So much destruction. Too dark. Disjointed. Longer than necessary. All these I have heard on the subject of not only Batman V Superman, but Man of Steel as well. I have seen each movie multiple times, and have come to a revelation, finally, on why there was and is so much hatred for Zack Snyder's last two superhero films.
Now, before we start, I'd like to address the main problem people have with Man of Steel. Superman doesn't actually save the world: Click here. With Batman V Superman, I've heard a few complaints on the new Lex Luthor, Wonder Woman's performance, Doomsday's presence, etc. There are also probably reviews telling people why the audio or the visuals suck. I'm going to go ahead and not deal with those. Not because I can't, but because they're only smaller pieces of a larger puzzle. Because your main problem is Superman. That's who this article is really for: those who just plain don't like this version of Superman. I'll do a review of the entire movie later this week, but for now, I'll just focus on this. In the comics, we complain because he's too goody-goody, too powerful, unable to relate to regular people like you and me. In the movies, we shout that "our" hero is too dark and brooding (but we love that color on Batman, right?), and that he doesn't do enough for the world. And you know what? Superman is dark in this movie, to a point. Never mind that he dedicates years to finding out who he is---like we do---and helping people along the way at great risk to his exposure. Forget that the symbol on his chest means "Hope." That he sacrifices his chances at recreating his world on Earth, this "Krypton" that he longed for, that he desired to understand and know. He chose our world instead. And we hate him for it. In Batman V Superman, Kal-El is bombarded with hatred for his actions on foreign soil, his accidental destruction of Metropolis while saving the rest of the ENTIRE PLANET. Restrictions are discussed regarding his very presence on Earth, and by the climax of the movie, most of the world (that we see) wants him gone. *SPOILER* *SPOILER* *SPOILER* *SPOILER* *SPOILER* *SPOILER* They get what they ask for. We hate Zack Snyder for the same reason we hate his version of Superman: he shows us that we are in fact just like the world in the movie. We clamor and wish that more people would do good in the world. That someone would be unfazed by politics and just focus on saving lives and being an example for the entire world to follow. And then when our expectations aren't met with exactly what we wanted...we turn on the very hero we asked for. It wasn't a very good movie, but Superman Returns had a very true quote by the man of steel himself: "You say people don't need a savior. But every day I hear the world crying for one." And those same people that cry for a savior hate him for being exactly what they cried for: good. Zack Snyder himself has stated that Superman is a Christ-like figure, and his movies showcase exactly that. Batman V Superman was released on Good Friday, just to hammer those last few minutes home. The original creators of Superman were Completed Jews (that is, they were Jews who believed Jesus is the Son of God). As such, they created Superman in a time where a symbol of inspiration was needed: during the last few years of the Great Depression. They based him on Jesus (fantastic book about that right here), and most people's hatred of Jesus is for the same reasons they hate Superman. Because we feel convicted. We hate Superman because most of us can't identify with him, but that isn't his fault. He's meant to be incorruptible, an icon, an inspiration, a light in the darkness. If we find ourselves hating him because of that, instead of wanting to emulate him, isn't the real problem...us? Luckily, Superman doesn't care. His example and capacity to inspire is greater than the hate. And Jesus sacrificed himself among his haters and non-believers too, because He knew that the plan and purpose was greater than anyone could even imagine. Superman wasn't there to only save America, and the Messiah didn't come to restore Jerusalem to its former glory. Batman V Superman deals with a dark Superman, but not because he is actually dark. It's because he's struggling to be a light in a world that tries to make him dark with their plotting, and their fear, and their hatred. In the end of the movie, the world got not only what it wanted, but what it deserved: the absence of the hero they wished for. They changed their mind once he left, but I wonder if it will stay that way when he returns. Funny how Snyder made a bigger parallel than you realize once you actually pay attention.
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I'm glad you asked! It's a pretty funny story, actually. I was working on my novel, Voltage, when I was just not feeling it. I had hit a snag, and I couldn't keep writing the story. I was so upset with myself, that I said, "I suck so much at writing a book, I could write a book about that!" Of course, what I said was in jest, but a light bulb turned on in my head anyway! I thought to myself, "You know, that actually might not be a bad idea!"
