watch?” then this is the film of 2019.  The acting is stunning, as is the weird story.  All i know is that to this day, I still can’t watch it at night, and I still don’t truly know what is going on.  Just check out Reddit if you don’t believe me.

Music and Movie of 2018

Movie and Music of 2018

1-Boygenuis

I'll admit that I have all the albums by these amazing singers, so when i heard they were forming a supergroup i never doubted their talent(s) to figure out how to mesh and create songs that would stay in my brain.  But i never expected this...memorable, thought provoking and frankly, stunning in simplicity, beauty and true female power.  Long live these ladies.  Shout out to cover art...for true music lovers.

2-Deafhaven "Ordinary Corrupt Human Love"

I had heard about this band for years, but had never jumped into them or even streamed them.  They seemed out there, confusing and "fake angry" from what i had read about them.  Like, who wants to scream in anger at the world, yet still find time to put a piano solo into a song?  It just seem right, or even "metal."   But then, "Ordinary Love" came out and blew my eardrums off...literally.  I ended up ordering a shirt, vinyl and cd of this album.  The best way to experience this is simple:  Keep it on repeat, with great headphones, letting each song, note and scream flow into the next, with no stopping.  This is what I did when i was on a bus traveling for 20 hours through Africa...and i still feel this album and its extravagant beauty over the constant bumps of the road.

3--Rolo Tomasi "Time will die and love will bury it"

So, i am a bit of a film buff and my 5th favorite film of all time is LA Confidential.  So, somehow, i heard this phrase was a band.  I had to check them out due to curiosity alone.  I had not even heard a song when i came across their bandcamp page and read a comment that said simply, "This album is love."  I never thought someone could ever say that about music, which is sound over actual sacrifice.  However, that comment, person, future world problem solver is absolutely correct.  The sounds are murky, hard, edgy and soft.  All of these elements and more are indeed found in love.  But taken as a whole, this ablum simply leaves me in awe every time i hear it.  Come to find out, they have released 4 other albums and constant singles and eps...this is what love does...it keeps on giving to others, because "love never fails."

4-Windhand "Eternal Return"

Another band that i had never heard of, but came across my Pandora station one day because i adore the grunge of the Melvins and Dinosaur Jr.  Windhand and their Eternal Return album have been on play for the past 3 weeks, along with all their other albums.  Turns out, this was made right after the singer had a baby.  Babies are a lot of work, but when you realize they are special gifts, we truly have been given an "eternal return" with them.   Let this one, and its massive riffs fill your soul on those long, wintery days.

5-Spiritualized "And nothing hurt" 

I am a bit of skeptic when it comes to the Brits, Europe and and bands from "across the pond."  I mean, who hasn't heard of Oasis.  But when i found out that this band started back in the 80's, with huge influence and a "techy, space vibe" i thought why not see where they are now.  Turns out, for the most part, this is now just one man--Jason Pierce.  He learned how to use Garageband and other computer programs to make his work seem bigger than it is in order to have a "fill up the stadium" vibe, which he used to have with his former albums.  Due to streaming, lack of album purchases, it is obvious that artists must adapt, as due music labels, if they are to make money and find a niche.  So, Jason Pierce took 2.5 years to work on this, honing many elements into this album, and it works in amazing ways.  This has my song or lyric of the year:  "I'm your man."   I could be faithful, honest and true, holding my heart for you.  But if you want wasted, loaded, permanently folded, doing the best that he can, i'm your man."   So many times in marriage, i feel like a hack that somehow got lucky marrying the person that I did, yet, still "doing the best he can...then i'm her man."  There is a subtle desperation to this song, one that perfectly encaptures one man (or many) struggling with his relationship, something all of us grasp at a deep level.

Movie of the year:  Annihilation   

Runner up: Avengers: Infinity War 

I'm stunned to say this, but Obama and I do agree on some things:  our movies align quite frequently.  While I had a ton of fun watching and enjoying Avengers this year, as Marvel just knows how to put out a fun, entertaining hero flick (take notes DC, please...), for them to build up to this film and then pull it off with a genuine cliff-hanger, in this day and age, is stunning, and another reason film, when  done right, has the power to transcend and be a quality talking point for society.  Avengers did that and more...shout out to the Chriss' talking to each other in the Avengers film...so much fun.  But, as for quality of film, stunning visuals and exciting, thought-provoking premise, there can be no other:  Annihilation wins hands down.

