Top 10 Films of 2020

I wasn't sure if I would ever do a Top 10 Films of 2020. It's not fun to talk about 2020, but I need to breathe some life back into this dead blog. I definitely plan to do a Top 10 Films of 2021, and since in my mind both years meld together in a chaotic blur, I might as well do both lists.

What can you say about 2020 that hasn't already been said? As far as films, many got their release dates delayed as a result of the pandemic, and in many cases some are still getting delayed. But some did make their way to audiences through theaters, streaming services, or even both.  

Films, television, all entertainment can be a way to find comfort and escape the never-ending hellscape of reality, and we all really need that. Personally I've watched a lot of films, both old and new, in these extended periods of social isolation. I think almost every new release in 2020 I took the opportunity to see, and despite it being a lackluster year, we did get some good films. 

Some of them definitely were a bleak reflection of the grim year they were released in. I guess you could chop that up to bad timing. But some were pleasant, feel-good features that could put a smile on your face. You’ll find a eclectic mix of both here on this list. This is my Top 10 Films of 2020. Let’s get weird.

Oh and while I absolutely 1,000% drank the Hamilton Kool-Aid when it dropped on Disney Plus, I’m excluding it here. It’s not really a film. It’s a high quality recording of an AMAZING Broadway production and it’s not really fair to put it amongst traditional films, despite what the Hollywood Foreign Press thinks…nominating it for “Best Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical” 

Alright, you dweebs. But let’s just say for the sake of The Revolution, Hamilton is #0 of this list.

10. Extraction

Directed by Sam Hargave

Starring Chris Hemsworth, Rudhraksh Jaiswal, and Golshifteh Farahani

I'm not going to say that "in a normal year this film wouldn't even come close to cracking my Top 10" because frankly you could say that about half of this list...but, yeah. Extraction. It's pretty enjoyable. You don't watch these types of films for the plot. You watch it to get hyped up by the action and brother there is plenty of balls-to-the-wall, insane action. The action sequences are also shot really well. The violence gets too gruesome at times, but for this film, it works. It's a wild action film but it's not completely lacking heart. It keeps the story simple. Chris Hemsworth carries the film with his performance and he nails every fight scene. The film probably could've been elevated with some more time to develop his character, and his relationship to Jaiswal's Ovi, but it is what it is.

If this spawns a type of John Wick franchise I'm cool with it. I love Chris Hemsworth. But that's all I really have to say about Extraction. It's a mindless crowd pleaser. I liked it.

(Extraction is available to watch on Netflix)

9. Wonder Woman - 1984 

Directed by Patty Jenkins

Starring Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, and Kristen Wiig

Look I know it's not great, and it doesn't hold a candle to the original Wonder Woman but you know what in a year like this, it's fine! Wonder Woman 1984 is fine. Like you're going to look at me and tell me that I'm wrong when I say Gadot absolutely owns this character and its an absolute delight to see her reprise the role?? Anyway...

While the script needed polishing, I appreciated the message of embracing what you have instead of wishing for more. It took me some time to process what the film was trying to say (Because it's long and a bit clunky) but I picked up what they were putting down, or at least that's how I interpreted it. I respect the full-on embrace of the 80s aesthetic, both the "vibrant zaniness" side and the "mass paranoia of impending doom" side (1984!). It actually did feel like a superhero film made in the 80s at times. There are a lot of great sequences in the film, both heart-warming and action-packed. As I said, Gadot is wonderful (Heh). Chris Pine does great as the newly-resurrected fish-out-of-water Steve Trevor, Pedro Pascal has his moments to shine as Maxwell Lord, and Kristen Wiig does really well (most) of the time as Barbara Minerva/Cheetah.

I feel like the more I talk about Wonder Woman 1984 the harder it is to defend it so I'll stop (Like we're not going to talk about the body snatching...) but I had a good time with it. If I could borrow a line from Pedro Pascal, it's good...but it can be better.

(Wonder Woman -1984 is available to stream on HBO Max)

8. The Devil All The Time

Directed by Antonio Campos

Starring Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Sebastian Stan, etc.

