Batman: The Enemy Within (2017) Review

After finishing Batman: The Telltale Series, I decided that I had to play the sequel Batman: The Enemy Within. It has taken me a while to get it done but I have now played through all 5 episodes including the final episode twice in order to get the different endings, here is my review for the game. The premise of the game sees after the aftermath of Lady Arkham's attack, a group of new villains attack Gotham with Bruce Wayne & Batman being pushed to his limit. 

Characters

Troy Baker once again reprises his role as Bruce Wayne/Batman and I really like his performance. We see even more of Bruce this season and the way the game forces Bruce into certain situations allows Baker to show more to his character. I don't think this is a really memorable portrayal but it definitely does the job here and he is effective in the role. 

Anthony Ingruber reprises his role as John Doe and he is given way more to do here. His cameo in the first season was a bit jarring but his development this season is fantastic, we all know where the character is heading but the game does a great job of making us question it throughout with two incredibly dynamic endings for the character. 

Iconic Batman Villains such as Harley Quinn, Bane & Mr Freeze are introduced here and I liked there portrayal, especially Harley as it adds layers to her character. It is just a shame that they have very few interactions with Batman and their relationships are with Bruce instead. 

Characters like Gordon, Selina and Alfred have smaller roles this season and to be honest they just didn't offer as much and they definitely fall foul of how many characters and plot points there are in this game. 

Story

The story is okay. It definitely is more of a Bruce Wayne story then Batman's but I think it is effective in showing Bruce's story and how he tries to balance everything going on in his life including being Batman. Also John Doe's story is superb and culminates incredibly well no matter what ending you choose to go with. But there is way too many characters and plot points here, they cram all these important characters into this game and they just fizzle out with no real definitive endings for them. 

Side Content

This game is no where near as Linear as the first game. There are actual branching paths here and different ways to play the game. There is less of a focus on world building because this is a sequel but it does add variety to the gameplay. However, there still isn't much you actually do except for the main narrative which I think is a bit of a missed opportunity here. 

Gameplay

The gameplay from the first game has been enhanced and made better. You do way more in this game and sometimes it can be a bit tiresome but I am happy to actually be using the controller more here. But there is no getting around the fact that it is just quick time events and is clearly not the focus here. 

Style

Probably the biggest improvement in the game is that it runs and looks a lot better. This game has way less bugs and glitches in it and has fantastic character designs. It just looks better then the first game and I am glad there was some improvement here. 

Overall

Overall, Batman: The Enemy Within is an Above Average Game that doesn't show too many improvements on the first game. It would have been interesting to see a third game in the franchise but we have to settle for this okay point and click adventure. 

Rating - 6/10

Batman: The Telltale Series (2016) Review

I am a huge Batman fan and that includes video games with The Arkham games being some of my favourite games over the last decade. I am not as familiar with The Telltale franchise but I know of the reputation they have. I was curious and a few years ago I played this game for the first time, I have decided to re-play Batman: The Telltale Series and here is my review for it. The premise of the game sees Batman attempting to take down the criminal element in Gotham, while Bruce Wayne attempts to clear his families name when shaking allegations are made. 

Characters

The busiest voice actor in the business Troy Baker voices Batman/Bruce Wayne. Which is interesting as he has now voiced Batman and The Joker in different video games and to nobody's shock he is really good in the role. Especially, when being Bruce Wayne as this game spends a lot of time with Bruce instead of Batman. He doesn't do anything revolutionary but he does all the things that would be expected with the character. 

Laura Bailey plays Catwoman/Selina Kyle and I really liked her dynamic with Bruce and how her moral compass is really questioned. Again, the game doesn't do anything really special with her character but she does well enough with the material given. 

Travis Willingham plays Harvey Dent and he is probably the best character other then Batman here. I really like the friendship and dynamic between Bruce & Harvey and the way the pressures of running for mayor really affect him. 

Other characters such as Gordon, Alfred & Oswald Cobblepot are really well voiced acted and fit the characters really well, which aided in the world building that goes on here. 

Story 

I will say that the story on show here is pretty unique for the most part and looks at elements of The Batman lore that haven't really ever been looked at. The game focuses on Bruce a lot and the relationships that he has with people and how his personal life is really affected by his role as Batman and things out of his control. However, I will say that this game tries to cram in way too much. It introduces so many iconic Batman characters and rushes through all of their comic book story arcs that it kind of feels like they don't really work together. 

Side Content

This game does a good job of world building and by using things like codex and different dialogue choices we get to learn about Gotham and some more about the characters. However, even though this game has different choices it feels incredibly linear and in the end becomes quite repetitive. 

Gameplay

This game doesn't really have gameplay. All it has is some quick time events and detective objectives that work as well as expected and I did have some enjoyment with them. But if we're honest games like this don't really care too much about the gameplay and focuses on the story and characters so it is definitely lacking here. 

Style

The game has a pretty authentic comic book look to it which is pretty cool to see compared to the more realistic looks we get in Film & TV. It also really doesn't hold back with the violence, I would say this is the most gritty and violent portrayal of a Batman property ever and it adds more to the game. However, this game does really struggle with some graphical glitches that really took me out of the game and the immersion that this game tries to create. 

