Review of the Ultimate Cut



Quite possibly the most divisive film of the last decade, this is the first time I have given the film a watch since seeing it twice at the cinema. BvS was the film that was supposed to properly start Zack Snyder’s vision of this DC universe and for WB to finally have their version of the MCU with the characters of DC comics. After the events of Man Of Steel, the world wrestles with what kind of hero it needs. Batman (Ben Affleck) fears that Superman’s (Henry Cavill) actions have been left unchecked so he decides to take him down, whilst also having to deal with the potential threat of Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg).



BvS is a lot of movie, with Ultimate Cut clocking in at just over 3 hours, there is no doubt it is over-stuffed and messy, with several unnecessarily long and irrelevant dialogue scenes. Jena Malone’s character was cut from the theatrical release and here actually helps fill in a plot hole so that was necessary, however Clark doing investigative journalism is tedious, no one cares about an extended scene of two cops watching a football game either. Sure this edition may provide answers to plot holes but it doesn’t fundamentally change the structure and makes what already isn't the most exciting film even longer. Substantial amounts of the plot are dedicated to setting up future films, with the completely out of place yet admittedly very cool ‘Knightmare’ sequence which is honestly a trailer for a better movie featuring Darkseid and the Parademons, The Flash then arriving telling Bruce “Lois is the key” (setting up Injustice), to Wonder Woman literally watching mini-trailers for the other Justice League members all with their Luthor designed logos, plus the main iconography of the story being: The Dark Knight Returns & The Death Of Superman stories crammed together. It is too much for one film, however there is no denying the ambition and vision that Snyder had for this universe and it’s a shame that we will (probably) never get to see it.



I am a fan of Snyder’s work, but the amount of pointless slow-motion could have shaved minutes and minutes off the runtime. Visually though the production value is extremely impressive, the CGI is brilliant and I really do appreciate the darker grittier tone of the action sequences. The bat suit here is easily the best that has ever been put to screen and Superman & Wonder Woman’s costumes are also spot on. The bat mobile goes for a sleeker blend of the traditional car with a tank exterior and body kit which fits this version of the character. The score by Hans Zimmer & Junkie XL also elevates a lot of what is happening on screen, thunderously epic and memorable and also birthed one of the greatest themes of all time with Wonder Woman.



Speaking of the action scenes this is where the film really should deliver and excel. Unfortunately for the most part the action takes the back seat until the final section of the film. The opening sequence is outstanding and really cleverly switches the perspective of the Metropolis battle. There is one generic Batmobile chase, which is filled to the brim with lens flare. It takes over 2 hours for Batman & Superman to actually fight and it is honestly one of the most anticlimactic and blandly choreographed punch ups in a comic book film and then being finished with the laughably delivered ‘Martha’ section. However this is immediately followed by the perfect Batman fight sequence ever put to film, brutal, brilliantly choreographed and just like the Arkham games come to life, I can honestly watch this scene on repeat and never fail to grin, a genuine sequence I wanted to see my whole life. The finale battle is an entertaining spectacle and it’s great seeing the trinity together, at times it is a complete assault on the eyes with over the top explosions and way too much grey, also Doomsday is completely wasted and very generic which is a shame considering his threat level and impact in the comics.



Performance-wise Affleck is the strongest here, he is excellent and Bruce Wayne, capturing the cockiness and also the lonely obsessive nature of the character. He is genuinely a force to be reckoned with as Batman, with Affleck having bulked up to huge size and really making the Dark Knight intimidating. Cavill is as good as he was in MOS, however due to the script he does spend a substantial amount of time just looking miserable, and the finale moment really has no impact because we haven’t spent enough time with the characters. Amy Adams is trying here and I appreciate the filmmakers giving here her own subplot, but honestly I don't care about or find her and Clark’s relationship believable. Like the majority I don’t like Eisenberg’s Luthor. His twitchy random noises and rambling uninteresting “deep” dialogue is awkward and laughable, we get no real development or backstory about him. His plan is also completely convoluted and ridiculous, involving everything from political warfare to a literal jar of piss, his motivations are also never really explained at all whatsoever. Gadot also has a great screen presence as Wonder Woman and clearly is having a blast in the role, with subtle grins and facial expressions in the final sequence, she is definitely the highlight alongside Affleck.



After watching BvS again I honestly don’t think I’ll feel the need to watch all 3 hours again. The film is frustrating, as there are scenes that are genuinely excellent and entertaining, the visual style, cinematography and CGI is some of the best within the genre. The performances are good, with Affleck and Gadot as the highlights. However there is no denying that the plot is convoluted and at times very tedious, the actual conflict title of the film is about 10 minutes long and disappointing. Eisenberg’s Luthor is one of the worst villains in the genre and Doomsday is completely wasted and brought into the universe too soon. After watching this again there is no denying the film is a disappointment overall, but it really isn’t as bad as people say.