The Devil All The Time, based on the novel of the same name by Donald Ray Pollock, takes place across the 1950’s and 60’s post-World War II, in Ohio and West Virginia, and interweaves the stories of multiple characters. The film is heavy on themes of the power of faith and religion, and asks bold questions like can those things betray us or lead us astray. God (or some higher power) is operating in every scene. The line between right and wrong is blurred to the point of non-existence. No character is completely good, but some of them might be pure evil. Think Love, Actually but dark.

The film has a real strong ensemble. You can’t help but root for poor, innocent Tom Holland. Robert Pattinson is deliciously vile. Other standouts include Sebastian Stan, Bill Skaarsgard, and Harry Melling. While the film is thought-provoking and leaves a strong impression, it can be a chore to get through. It is slowly paced and gets quite dark (At one moment I actually screamed “Oh come on!!!” at the screen). In hindsight, probably too dark a film to come out in a year like 2020.

That said I enjoyed the storyline linking all these characters and its themes really bring it to the next level. It left an impression on me. If you’re looking for a think piece with plenty of character work, I recommend it.

(The Devil All The Time is available to watch on Netflix)

7. Onward

Directed by Dan Scanlon

Starring Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Onward came at the right time for everyone I think. The story of two brothers (Holland and Pratt) on a quest to revive their late father for 24 hours is a nice reminder of the "magic" that still exists in the world. That even though at a time when we can't always be there for one another physically, we can be there in our thoughts and our actions. It's a beautiful story about the people that are always there to support us, and the times when we have to support them (Crap, I'm tearing up...). The relationship between Ian and Barley is just so well written and although I find Chris Pratt's Barley to be a bit annoying, he gives a great performance, and so does Tom Holland as Ian.

The animation is right in line with Pixar standards. There are some good jokes. I feel like the writers didn't take full advantage of the fantasy setting but there are some fun set pieces. I don't think Onward is Pixar's best but it is an enjoyable, heartwarming film, and one of the most important stories they've put to screen.

(Original Review. Onward is available to watch on Disney Plus)

6. Happiest Season

Directed by Clea DuVall

Starring Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, and Alison Brie

The first of two Christmas films on this list. On paper, Happiest Season runs like a typical Hallmark or Lifetime film, but with a higher budget. Does that make it any less enjoyable? Absolutely not. 

It's a great film about relationships, family dynamics, and how the latter can come to a boil over the holidays. The film treats the central relationship between Abby and Harper (Stewart and Davis) with plenty of respect and sincerity, and you really root for them (Almost...Avoiding spoilers.) That's a credit not just to the writers, but the actresses playing them. 

Much like Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart has come a long way since her Twilight days. You're in her corner the whole film. Mackenzie Davis...I don't want to give out any spoilers but she really brings this character to life. As a matter of fact the whole cast is amazing. Alison Brie, Dan Levy, Mary Steenburgen, Victor Garber, and Aubrey Plaza. Whoever casted this film deserves a raise. They're all perfect. Also a real scene stealer is Mary Holland as Harper's sister Jane.

I revisited Happiest Season over the 2021 holidays and I surely will again. It's a wonderful Christmas romantic dramedy (Is that a thing?) with plenty of laughs and heart, that I think can resonate with anyone.

(Happiest Season is available to watch on Hulu.)

5. Promising Young Woman

Directed by Emerald Fennell

Starring Carey Mulligan, Bo Burnham, and Alison Brie

I went into Promising Young Woman with a minimal understanding of the premise, and came out having one of the realest viewing experiences of my life. So real I had to take a break after one particular scene. I think this is a film everyone should see. The premise is spectacular and rooted in harsh reality. The film is like a new neo-noir, and has a very unique feel from its use of lighting and color, to its music choices. It's a very bittersweet, black-comedy and will stay with you long after the credits roll. You think you know where it's going but trust me you don't. Fennell won for Best Original Screenplay at last year's Oscar and it was well-deserved.

As far as I'm concerned this is Carey Mulligan's career-defining role. She's funny, terrifying, and emotional all at the same time. And there are some great supporting roles from Burnham, Brie and many more. 

I'm not giving you a lot of information because I think the less you know the better going into this film. If you've seen it, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't seen it, watch it. Just...be prepared. Maybe do a little research. Not a lot. Just a little...man this film rattled me.