Overall

Overall, Batman: The Telltale Series is an above average Point and Click adventure game. I enjoyed a lot about this game but it unfortunately falls a bit short of being the immersive Batman game that they really wanted. 

Rating - 6/10

Batman: Arkham Knight (2015) Review

After playing Asylum & City, I have now competed Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy with Arkham Knight and here is my review for the game. The premise of the game sees Gotham City evacuated after a terrorist threat from Scarecrow, along with a new villain called The Arkham Knight he aims to take down The Batman. On one night, Batman has to use all of his skills and gadgets in order to take down all of the villains currently lurking in Gotham. 

Characters

The late Kevin Conroy is back as Batman/Bruce Wayne and he is tremendous here and is probably his best performance in the trilogy. They really make it clear that this is the biggest challenge that Batman has ever been through and Conroy really conveys that. He is still intimidating as Batman but also has some emotional moments and scenes with other members of the Bat Family. 

John Noble takes over the role of Scarecrow and I really like the depiction of the character here. He is really calculating and cruel and Noble really delivers a chilling performance as this character that is worthy of taking over the responsibility of being the main villain. 

Jonathan Banks plays Commissioner Gordan here and this is the game where he has the most impact and Banks fills the role well with his gruff and intensity adding plenty to the character. The chemistry between himself and Conroy is really good and feels very believable. 

Ashley Greene and Matthew Mercer take over the roles as Oracle & Robin and I thought they felt pretty natural for this game and fit it in really well with Batman and the game. They are good in their roles and I thought they were great additions to this game. 

Story

The story here is all over the place, there is so much the game has to do that it loses its way. I really like the personal story Batman goes through in this game as he deals with all of the stress that comes with the night and other factors that come into play and it has a very interesting ending. But the game fumbles plenty of things, particularly the portrayal of The Arkham Knight, there was so much hype for him but it falls flat and he is a really disappointing part of the story here. Other characters from the previous games such as Two Face & Hush are totally underutilized and could have been a major part of the main plot instead of smaller side missions. 

Side Content

This game is huge, it is one of the biggest maps I have ever played and there is loads for Batman to do, along with lots of DLC where you play as not just Batman but other members of The Bat Family. Unfortunately, its a mixed bag in terms of the side content. There is some really good side content, for example the Professor Pyg investigation and Azrael's story are some of my favourite butt there is just too many misfires. Basically everything to do with The Arkham Knight's Militia is really repetitive and mind numbing and certain characters are in side missions that aren't given the time to matter or truly care. 

Gameplay

This is easily the most fluid combat system for any of the Arkham games and flows incredibly well. The extra use of gadgets in combat and the way that Batman moves more aggressively makes it a much more enjoyable experience. Onto the elephant in the room and that is The Batmobile, a huge part of the marketing was the use of The Batmobile and I can't deny that it is fun to use. Facing Tanks in the car and traversing through Gotham with it is really enjoyable but there is no denying that it is overused and does become a bit repetitive at times. 

Style

Maybe the best part of this game is the style. It is a beautiful game and this game came out 9 years ago looking way better then most modern day games. Gotham itself feels huge and looks great with the horrors of the night being emphasized well. 

Overall

Overall, Batman: Arkham Knight is a great game. Replaying the game has given me a different perspective and realise that there is lots to really enjoy here and that it deserves to be played by Batman fans and alike. 

Rating - 8/10

Batman: Arkham City (2011/2016) Review

After playing Arkham Asylum, I very quickly decided to start playing the sequel Batman: Arkham City and I have now completed the game and here is my review for it. The premise of the game is set after Arkham Asylum and sees a portion of Gotham closed off for the criminally insane, led by Hugo Strange. Batman & Catwoman must deal with the challenges of Arkham City to make sure they survive the night. 

Characters

Reprising his role from Arkham Asylum, Kevin Conroy is back as Batman and he is fantastic in the role. As he ventures round this city of craziness you see how it is affecting him and how he is trying to keep up his very confident aura with the real issue with his enemies. He just fits the role superbly well and I just think Conroy is a truly legendary interpretation of Batman and he really nails it here. 

As mentioned above, this game adds Catwoman as a playable character and this is a truly brilliant addition. Voiced by Grey Griffin, she is a brilliant addition to this franchise and feels like a different character to Batman both in the way she plays and the way she comes across. She has her own story which is cool to see the developers taking the time with this extra addition. 

Mark Hamill also reprises his role as Joker and he is still a real integral part of this game. There is more villains and a grander story but the relationship between Joker & Batman is at the forefront of it and once again Hamill & Conroy have an amazing chemistry together. 

Corey Burton play Hugo Strange and I really liked the depiction of the character, he is a very different villain to the others that Batman has come across and he battles Batman on a different level to them. Burton nails the mannerisms and sliminess of the character. 

As mentioned above, we have more villains here and Mister Freeze, Penguin & Two-Face are given some time to shine and it is cool seeing their additions. 

Story

The story and premise of the overall idea is really good. There are way more villains here and I love how the criminals have their own gangs and are basically having a gang war in Arkham City. Batman has a lot of fires to face and there is a ticking clock and that made this feel different and more open then the previous game. However, the overall quality of the storytelling takes a dip in the final act and feels kind of rushed with some strange story decisions being made which holds back the overall quality of the story. 

