James Durso Caplanides

RZ's 'Halloween II' is brillant. This film transforms the Michael/Laurie story into something terrible and horrifying. It's great because its so ugly, dark, brutal and harsh. However, diehard fans of the 1978 original often criticize it for those same reasons. Enjoying RZ's H2 (or not) is a matter of personal taste.

Zack Synder's "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" is aesthetically gorgeous and (with help from the extended 'Ultimate Edition') tells the story of The Justice League's rocky origins. Ben Affleck as Batman, Henry Cavill as Superman and Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman have incredible chemistry. And while at first no trust or friendship exist between their characters, the message is clear: Each is God-like and able to stand tall with (or against) the other. Trendy superhero movies are often light and comical but Synder's "BVS" is neither. Instead, it dives deep into a world that more closely resembles Francis Ford Coppola's "Apocalypse Now" or Oliver Stone's "JFK." The artistic dimensions of this film range from the intricate (Granny's Sweet Tea) to the outstanding (Superman's floating in space). It's visual landscapes are edgy, crisp and on fire. The cinematography and costume designs create an on-screen, live-action comic book that feels true to life. Synder's use of foreshadowing (Flash's warning message; The Nightmare Future World) is hallmark of genius storytelling. It's a perfect juxtiposition of reality and fantasy that gets better with age. In 50 years people will look back at the undeserved negative reviews and mock critics who misunderstood the profundity of "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice."

This movie is brilliant. It's not just action and CGI. It's a well told, beautifully crafted, emotional story that brings the mythological magic back to Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman (and all it's DC comic's superheros). It gives Cavill, Gadot, and Affleck an opportunity to finally shine in their roles. The stylistic story telling Synder experiements with in "Watchmen" (unique camera shots, lighting, song placement, backstory and character development) is mastered in "Justice League" providing an example of how great a film can be when made by an artist who is allowed creative freedom. This is a 'must watch' for movie lovers and DC fans of all ages. Don't let the 4 hour run time scare you. It's broken down into 7 chapters that can be viewed independently. Regardless, after 4 hours you will still want to see more. All big studio superhero movies should be as profound as Zack Synder's Justice League. A+++++++++++++++++

RZ's 'Halloween II' is brillant. This film transforms the Michael/Laurie story into something terrible and horrifying. It's great because its so ugly, dark, brutal and harsh. However, diehard fans of the 1978 original often criticize it for those same reasons. Enjoying RZ's H2 (or not) is a matter of personal taste.