(Promising Young Woman is available to watch on HBO Max and Hulu)

4. Fatman

Directed by Esholm Nelms & Ian Nelms

Starring Mel Gibson, Walton Goggins, and Marianne Jean-Baptiste

I mean, Mel Gibson as Santa...I didn't think it was going to work but it did! The fact that know one had ever made a film where a naughty kid hires a hitman to kill Santa for revenge baffles me. But we have it now, and that makes me happy. Mel Gibson was kinda perfect for this type of Santa story. He's lost his love for his work. He's bitter and depressed towards the state of the world. He has less influence in the modern world where people are just naturally meaner. It's sort of the perfect Santa story for 2020? 

I do wonder what a film like this would've been like with a bigger budget. Maybe a little bit more money but not a ton because then who knows? We would've gotten this crazy CGI-dogfight in the sky with Santa's sleigh and some bi-planes? And I say this with all my heart...more Walton Goggins never hurt anyone.

Fatman is unique, wild, shocking, and the perfect Christmas film for 2020. Damn the Rotten Tomatoes reviews, I will remind you to watch this film every year.

(Original Review. Fatman is available to watch on Peacock)

3. Palm Springs

Directed by Max Barbakow

Starring Andy Samberg, Cristin Milioti, and JK Simmons

We didn't have a summer blockbuster season in 2020, and Palm Springs didn't go to theaters, but Palm Springs was *the* film of Summer 2020. The premise of character(s) being stuck in a time-loop is  familiar, but Palm Springs takes the familiar and works wonders with it. This is both a great character study and just a really fun film. 

Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti are a perfect pair. Samberg is always great with the comedy but it was nice to see him flex his dramatic chops in some scenes, and Cristin Milioti is just amazing in everything she does. Seriously the industry needs to give more attention to Cristin Milioti. And you're really going to nominate Samberg for a Golden Globe and not her, Hollywood Foreign Press? She is the heart of the film, you dweebs... 

Palm Springs is familiar but delightful, with two great leading performances, and probably the most fun I had watching a film in 2020.

(Original Review. Palm Springs is available to watch on Hulu.) 

2. Soul

Directed by Pete Docter

Starring Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, and Graham Norton

Pixar really out here trying to induce an existential crisis in the aging millennial? Ugh. In the words of Jean-Ralphio Saperstein, "That was beautiful. That changed me." Soul is probably the most adult Pixar film to date (which might make this one not resonate to much with younger audiences) but it absolutely connected to me. 

Joe Gardner (Foxx) is probably one of the most relatable protagonists in a Pixar film, and Jamie Foxx's voice work is top-notch. He has amazing chemistry with Tina Fey's 22. Fey is perfectly cast as this cynical, vulnerable, and adorable character and it's as much her film as it is. Soul has some of Pixar's absolute best animation. The rendering of New York City almost looks live-action. The use of lighting and color both in the real world and the fantastical is so stunning, particularly when it's paired with the great music in the film. This is inarguably as close as Pixar has come to pulling off their own Fantasia.

At the heart of Soul though is a powerful message of passion and purpose, and how those two things differentiate. One could walk out of this film with a better appreciation of life, and revitalized to live it to the fullest (Just maybe not right now, because Big Rona). Soul is a stunning and inspiring film. It's another Pixar triumph...also Graham Norton should do more voice acting.

(Soul is available to watch on Disney Plus)

Before we get to numero uno, a literal couple of honorable mentions:

Over The Moon: A very unique, visually stunning and touching animated gem, directed by Disney Legend Glen Keane. Available to watch on Netflix (Guys there are apparently a lot of great animated films on Netflix nowadays).

The Sound of Metal: A powerful and insightful piece with a great lead performance by Riz Ahmed. Available to watch on Amazon Prime.

And even with all that pandemic down time, here are some films I still haven't seen but want to:

The Invisible Man

The Way Back

Da 5 Bloods 

Tenet

Freaky

Enola Holmes

My Octopus Teacher

1. Howard 

Directed by Don Hahn

Featuring Howard Ashman, Alan Menken, Peter Schnieder, etc.

