Perhaps even more powerful than the abilities of your favorite superhero is PR spin control. While there is no doubt that "Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice" was a big, record-breaking, box office success over the weekend, the piles of money it made doesn’t discount the fact that it’s one of the worst reviewed superhero movies in recent memory. That said, dyed-in-the-wool comic book fans have been strongly defending Zack Snyder‘s movie, accusing reviewers of being too hard on the picture or simply not getting it. And the studio has also waded into the waters of what they are calling an "extraordinary achievement" (indeed, ‘Batman v Superman’ posted the biggest opening weekend in the history of the studio).
"Clearly, audiences have embraced it and we are already seeing repeat business. It’s just fun. Often, there’s a disconnect between critics and audiences. It doesn’t take itself seriously. It’s just an enjoyable afternoon at the movies," Warners domestic distribution chief Jeff Goldstein told the trades (via ComicBookMovie).
"When you swing for the bleachers and connect, it’s a tremendous feeling. This felt like we were launching several films, so to come through like this makes all of us very proud," he added.
On the one hand, he’s right — ‘Batman v Superman’ is launching several films, given that it’s the picture that lays the groundwork for "Justice League Part 1" next year and beyond. On the other hand, I don’t even think people who like the movie would say "it doesn’t take itself seriously." In fact, ‘Batman v Superman’ takes itself very seriously, but again, with the movie having to make $800 million worldwide just to break even, it’s in the studio’s interest to sell the picture as a breezy matinee.
Let us know what you think below, and check out the cold open from "Conan" featuring the Batmobile.