Side Activities 

Unlike Arkham Asylum, Arkham City is an open world game which means there is way more side content here. There are really fun side missions including characters such as Bane, The Mad Hatter & Hush. The Challenge Maps are back but this time you can play as Batman, Catwoman, Robin & Nightwing which provides way more variety to the play and though they aren't that interesting they were good enough here with all the other content. There is also a fun DLC called Harley's Revenge which I also enjoyed playing. 

Gameplay

The gameplay has been massively improved and just flows so much better. There are more gadgets to be used here and the combat is leagues better then it was in Asylum. With it being an open world game, it is great to glide across the map as Batman, taking down random thugs along the way. Catwoman has her own combat and she is also a lot of fun to play as and it shows how much care was put into her character.

Style

This game looks great, it has a way more open feel which makes it stand out from Arkham Asylum. The developers wanted us to feel the grand scale of Arkham City and I think it really achieved that. It made the player feel like they are Batman and it just pushed it above Asylum. 

Overall

Overall, Batman: Arkham City is a fantastic game and a brilliant love letter to the character of Batman. I think it is slightly better the Arkham Asylum but this is a must play for any gamer and especially for Batman fans. 

Rating - 9/10

Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009/2016) Review

Ahead of the upcoming Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, I thought I would go back and play the Arkham games that lead into that spin off. This starts with the first game in this franchise Batman: Arkham Asylum, I played the game when it originally came out and have replayed it as part of the Return to Arkham remaster recently and here is my review for the game. The premise of the games sees The Joker taking over Arkham Asylum, Batman has one night to figure out his plan and stop him and the other super criminals from taking over. 

Characters

Reprising his role from Batman: The Animated Series, the late great Kevin Conroy reprises his role as Batman and he is phenomenal here. He just fits the role incredibly well, his stoic nature nails the quiet confidence that he has. It really feels like this is an experienced Batman and that he has a built in relationship with all the other characters in the universe. For me, Conroy is in the discussion for the best ever Batman and that is no different here. 

Also reprising his role is the tremendous Mark Hamill as The Joker. He is such a star here, Joker is amazingly well realised and comes straight out of a comic book or the animated series this game is heavily inspired by. He has so much recorded dialogue here that you probably here him more then Batman and it is written and delivered incredibly well. The two of them are amazing together and the best part of the game. 

This game is filled with comic book characters that are all handled really well. Harley Quinn is once again voiced by the late Arleen Sorkin and she is also brilliant. She is really playful and evil as she should be and Sorkin is just what every other actress who has played the role has had to live up too. 

Other characters such as Scarecrow, Killer Croc and Poison Ivy are given quite a lot of screen time as secondary villains and they are a lot of fun. The boss battles are all different and unique and fit the characters really well. 

Story 

The story is really good. It is really interesting seeing Batman work his way around Arkham Asylum searching for ways to stop Joker and the other villains. It is the atmosphere created by the location and the feel of the narrative that drives the game through. The relationship between Batman and Joker is at the forefront and even though they only share a few scenes together you really understand the dynamic. 

Side Content

Unlike the other Arkham games, Arkham Asylum is not an open world game and is a more linear experience. It has some challenge maps where you can play as either Batman or Joker and they are entertaining to play and I definitely got a kick out of it but there isn't that much depth to it. The collectibles and Riddler trophies in the main game are just window dressing to the overall game. 

Gameplay

The gameplay for this game actually turned out to be revolutionary, it inspired so many other games to use combat styles just like this game and it is good here. Batman moves pretty quickly and is able to take down a group of thugs pretty easily which is fun to play as. The boss battles are mostly fun too with Poison Ivy and Scarecrow being unique and fun to play. It is just there are some issues with the combat in that I found it hard to string combos together at times and it feels like this is the start of this idea and will be improved in later games. Also the final boss battle falls really flat and doesn't feel like a boss battle that fits this games high quality. 

Style

With the remastered version, this game looks beautiful. The character models (Apart from Gordon) all look fantastic and the cutscenes flow incredibly well. As I mentioned above, the overall feel and intimacy towards this location using sound and style is one of the best highlights of the game. 

Overall

Overall, Batman: Arkham Asylum is a great game that is a clear starting point for a new video game Batman franchise and I had a great time with it and any fan of this franchise needs to take the time to play this game. 

Rating - 8/10

The Flash (2023) Review

    

With the DCEU coming up to its end we have finally got The Flash hit the big screen. This film has been one of the most complicated and controversial comic book films ever released but it has now released and I have seen it so here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees Barry Allen go back in time and change the past which ends up changing major factors of the multiverse as a whole. 

Main Character

Ezra Miller has had plenty going on over the last few years but I have decided to ignore these things when reviewing this film. I thought Miller did a pretty good job as Allen, they are funny and quirky and feel like an appropriate character. The character goes through a real journey in the film and I thought this was one of the best parts of the film. However, Miller also plays a younger version of the character and I really did not like this performance, they were so annoying. I understand why the character is like this way but the majority of the film they are like this and it just misses the boat for me. 

Supporting Characters 

One of the main things people were excited about was seeing the return of Michael Keaton as Batman and he is a real highlight here. Yes, he is pretty cheesy but it just works with his charm and charisma, as a big fan of him in this role it was great to see him return and have some real time to shine as a character he is iconic for. 