For those that don't know Howard is a documentary about the life of songwriter Howard Ashman. If you don't know his name, you know his work. Ashman along with Composer Alan Menken, composed the music for the stage musical Little Shop of Horrors, as well classic Disney films like The Little Mermaid, Beauty & The Beast, and Aladdin. Ashman was also a producer on Mermaid and Beauty, and wrote the initial treatment for Aladdin. 

Unfortunately, Howard Ashman died of complications from AIDS in March of 1991, before Beauty & The Beast was released and Aladdin even got off the ground. I've always been fascinated with Ashman's story and this documentary is a beautiful tribute to this man, who was a major part of Disney/film history, and who's name might not be recognizable to many. It's amazing to hear first-hand stories from his friends and colleagues, learn of his humble beginnings, and get this inside look at his work on these famous productions. Even Alan Menken composed the score of the film, as a homage to his friend.

To bring it full circle, a line from Hamilton can directly apply to Howard Ashman..."What is a legacy? It's planting seeds in a garden you never get to see." You would be hard pressed to find someone who hasn't been touched by one of if not all three of the Disney films Howard worked on, and look what they've become. They're all huge parts of the Disney legacy and are still popular to this day. It's very bittersweet because this man did not get to see how far his work would live on, but he does live on in his work, like so many other talented people that have left us.

...So yeah, bring the tissues. Howard is a beautiful, emotional look at a man who's work still continues to impact audiences to this day. As a big Disney person, film person, hell just as a person this film

had a profound effect one me. It was my favorite film of 2020.

(Howard is available to watch on Disney Plus)

So that's that. Like I said, quite an eclectic mix. Somehow though it still checked off all the Chris Flaherty boxes: Disney, superheroes, Christmas...But it's an unpleasant world we're living in, and...as I've said on my new podcast Movies That Matter (I have no shame) when times get tough, escape into  your favorite film, or TV show. Ignore the critics. Ignore the box office. Just watch what you love.

Stay tuned for my Top Films of 2021. That's still a work in progress. But more to come in the meantime. 

Film Review - "Justice League"

Justice League
Directed by Zach Snyder
Starring Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, and Henry Cavill

…Yeah I never did this when I saw it in theaters. Did I feel compelled to see it again before I wrote a review? Yes. Was I in a rush to see it again? No. Did the never-ending DC vs Marvel "war" get on my nerves and in some way make me shy away from this review? Little bit. Anyway here we are, and after finally watching Justice League a second time…it's fine. It's fine. I might even be more fine with it than in my initial viewing. Let's go.

Bruce Wayne (Affleck) is on the trail of a massive threat making its way to Earth. That threat being the extra-terrestrial conqueror Steppenwolf (Ciaran Hinds) and his army of Parademons. They seek the Mother Boxes, which will give Steppenwolf the power to conquer and re-shape the planet in his image.   Bruce, alongside Diana Prince (Gadot) must form a team of heroes to take down Steppenwolf and save the world from destruction. Those heroes include Arthur Curry/Aquaman (Jason Momoa), Barry Allen/The Flash (Ezra Miller), and Victor Stone/Cyborg (Ray Fisher). Oh and yes Superman (Cavill) is still dead and both Bruce and the rest of the world are still dealing with that.

Justice League feels a lot like a response to the negative criticism surronding Batman VS Superman. It's lighter, it's more fun, and characters are making jokes more. But as a result of that, the two films do not match-up, and I'm not referring to their contrasting tones. I mean I personally probably wouldn't have been able to tell the difference between Snyder and Whedon's direction if I hadn't known beforehand the latter came in to take over for the former during reshoots…some reshoots are pretty clear though...

Character decisions and motivations in this film do not equal up to their actions from the previous one. Yes Wonder Woman is a thoughtful and compassionate character, but to think she is personally invested in the resurrection of Superman is a bit of a stretch. To think that Bruce Wayne feels so much guilt over his death, and to say that he really knew who Clark Kent was, is a bit of a stretch. They spent like ten minutes actually talking to each other in the last one.

