BATMAN (1989)

Featuring: Michael Keaton; Jack Nicholson; Kim Basinger

Director: Tim Burton

... and speaking of Batman... After the initial failure of the 1966 movie with Adam West and which was based on the popular TV-series he starred in at the time, Tim Burton took another stab at it and came up with this iconic version. Although not one of his best pieces of work this was a huge box office success, mainly due to its star studded cast. But what it is best known for is of course its theme music. Created by Danny Elfman this theme became the anthem so to speak for all Batman films that followed in its wake. Take a listen...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srUXSzau1-A

We are re-introduced to the man called Bruce Wayne (here played by Michael Keaton) as the playboy millionaire by day, menacing crime-fighting bat by night. In this version he has to save Gotham City from the maniacal Joker (terrifically portrayed by Jack Nicholson) who decided to take the city over. Again it follows the familiar story line from the original Bob Kane graphic novel with a small twist here and there.

From an artistic point of view this movie is not particularly good but then it is not particular bad either. The audiences loved it though and in the end that is all that really counts. This basically established the franchise which, as we all know is still thriving to this very day. I hope to look at some of these in the weeks to come.

But for now, I rate this first of the 'new' Batman movies 3 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F07Mf1kxUKY

 No caption necessary...

BATMAN vs SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE (2016)

Featuring: Ben Affleck; Henry Cavill; Amy Adams; Jesse Eisenberg

Director: Zach Snyder

Marvel started the trend of combining different superheros in one movie with the Avenger series. It seems as if DC Comics is now following suit with Batman vs Superman being the first. The sub-title Dawn Of Justice also suggests that there is more to come along these same lines.

After the devastation caused by the epic battle between Superman and General Zod (Man Of Steel) Bruce Wayne aka Batman (Ben Affleck) is perturbed by the potential danger posed to mankind by this alien called Superman (Henry Cavill). At the same time a senatorial committee is also looking into the real intentions of this super being. And to top is all off, Lex Luthor (now played by a maniacal Jesse Eisenberg), who gets his own nose bent out of shape over both Superman and Batman, sets in motion a scheme that will ultimately pit the two superheros against each other.

If you haven't seen Man Of Steel yet, you might not be able to fully get what is going on in Batman vs Superman. Therefor, it is advisable to watch the former first before you indulge yourself in the latter. Even if you are not quite into the comic-based movie genre (and who isn't these days as it seems to be the only movies worth watching lately) you will find this one interesting, at least.

I give it a well earned 4 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WWzgGyAH6Y

 Some of the major cast members

MAN OF STEEL (2013)

Featuring: Henry Cavill; Amy Adams; Kevin Costner

Director: Zack Snyder

This is a totally new adaptation of the whole Superman-saga and has nothing to do with the recently discussed original Christopher Reeve series. Nor has it anything to do with the later Superman Returns of 2006.

The Man Of Steel plot do follow the familiar story line which begins with baby Kal-El escaping the destruction of planet Krypton eventually to arrive on Earth in the care of Jonathan (Kevin Costner) and Martha Kent. However, it concentrates more on the young Clark Kent (Dylan Sprayberry) growing up while becoming aware of his extraordinary powers and how to handle it.

This movie is much darker and more reminiscent of the sombre atmosphere created by the Batman series of comics and movies. For instance the battle sequences between Superman and General Zod's army are so much more destructive than anything we have seen before. But this is done deliberately in order to set the scene for the sequel Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice (2016) and which I hope to look at next. That said, on its own merits, this is a very good movie with all the bells and whistles you'd expect.

I rate it 3 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6DJcgm3wNY

 Kevin Costner and Dylan Sprayberry as Jonathan and teenage Clark Kent

 

SUPERMAN RETURNS (2006)

Featuring: Brandon Routh; Kevin Spacey; Kate Bosworth

Director: Bryan Singer

Many felt that no one could replace Christopher Reeve as Clark Kent/Superman. And, I must admit, for the first few minutes of watching Superman Returns it did feel a bit strange getting used to the new face. Fortunately the feeling lasted only a few moments as Brandon Routh fits into the role with ease. And the same goes for Kevin Spacey in the role of Lex Luthor. On the one hand both of them portray their respective roles much the same as their esteemed predecessors while on the other they both also bring something new; something fresh.

After a period of absence while searching the universe for remnants of his birth planet, Krypton, Superman returns to planet Earth, just to discover that the people of Earth believe they no longer need him. That is until arch villain Lex Luthor gets up to his old tricks again and The Man of Steel has to come to the world's rescue...again.

It's been almost twenty years since the release of Superman IV but this film is a worthy successor to the original series. Obviously the technology has developed in leaps and bounds since then and it shows in this movie. But, again fortunately, it is all for the better.

I give it 3 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRqAUqAFhNw

The old and the new...

 SUPERMAN...

and LEX LUTHOR