Sasha Calle plays Supergirl for the first time here and I really liked her performance in the role. She isn't a huge part of the film but when she is on screen she is very opposing and fits the role very well. Her character is explored enough for an introduction but I do wish we could have had slightly more here from the writers. 

Michael Shannon as General Zod was one of my favourite villains in the DCEU, but he is used so badly here. Even Shannon came out and said he didn't enjoy making the film, he feels pointless here and that anybody could have played his role when there was definitely more they could have done with him. 

Ron Livingston & Maribel Verdu do okay jobs as Henry & Nora Allen but I never felt like they stood out considering how they were an emotional core of the film. They weren't bad but I never fully supported Barry's mission because I never connected with them like I did the TV version of the characters. 

Kiersey Clemons reprises her role from Zack Snyder's Justice League as Iris West, but she is another dull part of the film. Luckily, the film doesn't spend too much time with the character but even when on screen I never saw any charisma between her and Miller. 

Story 

The film has two parts to its story. When looking at the character of Barry Allen, I think the film shows how his inner conflict affects him, he is somebody who feels below other heroes but wants to do something that makes himself truly happy and selfish. The film presents this well throughout and thank goodness for that. This is because the rest of the films story is pretty bad, the majority of side characters are underused and not given time for us to grow and connect with them. But the major problem I have is that as somebody who has watched the majority of The Flash TV show, I have seen many things that happen in this film in that show and done better. The ending is also pretty terrible and I just think the really missed the mark with all the interesting things they actually could have done. 

Script

The film definitely had me chuckling at times. There were some actually pretty funny moments and that was nice to see here. There was also some good drama, there were a couple of really effective scenes that made us care about The Flash. But it misses quite a bit too, the film makes no sense a lot of the time, it also just drags out with dialogue that doesn't really do anything. 

Style

The film has some decent action sequences mainly involving Batman. It is cool to see this same Batman able to be given the time to really show how he can really work as an action star. But this is one of the worst looking films that you will see, the CGI is terrible and has truly some of the worst ever made. Also the pacing is bad, the first 30 mins are all over the place and feel like they are pointless to the film which is a major let down. 

Overall

Overall, The Flash just about is an average film. It really falls below the standards that were set and promised by the people in charge. It isn't terrible but I really don't think it is worth a watch unless you really like Michael Keaton as Batman and liked the TV show. 

Rating - 5/10

The Batman (2022) Review

After many years The Batman has finally made its way to the Cinema and I managed to get to the cinema and watch it and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees a Batman in the early part of his career having to take on a new foe which will push him to new levels and makes him question his whole motivations. 

Main Character

There was plenty of controversy when Robert Pattinson was cast as Bruce Wayne/Batman but I actually had high hopes and I have to say I thought he did a really good job. He sold the pretty new Batman well, he is probably the most aggressive version of the character and you just feel the intensity radiating off of him. But there is real development here and I feel like the version we meet at the beginning of the film compared to the one at the end has changed quite a bit and it is well handled. This is very much a Batman film and thus sees him less as Bruce Wayne but when he is, it works well enough it just isn't the focus of the film. 

Supporting Characters

Zoe Kravitz plays Selina Kyle/Catwoman and she is great. The dynamic between the two of them is really well handled and I really enjoyed watching her character develop as there are some really interesting story parts with her. Paul Dano plays The Riddler and they do an amazing job with this character. He is like a horror character and seeing him go about his mission is fascinating and he was the perfect villain for this film, his motivations were really well executed and this is redemption for this great character. Jeffery Wright plays James Gordon and this is another stellar depiction of the character, he is tough but fair and I really liked the partnership between him and Batman. Despite their relationship being quite new there is clear trust and respect between the two of them. Colin Farrell plays The Penguin and despite being caked in prosthetics it is a really strong character, it feels honest to the comics and creates this really cool mob character that fits well in this universe. 

Story 

The story is expertly handled, this is a true detective story. For the first time really in film, it feels like Batman is a proper detective and this mystery kept me guessing and the twists and turns were really effective. There are so many characters and plot points here that I was worried it was going to be too much, but it all fits together really well and nothing felt out of place to me and that was a really impressive piece of storytelling to me. 

Script

The script is extremely grim and this is no doubt the darkest Batman film we have ever seen. But it really fit this film and I was fine with it, this film writes all of its characters really well and keeps the film progressing in a really interesting and for me captivating way. 

Style 

The film has an amazing style, Gotham has never looked better, it is so bleak and grey that it feels like it is ripped straight from the comic books. The harder hitting action is so well done and makes Batman way more brutal and less reliant on gadgets which feels extremely fitting for the story that was being told here. Yes, the film is 3 hours but I thought the film was paced really well and I was never bored. There wasn't anything that I thought should have been cut or trimmed down and fair play to Matt Reeves as a director who did an amazing job here. 

Overall

Overall, The Batman is a truly special comic book film that I loved. Fans of Batman will love it and it is a must watch, I am not saying this film is as good as The Dark Knight but it is pretty close and that is great to see for the character of Batman in 2022. 

Rating - 10/10

Pennyworth Season 2 (2021) Review

It's taken a bit longer then I would maybe have liked but today I finished the 2nd season of Pennyworth and here is my review for it. The premise of the season sees after the attack of the previous season The Raven Union and British League go to war, which sees Alfred trying to escape to America. 