I had not heard of this film until late November when i saw it on Itunes for .99 to rent.  So, why not?  Besides, Alex Garland is a great film director (Ex Machina) and writer (did screenplay for Never Let Me Go). I simply had nothing to lose going this route. To say i was blown away is an understatement.  The movie revolves around 4-6 lady scientists going into an alien being known simply as "The Shimmer" because it landed by a lighthouse, but continues to grow, slowly taking over southern Florida.  Many teams have gone in, but only 1 person has returned--and is on life support--Natalie Portman's (playing the Biologist) husband Oscar Isaac (one of our most under-rated actors, but Star Wars may put him over the top).  How did he survive?  Can Portman save him by going into the Shimmer looking for answers?  These are normal film questions that we would understandably have...but what makes Sci-Fi great is the big questions that it asks of us.  In this case, is there a difference in our DNA and that of others?  Are we truly all in "self destruct" mode, even though we are living the life we want?  These are just some of the big questions this film asks, and like his previous film, this does end with a bit of a shock, and dare i say, trepidation.

I was very impressed with the female cast.  At first, I was stunned to see so few men in this film.  During our whole metoo movement, it seems that films force their views on us, instead of finding a decent cast that fits the story so we can care about the characters and their struggles.  This film does not do that.  The ladies are all experts in their field and because teams led by men have not returned, ladies wanted to step up and help, hoping their DNA would be the key to unlocking the mystery of the "Shimmer."  The violence is not typical of your R-rated film.  Most violent films use excessive gore, and guts in order to give the feeling that this scene is intense... "like you had to be there."   In this film, the violence is felt, but not shown, and it is shockingly felt.  And because it is not frequent, the encounters hold more weight, mean more, and truly shock viewers, giving credence to the fact that we are inside an alien "shimmer" and don't know what to do.  What makes this absolutely stunning, is that every lady is carrying a secret, one that can annihilate her, but not the team.  The title says it all.  "Annihilation."

Avengers Infinity War:  Worth the wait?

The Avengers Infinity War movie finally came out.  After 98 precursor set up films, (it's like 31 films), and countless hidden easter eggs throughout said films, alternative endings, and great one-liners, everything boils down to one question:  will Infinity War deliver on its investment?  Let's face it:  this film could bomb simply because it has too many great characters to show on screen, all with powerful personalities, portrayed by people we have tended to like for the past 30 films.  We are invested and we want that investment to pay off handsomely.  So, to answer the question, the film can be summed up in two words:  WOW and What?

To keep things simple, the movie revolves around Josh Brolin and his mighty chin, errr, character named Thanos.  Thanos has one job:  save the world from killing itself due to limited natural resources, and so, he believes, it is in the universes best interest if someone eliminates humanity before the cruel world does it.  Thus, Thanos needs the Infinity stones (Time, Soul, Space, etc.), which are powerful items that when placed on a cool glove, form the Infinity Gauntlet.  Again, this stuff has been "hidden" throughout the other films and is now here for us to gaze at...along with shattering the all time opening weekend box office numbers.  And the film does deliver!   The film is huge, but it all revolves around Brolin's baddy and he does an admirable job.  There are times that i found myself admiring his ideas (in a weird, Charles Dickinson way) and the way in which he interacts with the other Avengers.  Unlike Loki or a Bond villain that wants to take over the world for greedy ways, Thanos doesn't really find pleasure in killing people or the Avengers (spoiler alert).  He truly feels if he doesn't, there will be more suffering because he has not taken action.  There is no pleasure in fighting people that hold opposing views, like the Avengers, and he goes out of his way to say that he admires what they stand for.  I found it refreshing simply because i'm tired of all the Vin Disel, macho, alpha male, ego driven vengeance flicks these past several years.  There seems to be a true dignity by both sides in how they tackle their problems with each other.
The cast is large, but everyone will love the jokes, especially Chris Pratt challenging the other Chris's in the film.  Frankly, the movie could have died upon arrival because there are so many characters, but each one gets ample time to show off their powers, and personalities, which is great.  The film, while long, never feels bogged down, but that is also a problem.  The film just ends.  I verbally said, "What?" when the film ended.  Herein lies the true problem with Marvel films:  money.

There are characters that die, in fact, half the world population gets wiped out.  Yet, there is no sadness or sorrow because we know Disney is raking in so much cash, they literally can't allow any of these great folks to die.  There are several glaring, "wink, wink" moments by Doctor Strange that set up the potential "resurrections" because of various "timelines," with hints of Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) coming soon to save everyone.  Heck, even knowing Avengers 4 will come this time in 2019 takes away the genuine suspense from a truly great movie.  We know, somehow, everyone will make it back.  And with that, go enjoy this fun, great movie with friends and family, but get ready to leave the theatre shaking your head, wondering once again (or 31 times), "Well, gotta wait for the next one."

Captain America is another great Marvel film!!!