The build-up from the previous films does not equate to what Justice League is. All the plotting and planning of Batman VS Superman seems to be thrown out the window (Remember how Flash went back in time to warn Bruce about something? Or where did Lex Luthor's "notes" come from? The world is in disarray because Superman is gone? So I guess we're all just over all those protests and making him appear on Capitol Hill..). Where BVS probably had too much going on as far as plot, Justice League felt like it didn't have any plot other than "The heroes have to stop the villain from getting these magic boxes".

Out of context Justice League is fine on its own, but it's not on its own. It's supposed to be this climax of what's come before in this cinematic universe, and it just feels like the next chapter in this clunky saga. Now the big-team up film doesn't have to be "the end of the beginning" like The Avengers. It can be the next step, and an origin story. Guardians of The Galaxy showed us that you can do a team-up film that is also an origin story.

Here's what Guardians does that Justice League doesn't though. It allows time for little character moments and actual character development. Batman, Wonder Woman, we know who they are at this point. Aquaman, The Flash and Cyborg though? Who didn't have previous appearances in a DC film? They're all just sad loners. The one who probably shines best among the three is Aquaman, and if this film does one thing perfectly it makes me hyped for his standalone film (Hey sort of how BVS got us pumped for Wonder Woman!) We get a nice scene with Barry Allen and his father in jail, which probably feels more compelling to some than others because they watch The Flash tv series. Cyborg is just kind of there brooding and ashamed of what he is, and only gets to do anything when the plot needs him to. Would this film have worked better if they had their own films first? Probably, but it could have worked if they didn't either. But studio executives mandated the film to be two hours, so it's all rushed and it feels hollow.

Speaking of undeveloped characters, let's talk about Steppenwolf. He is not a good villain. His motivations are thin, and his character development is limited to a five-minute flashback narrated by Diana. The "Mother Boxes" of it all is lackluster. He's just a big, grey, generic, CGI bad guy for the heroes to fight. Speaking of fighting (segway to segway) the action is pretty bland. There's an underwater fight scene in Atlantis and honestly it made me nauseous. The big orange filter on everything in the final battle makes everything blend together horribly. None of the action really stands out, and it's all very choppy. Speaking of choppy-no I'll stop I'll talk about editing later.

So what's good about Justice League? Well the cast is pretty great and they have wonderful chemistry. Gal Gadot continues to remain the highlight of this franchise, being the perfect Wonder Woman. Ben Affleck's performance isn't as strong as it was in BVS but it's fine. He just seems…tired at times. Please just give us a good Affleck-led Batman film before it's too late. Holy crap finally, FINALLY, Henry Cavill actually gets to be Superman. I mean it's limited but he actually feels like the character for the first time with the material he's given. Jason Momoa is the coolest of cool as Aquaman. Ezra Miller is fun but sometimes annoying as The Flash. Ray Fisher's performance as Cyborg is nothing special but it's good.

The cast seems to be having some fun with this film, so in turn that can be transmitted to the audience. Justice League isn't unwatchable. It's nowhere near as terrible as Suicide Squad. Parts of it are enjoyable, and you might find yourself enjoying it a little bit. Atlantis and orange filters aside, some set pieces look pretty nice. When the film actually slows down and characters are allowed to be characters it's nice. But overall it's just a so-so film, and a film starring some of the most iconic comic book characters should be more than that.

Since the film's release, it's been revealed a lot had been cut out of the film. The edits are clear on the screen. So like all DCEU films, Justice League appears to be the victim of studio meddling. From my perspective, it seemed to come out a lot better than Suicide Squad, and arguably BVS. Justice League is harmless and hollow…but a little fun. It leaves no real impact, but you probably won't regret seeing it. Fingers crossed for Aquaman, Shazam, Wonder Woman 2…and whatever comes next…

So I've probably irked some Marvel fans for not trashing this film enough, and annoyed some DC films for not liking it more. But you know what?? You're all going to be pissed when you find out what I thought of Deadpool 2!!! *runs*

Film Review - "Wonder Woman"

Wonder Woman

Directed by Patty Jenkins

Starring Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, and Connie Nielsen

Upon the release of Batman VS Superman: Dawn of Justice, many…pretty much everyone agreed that Wonder Woman was a major highlight in an otherwise average film. As time went on (and Suicide Squad came out), it became abundantly clear that Wonder Woman was just the best part of the DC Extended Universe.