Main Character 

Jack Bannon plays Alfred Pennyworth and he is fantastic, he just oozes charisma and charm. He balances the aggressiveness and class of the character and he is just really fun to watch on screen. The character goes through many twists and turns this season and Bannon conveys it really well and one day when he is done with this role, I see a big future for him because of his obvious talent. 

Supporting Characters

This show has a huge cast of characters and I felt like that began to show more this season with some characters not working as much. Ben Aldrige and Emma Paetz reprise their roles as Thomas Wayne and Martha Kent and I thought their chemistry was better this season, I still think the whole thing has been rushed for obvious reasons but there is no doubting they are good together and effective in their roles. Dorothy Atkins and Ryan Fletcher as Mrs Pennyworth and Dave Boy are also really fun and give more to do which adds so much to the show in terms of comedy value and some drama. But there are some cast that don't quite work mainly everything to do with Peg Sykes played by Paloma Faith. She was the character I liked least in the first season and it kind of feels like she doesn't have much to do and is forced on screen and is just a bit too over the top for me. Also the villains, whether it be Jason Flemyng as Harwood or Edward Hogg as Salt, they are just too over the top and lack depth for me to really care about them or their goals when there was a clear chance for that to happen. 

Story 

The story is decent, I really like Alfred's character arc and the fact that he isn't a bland and generic hero with no faults really helps and makes him way more interesting. My favourite part of the plot was the one involving him and Gully his old commander in the SAS and I kind of wish that had been the main arc of the show. It's just the whole war isn't very interesting and way too black and white in terms of good and evil which is a big missed opportunity. Also there are story arcs that don't satisfy and feel like they could have been better with being cut out. 

Script 

The script is also okay, the humour it top notch mainly because it does a lot of dark humour which fits the overall tone of the show really well. But the drama still didn't work particularly well for me, I just found it difficult to care about the story and some of the characters and that isn't exactly great for this show. 

Style 

The style is good, it doesn't hold back but never goes really brutal like other comic book shows. The action is well made and fits the tone of the show, which is well realised and feels over the top in the right ways with seemingly a greater pushing towards comic book fun. 

Overall

Overall, Pennyworth's 2nd season is a good season of television. I think I enjoyed the first season more, but this is a solid season of TV that makes this an entertaining show for sure that if you like crime shows that have a bit of comic book fun then it might be for you. 

Rating - 7/10

Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021) Review

After 4 years, a social media campaign and countless trailers we finally have Zack Snyder's Justice League in all of its 4 hour glory. It is crazy that a social media campaign really convinced Warner Bros to release this film and I am glad after his personal tragedy that Zack Snyder got the chance to make this film they way he wanted. I watched the film today and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees a group of people with remarkable abilities coming together in order to save the world from an ancient evil. 

Main Character

I have always said that I really like Ben Affleck as Batman and I think he is great here. He is back to being a more serious character but you see more clearly here how the character has progressed since the events of Batman V Superman and Affleck does that well. He isn't given a real standout action scene but he is given a consistent amount of decent action and Affleck still has the physicality of Batman to make that seem realistic despite being the only member of the team without powers. Gal Gadot is back as Wonder Woman and I think anybody disappointed by Wonder Woman 1984 will be very happy to see her being a real star here. Gadot is a real glue that holds the heroes together and she does it really well and she really shines in the action scenes, she is the main one who shines in the action scenes and that is a real highlight. 

Supporting Characters

In the original version of Justice League, I thought Ray Fisher did a decent job as Victor Stone/Cyborg but he is so much better here and is easily the best character in the film. He is the real heart of the film and we learn so much more about Victor and the pain that he has and continues to go through in his new form. His role is larger and provides some real depth and delving into his personal life does a great job in telling his narrative. Ezra Miller is Barry Allen/The Flash and he is a fun member of the cast, he is clearly the comic relief of the film but he never becomes too much and unfunny, he has his serious moments but he works well as part of the group and is a nice addition. Jason Momoa is back as Aquaman and he is also a lot of fun here, we get a bit more of his backstory and it does work better here and make him feel like he has some development that links to his solo film. Henry Cavill is also back as Superman and he is okay, honestly he isn't in this film that much but he has some really standout moments and though he is less charming then he was in the theatrical cut he is still good here. The real surprise though is Ciaran Hinds as Steppenwolf. In the theatrical cut he was such a dull villain but here is a terrifying physical presence that has an interesting character arc and he was a great opposition for the Justice League here. 

Story 

The overall story isn't too different to the theatrical cut but it is handled much better here. The characters are just given way more development time here and it does make you care about them and the way they develop as a group. The film has a much larger scale and for the most part it does work, it doesn't feel too shoehorned in and fits the overall feel of the film and what could have been the future of the DCEU. 

Script

The script is good, there is plenty of drama here and we see the characters go through some things that especially with the longer runtime makes you care. There is also humour sprinkled in here mainly from Miller, Momoa and Jeremy Irons as Alfred which does lighten the film at times when it very much needs it. 

