How to Revamp 'Batman v Superman' for an Epic Showdown

Introduction

As a seasoned SEO expert, let's discuss how 'Batman v Superman' could have been a truly epic film. Released in 2016, this movie was hyped as the most anticipated movie of the year, promising a clash of titans between Batman and Superman. However, the actual experience left many fans disappointed. In this article, we'll explore how to restructure the storyline and improve the execution to create an unforgettable movie experience.

The Problem with 'Batman v Superman'

'Batman v Superman' was viewed by many as a disappointment. The movie's long runtime, disjointed plot, and lack of character development all contributed to a viewing experience that fell short of expectations.

1. The Extended Runtime

The film's runtime was excessive, causing the story to drag on one too long. Key scenes and the climactic fight were unnecessarily extended, leading to a feeling of wasted time and energy. A film in the superhero genre should be action-packed and engaging from start to finish. Taking cues from movies like Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Endgame, which maintained audience engagement through their well-executed storylines and combat sequences, could have resulted in a much more satisfying viewing experience.

2. Disjointed Plot and Lack of Character Development

The plot suffered from a disjointed storyline with multiple subplots that often seemed disconnected. Batman's drive to kill Superman and Superman's reasons for fighting back were extremely convoluted, detracting from the essence of their conflict. Additionally, the characters, particularly Wonder Woman and Lex Luthor, were underutilized or overcomplicated, resulting in a confusing narrative that left fans dissatisfied.

3. Underdeveloped Central Conflict

The central conflict—Batman versus Superman—was overshadowed by a multitude of subplots and a convoluted villainous master plan. Instead of delving into the core conflict, the movie sunk into irrelevant dialogue and tedious scenes, which detracted from the action and the main storyline. Future movies in the DCEU, such as The Amazing Spider-Man 2, suffered from the same issue of setting up a larger-than-life universe at the expense of a cohesive narrative. A focused storyline with a clear villain and a clear mission could have elevated the entire film.

Vision for Redemption

Here are some key changes that could have transformed the film into a more engaging and thrilling experience.

1. Remove Redundant Scenes

Deleting unnecessary sequences, such as the flashback of Batman and Lex Luthor's origin stories, could have streamlined the narrative. Redunda scenes like the magical Batcave and the confusing dream sequences should be removed to enhance the flow of the story. Removing these elements would not only help reduce the runtime but also improve character focus and plot coherence.

2. Focus on Core Ideologies

The film should have centered on the contrasting ideologies of Batman and Superman. Instead of relying on Lex Luthor to fabricate a conflict, the film's villain should have served as a catalyst for their conflict, allowing the audience to see their philosophies clash naturally. This approach would provide a more nuanced and engaging conflict, making the film's climax feel earned and authentic.

3. Reinvent the Fight Scenes

The fight scene between Batman and Superman was incredibly brief, ending in just eight minutes. A well-choreographed, high-stakes combat sequence lasting at least 15 minutes would have made the audience's experience more thrilling and memorable. This sequence should showcase both characters' skills and philosophies, with Superman's raw power clashing against Batman's tactical genius. The fight should be the centerpiece of the film, with moments like the warehouse fight scene repeated throughout to maintain audience engagement.

4. Introduce Wonder Woman More Strategically

Wonder Woman should have been introduced as a mysterious figure working behind the scenes, hinting at a larger world without derailing the plot. Her appearance during the climax could serve to show the interconnectivity of the characters, setting up their eventual team-up in a meaningful way. This strategic introduction would provide a sense of continuity and purpose that the original film lacked.

Conclusion

While the potential for an epic showdown between Batman and Superman exists, the execution in 'Batman v Superman' was wildly off the mark. With some key changes, the film could have been the epic experience viewers were promised. Fans and critics alike are united in their desire for better storytelling and more engaging action sequences. There's hope for future DCEU films to rise to the challenge and deliver a film that truly lives up to the hype.