Now her own film has hit theaters and that's still true. Wonder Woman, both character and film, are the very best part of this superhero franchise. Now looking at the three films that came before it I know that's not saying much, but Wonder Woman is still by all accounts…wonderful!

The film chronicles the origins of the titular heroine (played again by Gadot), from her early days of training on the Amazonian island Themyscira, to her journey into the outside world, specfically during World War I. 

When Ally spy Steve Trevor (Pine) crash lands on the shores of the island, he tells Diana and her and people of "The war to end all wars" tearing the world apart at its seams. Diana believes this to be the work and second coming of Ares, The God of War. Against her mother (Nielsen)'s wishes, she leaves the island with Trevor, who agrees to take her to the front lines. Once she arrives at the battle, Diana plans to find and kill Ares, and therefore end the fighting. 

First up, the story itself is fairly basic, and you might be able to predict how Diana's mission will go (or *will* you?!?!?!). But the film has a beautiful message about belief, hope, and love. Good and evil aren't always black and white, it comes down to nature and choice. The film would fail if it didn't have a main character that audiences could connect and root for, and my God do we get one. 

Gal Gadot is Wonder Woman, and gives an iconic, career-defining performance. She plays every part of Diana's character so well, from her "fish out of water" moments, to her simply being a compassionate human being, who sees injustice (see what I did there?) in the world and wants to make it right how ever she can. I think that's why so many people fell in love with her and this film. She's not someone avenging the death of a loved one like Batman, or taking responsibility for her gifts like Spider-Man, she's someone who has the ability to make a difference, and will seek out to do just that.

Not for any reason other than it's right thing to do. It reminds me of…of…of CAPTAIN AMERICA!!!

Alright, alright I'll calm down, but you can see the similarities, in both character and origin films (The First Avenger takes place in WWII, Wonder Woman takes place in WWI…) Anyway, the scene where she fearlessly marches onto No Man's Land. Chills. Pure chills and feels.

Chris Pine gives a charming and humorous performance as Steve Trevor, and the chemistry he has with Gadot is remarkable. Nielsen and Robin Wright as Diana's mother and aunt give small but powerful performances nonetheless. Said Taghmaoui, Ewen Bremmer, and Eugene Brave Rock play the three men who accompany Diana and Steve on their mission, Sameer, Charlie, and The Chief. They all have nice moments throughout the film but when I saw the film a second time I barely remembered them from the first viewing.

The biggest flaw of the film in my opinion is the villains. Danny Huston and Elena Anaya play General Ludendorf and Dr. Posion, and I'm not saying their performances are bad (Well, Huston's German accent is pretty cringe…honestly I still see Stryker from X-Men Origins), but they're mostly just pawns and plot devices. All this talk of Ares I don't think it's a spoiler to say he is in the film. It's hard to talk about him without going into spoilers, so I'll just say his part in the film is, underwhelming.

Two more notes. The music from Rupert Gregson Williams is phenomenal, and yes he does use and build on the theme from Batman VS Superman, and the film looks great. From the shores of Themyscira to the battlefield. My God I didn't know so much color was allowed in a DC film!

So to wrap up, Wonder Woman is a really good, really enjoyable film, that gives us more of a character we already were in awe of after only being with her for fifteen minutes of screen time. Is it perfect? No. Is it a game changer? Not in every case. But it doesn't need to be. Sometimes we just need a superhero film with an incredible main character and a heartfelt message, and that's what we got. It's not just a big step forward for the DC Extended Universe, it's a huge step forward. I'm glad we were finally able to get a Wonder Woman film, a female led-superhero film, directed by a woman that's having enormous success. I think this film is something the world really needed right now.

…..and I'm not just saying that because I met Gal Gadot last year and she touched my arm and I am forever cast under her spell….*sigh*…

Did you know that Danny Huston's General Ludendorf was a real General in WWI?? Seriously look it up. I mean he didn't have those crazy pills but still….that's nuts….

Film Review - "Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice"

Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice
Directed by Zach Snyder
Starring Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, and Gal Gadot 

The best place to start is by saying the waves of hate drowning this film on its opening weekend are not justified. I can't believe I'm in a position where I'm defending a film directed by Zach Snyder, one of the most frustrating filmmakers of our time in my opinion. That said, while I did enjoy Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice, it is not a flawless film. There are problems that have to be addressed, so on we go.