Style 

The one thing you can say about Zack Snyder is that he makes great looking films and this is another one of them. The action scenes are great and filmed really well to really encapsulate the epic nature of the characters and the film that we are seeing. Now the one major glaring issue is that this film is 4 hours long and it really shouldn't be, I appreciate the majority of the new content but there are clear parts of the film that could have been cut and it would have provided a better pacing, 3 hours is surely long enough, Avengers Endgame did it and I think this film could have done it. 

Overall

Overall, this is a fantastic film and a Fantastic experience. This is a much improved version of Justice League and what it does is make me want to see more of Snyder's vision for the DCEU. 4 hours is a big commitment so I think only fans will do it but I would say give it a chance, it is a lot of fun. 

Rating - 9/10

Pennyworth Season 1 (2019) Review

With Season 2 just hitting the UK I made it a priority to watch the first season of Pennyworth and I have not achieved that and here is my review for it. The premise of the show sees the origins of Alfred Pennyworth a former SAS agent in London who gets dragged into a huge conflict. 

Main Character

Jack Bannon plays Pennyworth and I thought he was truly great here, at first it does feel like he was doing a dodgy Michael Caine impression but I just grew to really like this character and sympathise with him. He is just such a charming character and I think the fact that he is so unpredictable in the way he acts really helps, he gets dragged into conflict after conflict and it is really funny seeing how he reacts to these different parties and how mad this whole show is. 

Supporting Characters

Ben Aldridge plays Thomas Wayne and I thought he fit the role well, really when it comes to this character in terms of live action this is the most we have ever seen him and Aldridge does a good job. I like how his character acts and they take him in a bit of a different direction then you would expect and he feels like a good counterpoint to Pennyworth. Emma Paetz plays Martha Kane and she is good, she is a strong character and considering when the show is set she feels very fresh and a character that fits well with the more rough male characters. She shares the majority of her scenes with Aldridge and they have good chemistry and a nice dynamic that makes there solo parts better then they should be. Jason Flemyng plays the villain and he is good, he just has a presence about him and even though he isn't that deep a character he is a fun part of the cast and is a good antagonist for the show. I though Alfred's two mates were fun and his parents were really great too. The one bit of casting I wasn't particularly on board with was Paloma Faith as a villain, she is just really over the top and not in the fun way like the other characters, but by the end I accepted it as there are plenty of entertaining performances here. 

Story 

The best thing I can stay about the story is that if you changed a few of the characters names and the shows name and didn't have the comic book connection people would still find it interesting. Alfred is a great character and his development is fantastic, it is fascinating seeing this shows depiction of London and the way that society works. I got to say that the story is mad, and so over the top but it really works and fits into the style of the show. But the issue is that this show is incredibly bloated, there is so much going on that it is hard to care about all of it, a few characters that are underused and not given the time to shine and it feels like the show would have been better to streamline the arcs for this season.

Script  

The script is very good, the humour is very dry and Pennyworth is a really funny character that adds so much to this pretty serious show. The drama also works and adds some really surprising and shocking moments that rises the quality of the overall product. 

Style

The style is incredibly graphic, it has some real shocks and violence but it works here and doesn't feel like just an excuse to put unnecessary violence on screen. But the pacing doesn't always hold up, as I mentioned in the story aspect, there are a few too many stories going on and it slows the show down, also there could have been a few less episodes that would have made it a much better show.

Overall

Overall, I really enjoyed the first season of Pennyworth. It feels very different to most comic book shows and if you like violent action shows then give this one a go, I don't think you will regret it. 

Rating - 8/10

Justice League (2017) Review

With the Snyder Cut being announced this previous week I have now rewatched the original version of the film and here is my review for Justice League. The premise of the film sees after Superman's death Batman and Wonder Woman set out to form a team to save the world from the forces of Apokolips.

Main Character

Ben Affleck is back as Batman for the last time and I thought he did a good job in the film. As I mentioned in my Batman V Superman review I really like Affleck as Bruce Wayne and I feel like his character develops a bit this film. You see him as more of a team leader, and a bit more light hearted which felt natural and made him easy to root for in this film, though he doesn't lose his edge as Batman needs to have that. Gal Gadot is back as Wonder Woman and she is great in this film, she is really strong in the role and is a character you can get behind, the dynamic between her and Batman is a highlight of the film and feels like a natural progression from their relationship in the previous film. 

Supporting Characters

Ezra Miller plays The Flash and he did a really good job, his character is nothing new to me due to the character being used in the TV show but it was done effectivley enough. He is clearly the comic relief character and he was funny, I also liked his dynamic of the new hero and you just see his confidence grow in the film which felt like some character depth. Jason Mamoa plays Aquaman here and he isn't given lots of character development but he is no doubt fun to watch, especially in the action scenes. It was a good start for the character which would obviously be further expanded in his own solo movie. Ray Fisher plays Cyborg and he might be the most interesting character in the film, you see how his changes have really affected him as a person, for a big part of this film he feels more like machine then man but working with the other characters brings the best out of him. Now this one could be considered a spoiler but lets face it this was revealed way before the film came out, Henry Cavill is back as Superman and this is The Superman that we should have got in Batman V Superman, he is actually likeable and more charming. He is still great in the action scenes and has the necessary mix of humour and drama that this franchise finally got on track with the character.