The start of summer can mean only one thing when it comes to the local cinema:  A new Marvel movie will come out and attempt to wreck all previous box office records.  And right on time, here comes Captain America: Civil War after the blasé Batman vs. Superman film.  To be quite clear, the new Captain America is excellent, and quite possible, the best “Avengers” film. It certainly deals with more “grown up” themes, whereas past films dealt mainly with “The End of the World.”   Like the previous Marvel films, it has the perfect cast, tone and script, while poking fun at itself, though not to the extent of the recent Deadpool.

The plot revolves around the Avengers (minus Hulk and Thor) discussing and potentially being forced into "accountability" by the United Nations and other governments after a chase goes sideways in east Africa.  It goes without saying that the words "accountability" and government should never be uttered in the same sentence, but i digress. Of course, this entire U.N. “accountability” has been completely set up and manipulated by someone controlling Captain America’s good friend “Bucky” the Winter Solider.  In this sense, the film feels like an extension of the “Winter Solider” film, but completely surpasses the previous films because of the jaw dropping truths that are revealed throughout the film.  

Most of the characters initially agree that they should be held in check, because without that accountability than we are “no better than the bad guys,” according to Tony Stark.  His legacy, idiosyncrasies and pride are completely believable and brought to an excellent denouement by Robert Downey Jr.  In the previous films, he had a charisma that would put off many people because it always followed an arrogance that drove people, and his teammates crazy; but you knew he was brilliant, so you just kind of went with it.  In this film, he is so different from the previous films, many may be upset that his personality has undergone a huge transformation, but we believe it (for those who have seen the other films) because we know he wants to leave a legacy that matters, one that is based on saving people and even teammates from making the same mistakes that he has made.  The film is commendable when it comes to this theme, as well as the idea that actions, right or wrong, are ultimately what people are remembered for.  For Captain America, it has always been about integrity and serving others, in whatever capacity the country needed him. Contrast that with Stark, who has been a billionaire wiz kid, seen first hand the destruction of his devices, lost a close relationship, and yet, still believes he can change his legacy and that of his family.

The idea of family is an excellent theme, one that is constantly brought into the film, as these characters make stands that impact all those involved, as well as future films.  The side plot involves family and an evil character that brilliantly plays the Avengers off of each other, and is a great tribute to the old Hitchcock films where a giant “Truth bomb” levels everyone near the end:  “I knew i couldn’t kill them.  Better men than me have tried.  But if i could turn them against each other, that would be…”   Vengeance becomes the driving force of this character and the movie, and one that our world always argues and discusses.  This movie pushes the idea of vengeance to its breaking point, as all the characters that seek vengeance end up struggling, as if they can see something powerful, but can’t grasp it.  There is a character that chooses to forgive and instead of sounding cliched or dumb, is very powerful in setting up the future Avenger films.

Spider Man and Black Panther make their debuts into the Marvel canon and they are excellent in every capacity.  They are perfectly cast and highlight their skills without being overbearing.  Tom Holland really does look like a teenage Peter Parker, one who is in awe of all the Avengers, while Black Panther has an identity and power that has its own secret.

The movie is great in every area and while the length of the movie may seem long, nothing ever stalls or lingers, unlike Batman vs. Superman.  In fact, i would say the most intriguing aspect of the film is the idea of leadership and who is really “in charge” of the Avengers.  Hint: it will never be the government.  Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. own their respective characters, and their scenes together are truly magical and the reason we go to the movies:  to see characters we care about struggling with ideals and identity.   Throughout the Marvel films, we have known Captain America not only is the leader of the Avengers, but he is symbolic of heroes in general:  they fight for the weak and sacrifice their lives for others.  That’s what we all want, need and even wish we could be.  Tony Stark, in this film, truly becomes a leader, but cannot usurp Captain America, and it is because he cannot over come the character and man, Steve Rogers.  Iron Man knows he is responsible for casualties, weapons and a dysfunctional family heritage, but wants to take responsibility and be accountable.  But Steve Rogers has always had character and leadership qualities that make him a man people want to follow; they know he is willing to sacrifice for something he believes in, whereas Stark, even though he yearns for accountability, has to manufacture it or hire someone for them to follow him.  The fight these men go through against each other is both personal, as well as symbolic of who they are and wish to become, ideas that the Batman vs. Superman could not even scratch.
As the film closes, the “bad guy” is told that his plot has failed, and with a wink, he asks the best question, one audiences will be asking as future films are released: “Did I [fail]?”  Knowing the team is split, hurt and completely at odds means that only a fight against the all mighty Thanos can bring them all back together.

