Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
When I first heard the title of this movie, I didn’t understand it. Does it make sense that we are pinning two of the most recognized and beloved superheroes against each other? Despite the fact that this bothered me, I kept my mind free of prejudice when I watched the film. Let’s just say I wasn’t swayed from my initial reaction.
Basically, both men view the other as a threat to society. Did you ever notice that every superhero movie comes along with the destruction of a city and probably hundreds of civilian lives? There are so many elements that don’t make sense in this genre of film, yet fans love them. People who are die-hard DC Comics or Marvel followers don’t care if the story line makes sense. They want special effects and fight scenes.
According to “The Hollywood Reporter,” the film opened on 4,000 screens domestically and 30,000 worldwide. It fell in the top 10 most expensive productions at $250 million and has just crossed the $700 million milestone worldwide, according to “Variety.” With all the advertisements, press and media hype about the film, it’s no wonder that it’s making the money that’s expected, but does this all mean that it’s a good film?
Henry Cavill reprises his role as Superman along with the new casting of Ben Affleck as Batman. I have never been a major fan of Affleck, so I was hesitant at first. After seeing his portrayal as the dark superhero, I’m confused on what the casting crew saw in him as this character. Other than a large name being attached to the film, I didn’t see him giving us the same qualities that previous Batman actors have in the past. Christian Bale and Michael Keaton set the bar pretty high. Also, Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor? Did anyone else see him on the verge of becoming the Joker?
The fans give the movie a million gold stars, but I have to side with critics in saying that the film was just one big set up for a bunch of other movies that will spin off of it. I’m not saying big production films are all like this, but this one lacked serious plot development. Hopefully, the creators behind these films will consider these opinions for future superhero battles.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2
The first film, in which Toula and Ian meet, has awkward run-ins, go through some tough decisions involving their families and fall in love is rather iconic in the 20th century. The sequel brings back the whole Greek family from the first one, with a new addition: Toula and Ian’s daughter, Paris. Paris loves her family, but is over being smothered and followed around everywhere she goes. She’s ready to go off to college and get away. The “big fat Greek wedding” comes in when Toula’s father realizes that the priest never signed the marriage certificate for him and her mother.
Despite the box office success of the first film, the second did not resonate with viewers on the same level.
First, the script isn’t as unique as the first. It seemed like the same jokes and phrases were being repeated, as if the 14 years between the films made us forget the first altogether. According to the film’s Wikipedia page, the movie has made $55.8 million worldwide. This is significantly less than the first, which made $368.7 million.
Negative reviews from critics and low box office success will seal this as the last time we see these characters in a big, fat Greek wedding. Unfortunately, no amount of Windex can help to make this the amazing film it was advertised to be.
The Divergent Series: Allegiant
Like any other teen book-to-film adaptation, the last book is split into two movies. I have commented before on this in regards to “The Hunger Games.” It’s a terrible idea. By thie last movie, the content is dragged out, and the first of the two films is boring and all back story, leaving the main action for the last movie.
Tris and Four are ready to escape beyond the wall that surrounds Chicago. They are in search of a solution to the evil government that has been using people as experiments to their grand plan. On the other side of the wall, Tris and company meet new allies and enemies that will shape their future. With the death of Jeanine in “Insurgent,” Four’s mother, Evelyn, has now taken over as leader of the Chicago society, forcing everyone to live a factionless life.
The “Divergent” trilogy is worth reading, but I’m not so sure the film series is worth watching. The first film is arguably the best and most closely matches the story by Veronica Roth. The second is okay, somewhat straying from the original content. For example, Evelyn kills Jeanine instead of Tori. Finally, “Allegiant” is outdone with action and the political subtext that Roth created so beautifully is almost forgotten. According to “Variety,” Summit should be worried if audiences will stick around to see the final film, “Ascendant,” to be released in the summer of 2017.
“Allegiant” was destroyed by critics and lacked severely in the box office, making only $136.7 million worldwide. Maybe it’s because I’m over the whole dystopic theme, but the film lacked spark. Unlike the books, where I flipped through them at inhuman speed, I wasn’t interested in the films portrayal of the story. Since I’ve been a viewer from the beginning, I will definitely see the last film, but I can’t guarantee it will be amazing in my book. I’m already not a fan of the ending of the series.