Story

The story of seeing this dysfunctional team of special individuals having to come together is fun, I mean we have seen it in The Avengers but it is done fine here and seeing each characters personality come out when together to make a fun dysfunctional group. But the story is kind of all over the place, first the villain, Steppenwolf has really bland motivations and you know he is basically just a glorified henchman for Darkseid. Also due to three of the main characters don't have movies before this, the film has to rush there origins and it feels like we don't really know that much about them except if you are a comic book expert. 

Script

The script is much better here, it has a really good blend of drama and humour to it. It has the Joss Wheddon feel about it which when he took over this film it seems like he added a bit more of a balanced tone instead of Zack Synders very moody tone that had been in his previous films. 

Style 

The style has some interesting action scenes, it had a great representation of the new characters powers especially The Flash which made this a fun film for sure. But there is some CGI issues, especially in the final act, it just seems like it was made in a bit of a rush and without care. Also the first act is choppy and the pacing is off which makes it hard to focus on the important parts. 

Overall

Overall, I was suprised by how much I enjoyed this film, it is a great fun experience with a good set of characters and set up hoepfully the first of more installments of this franchise. If it can get a bit more focused and get a better villain a future Justice League Film could be up there with The Avengers films. 

Rating - 8/10

Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice (2016) Review

After watching Man Of Steel I knew I was coming to this film, I remember when this film was announced and I must say this had to be one of the most anticipated films of all time as it finally saw Batman and Superman on screen together, so here is my review for Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice. The premise of the film sees after the destruction Of Metropolis in Man Of Steel, Bruce Wayne comes out of retirement as Batman and decides he must take down Superman, while Lex Luthor comes up with his plan to manipulate both of the heroes. 

Main Character

Ben Affleck was cast as Bruce Wayne/Batman for this film and I thought he did a brilliant job, he totally owns the role of Batman in this film and for me maybe even became my favourite Batman in this film. Even though his motivations are harsh I totally understood where he came from and why he felt the need to do the things he does. He is also fantastic in the action scenes and is easily the best Batman in terms of action that we have ever seen. Henry Cavill reprises his role as Superman and I was really disappointed with his character in this film, Cavill tries but you can tell Zack Synder cared more about Batman and basically saw Superman as a side attraction. His character doesn't have as much to do and you don't get a fair amount of a story compared to Batman and I wish he had been better treated after Man Of Steel.

Supporting Characters

Jeremy Irons plays Alfred in this film and I thought he nailed it in the film, he is a more hardcore and militarised version of the character and his relationship with Affleck is really well handled and I thought they had great chemistry. Diane Lane and Laurence Fishburne has smaller roles in the film and they add some real humans in the film which was nice to see, but the rest of the characters didn't really work. I liked Amy Adams in Man Of Steel but I thought she was poorly used in this film, her whole side plot is incredibly mundaine and it feels like she was more of a damsel in distress whch didn't suit her character. Gal Gadot makes her first appearance as Wonder Woman and she is fine in the film, the issue I had was that her character didn't need to be in the film and felt a bit out of place. Then we get to the performance that really annoyed me and that is Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor, he is just an over the top joke of a character. The character of Lex Luthor is a commanding intelligent presence but this version is an awkward, socially inept character that feels out of place in this pretty serious film. 

Story

The story involving everything to do with Batman is interesting, he gets the time to shine and the interesting motivations in the film, making everything he does the best part of the film. But everything to do with Superman wasn't very interesting at all and dragged the movie down, plus the Luthor's plot is insane and literally makes no sense at all. But the worst part is that this film tries to do so much with its story that it tries to set up future films to the detriment of the story, it reminds me of Iron Man 2 in that it has greater moments but is just really unfocused and all over the place, plus the ending of the film felt like a cheap move that didn't quite work for me. 

Script

Again like the other parts of the film the drama involving Batman works in the film, mainly because he is known for being a darker character, I know I said I liked the tone of Man Of Steel but I thought the Superman in this film would be a bit more hopeful but he is probably more depressing in this film then he was in the first film. Also this film tried humour with Lex Luthor and it really doesn't work, as I said earlier he feels like he is in a different film and it doesn't work. 

Style

The one thing I will say about this film is that the film's style looks incredible, the action scenes are brilliant. The fight between Batman and Superman is handled in a really great way and it involves easily the greatest Batman action scene in any movie ever, plus this film has my favourite Batman suit in it. Yes this film has over the top action scenes compared to other Batman films but it works for this film and feels appropriate for what we are watching. 

Overall

Overall, this is a very disappointing film, it has its moments of utter quality in it but the best way I can describe it is an enjoyable mess. For me if you are a fan of Batman then this film is worth a watch but other then that it may not be exactly a film to rush to watch.

Rating - 6/10 

Batman & Harley Quinn (2017) Review

Batman & Harley Quinn (2017) Review 

 So with Birds Of Prey finally with us tomorrow I decided to do some late revision and watch the Animated Film Batman & Harley Quinn from a few years ago and this is my review for it. The premise of the film sees Batman & Nightwing forced into teaming up Harley Quinn in order to stop Poison Ivy and The Floronic Man from turning everyone in the world into nature. 