Batman vs. Superman...it's a long one

Batman vs. Superman Review

So…all the hype…and the movie has now come and gone.  If we bottom line this, i think everyone is asking, is the movie any good?  Well, in my humble opinion, it is an average film that wants and tries to do more.  For what its worth, no, it is not the Avengers.  The Avengers seemed to have fun.  This film is not sure what it is, who the main focus should be on, and what it is trying to say.  With the Avengers, Joss Whedon kept things simple:  Have a solid bad guy, but just enjoy watching these classic characters fight together.  With Batman vs. Superman, Zach Synder seems unsure as to what he wants the film to be about because he has so many “teasers” for future movies, as well as confusing motives that i’m unsure of what the film is trying to be.  If it is a film about Batman fighting Superman, there is very little of that after a lot of build up.  If it is a film that is setting up a huge battle against a foe casual moviegoers will not recognize, it does this, but is very vague, which leaves the original question:  what is this film?

The basic plot everyone will recognize from the trailers that show up on countless websites:  Batman does not trust the power of Superman, since he can wipe out all of humanity, so Bruce Wayne decides that the safest thing he can do is steal some Kryptonite and kill Superman.  What he doesn’t know, along with Superman, is that he is a pawn in the schemes of Lex Luther.  Eventually, these two powerful comic characters battle head to head, but ultimately team up to stop a weird alien known as Doomsday.  The actors are solid, but truly, the script doesn’t give any of them much meat.  Most movie-goers were very concerned about Ben Affleck taking on the role as Batman in light of the masterpieces that Christian Bale got to star in, but he does okay as an older, aging Bat.  Henry Cavil, i’m convinced, has the right body, look and feel for the “new generation” of Superman fans, but just doesn’t get to do much other than look forelorn, as if he is trying to make us feel the burden of being a superhero.  This kind of acting may be difficult, I don’t know, but Chris Evans, Christian Bale and even Robert Downey Jr. seem able to carry this weight more effectively.   The actor who is having fun, or trying to make the film fun is Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor, who many know from the fun film “Now you See Me.”  Many critics have panned his performance and i’m confused as to why, as he is the only one that has any ideas about the world and is willing to try and speak about things.  What Lex is missing is motive.  Yes, comic book fans will know his motives, but in the film he just wants to destroy two hero’s and we don’t know why, other than veiled discussions about his father’s physical abuse towards him when he was a child.  That is pretty thin, but Jesse gives it his all, seems to know, wrestle with and argue about what or who is God;  and if there is a God, do we know if he can be all good and just?  As a casual fan, i find it interesting that as Lex wrestles with these complexities, unsure of what is truth, he heads more towards evil, sin or the “darkside,” the truly cool part about the film.  Darkseid will be the next villain in this film franchise, but for casual moviegoers, after the film you may expect the villain to be Satan himself, but that is part of the conundrum of this film:  Is it a fight between two great hero’s OR merely a vehicle that Warner Bros. is using to set up a parallel universe that will “marvel” Marvel?  Because Zach Synder is unsure or is trying to do too much, the film feels bloated and leaves the actors grasping at air in a lot of places.  All of them truly are wrestling with deep things, but they either don’t know where to go with them or aren’t sure what their role is.  Again, is this the fault of the actor, director, or the script they are given?

It is well known that Zach Synder is a comic book devotee and die-hard when it comes to bringing “visual flair” to his projects (no matter one’s thoughts on Watchmen, it had flair), but he truly seems unable to write decent dialogue in any capacity.  From “Dawn of the Dead,” to “300,” it’s as if all of his projects have dialogue that can only be used in the trailers.  After watching Batman vs. Superman, i truly felt that i had “seen” all the important conversations watching the trailer and not the actual movie.  And this isn’t a one time thing.  His other films have the same vibe to them: “This is Sparta!!!”  Under certain circumstances, this may not be a problem, just look at Michael Bay and all the money he can bring in with the Transformer films.  But he also brings in a ton of action and different style for the action, while Synder has yet to show any growth as a filmmaker, especially when it comes to dialogue and actual conversations.  When Superman meets up with Batman, it is slightly painful, instead of awe-inspiring:  “Next time your light shines, don’t go to it.”   “Tell me…do you bleed?”   Wow.  Real page turning stuff here.  (Sarcastic voice) I can’t understand why Leonardo got his Oscar for the Revenant.
Bottom line:  it is a long film that should have been edited by 10-15 minutes, and will leave many questioning what took place or where the franchise is headed.  The only thing that is certain with this movie is the fact that it made enough money  ($168 mil opening weekend) to justify the hype and ensure more films with these characters.  For some movie goers that’s enough and that’s what going to the movies is all about.  For others, “of all the words of paper and pen, the worst, what might have been.”
2.5 out of 5