Two year have passed since the events of Man of Steel and Superman's (Cavill) destructive battle with General Zod (Michael Shannon), which laid waste to most of Metropolis. Since then Bruce Wayne (Affleck) has held a deep grudge against him, fearing Superman could one day use his god-like powers to wipe out the entire planet. Getting back into the guise of Batman, Wayne makes it his mission to take him out before he even has the chance to.

Superman/Clark Kent continues with his struggle to find a place in the world, that right now doesn't know wether to fear or admire him. Meanwhile, Lois Lane (Amy Adams) investigates…something, that becomes relevant later on in the film. Billionaire Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg) sets out to get his hands on some Kryptonite for his own devices, while Bruce also does some investigating against him. Then we have the mysterious Diana Prince/Wonder Woman (Gadot) with her own agenda, and sprinkled in between all that are some teases for Justice League….so yeah, a lot going on here.

If you remember The Amazing Spider-Man 2 at all, this is the same problem that film had. The first act is incredibly choppy, and there's a lot of of jumping from plot thread to plot thread. Unlike The Amazing Spider-Man 2 though, all the threads somehow come together in a moment I'm not sure I can share because it's a little spoilerish. That said, until the film gets to that point around the one-hour mark, it's very messy. The Justice League tie-ins while cool, felt very shoehorned in. Thankfully, it all concludes in an action-packed, absolutely awesome third act.

Let's talk about the performances. Henry Cavill, I really like as Superman, but he felt like a plot device in his own movie. Honestly, he barely had any dialogue. It just doesn't seem like Cavill is being given the proper chance to develop this character. My views on Man of Steel have changed since I first saw it (Seriously I was too kind in that review) but Cavill/Superman was almost treated a similar way in that film as well. Ben Affleck is awesome as Bruce Wayne/Batman, playing him with the perfect amount of charisma and gruff. Guys, Ben Affleck might be our best Batman yet. I am absolutely in love with Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, and I cannot wait for her solo film next year.

Amy Adams is perfect again as Lois Lane. Jeremy Irons is so cool as Alfred. Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor….oh my god. So many times I wanted to scream "Shut up!" at the screen. His performance is just odd, cringeworthy, and downright annoying. I think there was only one or two good scenes where I actually enjoyed him as Lex. Hopefully going forward in the DC Extended Universe, be it Justice League or a straight Man of Steel sequel, we see very little of him.

Zach Snyder….oh, Zach Snyder. You can direct some really great action pieces but you just can't stop yourself from over-stylizing shit sometimes can you? His biggest offense in this category is a flashback to the deaths of Bruce Wayne's parents. Yeah you get to see that again. Then there's a scene where Superman performs a rescue at a Day of the Dead festival, and the end of it is just so….silly. It's been shown in most of the trailers. I'm talking about this:

Doesn't look any better on screen trust me. That said, most of the action scenes are incredible. The titular showdown between Batman and Superman isn't as grand as you'd expect it to be, but it's still epic. The showdown between Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman against Doomsday is pure awesome. Oh by the way, Doomsday looks like shit. Literally. Like a humanoid piece of cat poop. Last thing, the music for this film is amazing and has been on repeat in my house ever since I got home from the theater.

So to conclude, I find Batman V. Superman to be a solidly entertaining film, that manages to get where it needs to despite some pretty outstanding flaws. Who is to blame? I don't think Zach Snyder deserves all the discredit. The screenwriters? Perhaps. The studio heads who laid down the law? I mean more than likely. The blunt cynic in me wants to say that at base level this is just playing catch-up to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. "Boooooo!!!!" Oh shut up!!!!

Anyway, was there a better course to take for the DCEU? Yeah sure. A direct sequel to Man of Steel, push the Wonder Woman film up further, maybe-but-a-not totally necessary standalone Batman film, and then this film? Who knows? I don't have the power to offer a Plan B. I'll just look at the film we got, which isn't great, but is definitely not terrible. This a case where you have to stop listening to the critics, get to the theater, and make your own opinion. I guarantee you won't be totally disappointed with what you see.