Main Character

For me possibly the most iconic portrayal of Batman has to be this one, Kevin Conroy as the voice of Batman takes me back to my childhood and to the excellent Arkham games that have come out over the last decade. He has the perfect voice for the caped crusader and for me this is one of the best versions of the character ever, he nails the brooding nature of Batman but has a little bit of fun in the role to allow a more complete performance as Batman. Melissa Rauch voices Harley Quinn in this film and she does a really good job, this was the only time that she voiced the character but I thought she delivered a fun take on the Harley Quinn character, there is some depth there and she has some really funny lines in the film that make you like her as she isn't the most evil version of the character and is a pretty easy character to root for given the circumstances. 

Supporting Characters

Paget Brewster voices Poison Ivy in the film and I have always liked the animated version of Ivy as I feel like it is given some real depth and even though she clearly isn't the most likeable of characters the film does a good job of selling her point of view and making you kind of understand why she does the things that she does. Kevin Michael Richardson plays The Floronic Man and I have to admit this is a character I know nothing about from the comics but he played the role well as the hulking henchman but he also had some depth to his motivations and I thought him and Ivy were a good pairing as the antagonists in this film. It is a bit unfair that this film isn't called Batman, Nightwing & Harley Quinn as Loren Lester & Nightwing is along for the journey the entire film and he fills his role well, I thought the trio bounced off each other very well and were fun to watch. 

Story

I thought as mentioned the concept of Batman & Nightwing having to work with Harley Quinn is an interesting one and I thought they did a good job of really showing the difference between the two heroes and Quinn. Also as mentioned I felt the villains had decent motivations and I liked how they fit in the history between Harley & Ivy in the film. However, my biggest negative of this film is the ending, the last 5 minutes are utter nonsense and include an incredibly pointless cameo that seems to be just there as a bit of fan service. Also it is just how abrupt the ending is, I felt like I was expecting at least another 10 minutes but no the film just ended and I really wasn't satisfied with the ending. 

Script

This film has some good drama in it, especially between Harley & Ivy to make you care about their friendship and relationship and also some good lines from Batman. The humour is a bit of a mixed bag for me, some of it worked and did make me laugh but they also resorted with some childish humour which makes no sense as this film is definitley not aimed for kids.

Style

I thought that the more mature tone taken for this film was a good decision, with a character like Harley Quinn as one of the leads it made sense for this film to have a bit more adult content in it, also all the action scenes were well handled and felt exciting to watch. But I can't stop thinking about the pacing of the film and how it just ends abruptly and doesn't really answer any of the questions from the film.

Overall

Overall this is a fun easy to watch film that is just over an hour long so won't take up too much of your time. If you are a fan of Batman The Animated Series then you will probably like this film, just be prepared that it doesn't provide the payoff like that epic show did.

Rating - 7/10

Titans Season 2 (2020) Review

Titans Season 2 (2020) Review

 So after a Mediocre first season DC'S darker TV show Titans is back for a first season and this is my review of the 2nd season. The premise of the season sees Dick Grayson reform the Titans with a younger iteration but this draws the ire of a former foe - Deathstroke.

Main Character

Brenton Thwaites plays Dick Grayson and I didn't really care too much about his character that much last season but I thought his performance was much better this season. He had more charm and charisma too him this season which makes it more understandable why these people follow him into battle. He has much more depth to him this season and goes through quite a bit of inner turmoil which makes him a much better character this season.

Supporting Characters

Wow this category could take all day so I am only going to talk about the main supporting characters in this season of the show. I thought in the first season Minka Kelly as Dove and Alan Ritchson as Hawk felt out of place and a side act that we weren't meant to care about as much, but they get more screen time this season and for the most part they are highlights of the season. Their chemistry is very good and Hawk in particular has some very funny moments and provides some levity that is needed on this show. Now I love Manu Bennett as Deathstroke on Arrow, so I was worried when I heard Deathstroke was going to be on this show but I thought Esai Morales did a very good job as Slade Wilson. He is a more comic book accurate version of the character and he was a really menacing threat throughout the season even though his character wasn't written as well as he could be towards the end of the season. However, Teagen Croft as Rachel, Anna Diop as Kory & Ryan Potter as Gar were the most boring characters this season and I didn't care about any of their individual stories which took up too much screen time.

Story

The story of this season is a soft reboot of the show and doesn't really folllow from the first season that much. I very much enjoyed the conflict in the members of the Titans, especially Dick Grayson and how their relationship with Deathstroke is more balanced then I expected and they did a good job with flashback episodes documenting this. But there was plenty things wrong with the story, first because of how many characters there are they try and give most of them individual stories and most of them are pretty bland and I didn't care about them because they don't get the attention they deserve. Plus the best part of the story is the Deathstroke stuff and as the season progresses the show focuses less on that story and more on the evil corporation storyline which is nowhere near as interesting.

Script 

The script and dialogue is actually pretty good most of the characters are funnier this season and the dialogue is no where near as cringey as it was in the first season. The characters felt more real this season and it made easier to care about them as individuals and as a group.

Style

The show keeps the darker tone from the first season and the fight choreography is so much better this season then it was last season, especially whenever Deathstroke throws down it feels like a captivating action scene. But there is a real pacing issue this season as mentioned before, if they had cut a few storylines out and maybe a couple of episodes this season would have been made more streamlined and better to watch.

Overall

Overall, season 2 of Titans is a big improvement on the first season of this show and as a comic book show it fits around the same quality of the other DC TV shows. Hopefully the third season will look to continue this improvement and make this a truly memorable show.

Rating - 7/10