I love superheroes. Not everyone does, but that's fine. The world is big enough for us to like our own stuff. I love superheroes because they embody the best of us. They inspire us with ourselves, making us want to be like them, and therefore more like what we strive to be as a species.Whether it be strong, fast, smart, or just really good with a bow and arrow, superheroes are the best we have to offer in a symbolic package that's fun and filled with adventure.
Superman is the living embodiment of absolute power not corrupting absolutely. He's a simple, small town guy given a lot of power. And he uses this power to help others in need, whether it be a cat stuck in a tree or a dark god from another world looking to destroy the universe. Through it all, he remains the same small town guy he's always been. Even when the Man of Steel has faced cancer, as he has in All-Star Superman, he does it with the same hope, spirit, and optimistic fortitude that defines the small town. He may be an alien, but he's a true-blooded citizen of the human race.
Batman is a lonely person. He has been ever since his parents were murdered in front of his eyes as a child. He's channeled this loneliness to use his vast resources to help better the world by facing off against monsters that threaten a city that's also very lonely. To make sure no one ever has to witness their parents murdered in front of them so they never have to feel as lonely as he does. Yet despite this loneliness, Batman builds himself a family. A father in Alfred, a partner in Catwoman, children and siblings in the various Robins and Batgirls. People grow up around him, around his strength. They flock to his side, not as an army, but as a family. Batman isn't fascism personified; he's community personified. Even if something precious is lost, it can be rebuilt again.
These two guys? They're the best of friends. Over the years, they've had their disagreements and rough spots. Every friendship does. But more-so than any other duo, these two understand one another. They're equals and there's a respect that exists between them. Even though Batman has no powers, his mental fortitude and unwillingness to surrender makes him every bit the even match against Superman. Even though Superman is more powerful than anyone else on the planet, Batman knows he is our greatest defender and noblest citizen. They see the value at each other's core. They're good people who share a love for good capes and doing good in the world.
Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice doesn't embody, represent, adapt, personify, or respect any of the things I have just mentioned. Superman and Batman are the world's greatest and most influential superheroes and movies are the most popular artform in the world. So that means Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice will be what defines the best of superheroes, and therefore the best of ourselves, as we spin onward into the future. That makes me more tired and sad than I should be at twenty-three years of life. I could go on, but I don't see the need. If you fail at understanding the basic tenants of these characters, then anything else that could be wrong is dwarfed in comparison.
I'm going to end on this quote from Man of Steel, written by David S. Goyer and delivered by Jor-El to his son Kal-El, the last son of Krypton and the greatest son of Earth:
You will give the people of Earth an ideal to strive towards. They will race behind you, they will stumble, they will fall. But in time, they will join you in the sun, Kal. In time, you will help them accomplish wonders.
I think it's time for a little sunshine, WB/DC/Zack Snyder. I think it's time for you to stop promising wonders and actually start accomplishing them. Please.
Score: D