So I started writing the second book in the series, Why You Suck at Writing a Book, first. As I was writing that one, I had a couple people that were complaining about being stuck in the friend-zone. Just like that, two works of writing were inspired, and after weeks and months of writing, the Why You Suck series was born. I chose to start this series because I could write multiple smaller books, gaining a following and some experience as a published author, but it really means something to me. Helping people with humor has always been something I enjoy doing, and what better way than showing people that it's okay to laugh at themselves? It's been a great journey so far, and I'm excited to continue it. 3/28/2016 0 Comments 50 Shades of the Friend-Zone50 Shades of the Friend-Zone
Note: If you discover your shade(s), buy my book in the My Books page so you may escape the friend-zone with explosions and confidence! 1. Loves you like a friend. 2. Loves you like a brother. 3. Loves you like a sister. 4. Uses you as a step stool. 5. Calls you “such a good friend.” 6. Thinks you’re gay. 7. Sets you up with her gay best friend. 8. Sets you up with her best girl friend. 9. Invites you to a sleepover with every intention of sleeping. 10. Says, “I love you,” while laughing. 11. Finds way too many things you have in common. 12. Double-pull-back to avoid a kiss. 13. Asks for advice about her boyfriend. All. The. Time. 14. When going out to drinks, dances, movies, she qualifies, “just as friends.” 15. When she doesn’t qualify “just as friends,” because it’s already been established enough times. 16. Introduces you as her best friend. 17. Side hug. 18. High five. 19. Fist bump. 20. Handshake. 21. Says, “Why can’t guys be as sweet as you?” 22. Says, “You’re such a nice guy.” 23. Tells you you’ll find the right woman…someday. 24. Puts you as her Woman Crush Wednesday. 25. Calls you “babe” like she does to her girl friends. 26. Offers to share her lip gloss with you. 27. Being your friend turns her gay. 28. Being her friend turns YOU gay. 29. You’re the one taking the pictures of her and her boyfriend that she posts on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter. 30. You’re the best man at her wedding. 31. You’re the maid of honor at her wedding. 32. If you’re a Christian, you’re the “brother in Christ.” 33. She wants to have matching outfits. 34. Purposefully stays away from the mistletoe. 35. You get her under the mistletoe anyway, and she pecks you on the cheek. 36. Shows you chick flicks because she thinks you’ll like them. She thinks you’ll like Every. Single. One of them. 37. Doesn’t care if she sees you shirtless or not. 38. Doesn’t say that you’re hot or handsome. Just that you’re cute, sweet, or sensitive. 39. Texts other people no matter where you two are, especially when she’s texting a guy. This should be obvious, but whatever. 40. Compares you to her father. 41. Compares you to her grandfather. 42. Actually admits she friend-zoned you. 43. Points out the guy and girl best friends in the movie and says, “Look, they’re like us!” Then when they end up together, she corrects herself with, “Never mind." 44. Asks you to watch or hold her purse. 45. Takes you shopping for her date…with another guy. 46. Split the bill at movies/dinners. 47. Finds you normal, not mysterious or interesting. 48. When you ask why you can’t date her, she responds with an ambiguous answer like, “Because.” Or “because we’re friends.” 49. Farts or burps in front of you. 50. You didn’t have to read all fifty shades to find yours. 3/28/2016 0 Comments A Hobbit's TransformationI've always been a major Lord of the Rings fan. One of my favorite lines from the trilogy, spoken by one of the stupidest characters Pippin (Peregrin) Took, is, “I am a messenger of the King. …You are speaking to the King’s friend, and one of the most renowned in all the lands of the West. You are a ruffian and a fool. Down on your knees in the road and ask pardon, or I will set this troll’s bane in you!” This is something I've been thinking about for a long time, and a couple days ago I couldn't take it anymore. I had to write about it.
Pippin was a very incompetent character in the company to take the One Ring to Mordor. More than once was he called a “fool of a Took” by Gandalf. While there were times when Pippin had his good moments, in most of the story he was quite stupid and helpless, frequently hindering the rest of the group. However, he has a lot to teach us about a transformation through Jesus Christ. From the time he started to a lot of the journey, Peregrin Took was ridiculous. Though his heart was in the right place almost all of the time, he made his team's presence known to goblins in a cave made by Dwarfs, caused Boromir to protect him and Merry by sacrificing his life, and stupidly entered the service of a corrupt steward. Though these things he eventually made up for, it caused unnecessary trouble for the nine companions. To be fair, his good choices should be listed as well. He did help convince Treebeard to go to war with Isengard, and left a trail for Legolas and Aragorn to follow when captured by Orcs. He also faced death numerous times so that Sauron could be prevented from unleashing terror on Middle-Earth. He had some good moments, but apparently his past before the quest overlapped his good deeds. Nevertheless, Gandalf saw hope in him and Merry, and permitted them to come along on the journey to destroy the One Ring. Perhaps the hugest mistake he made was looking into Saruman's mystic stone, against Gandalf's orders, by which Pippin conversed with Sauron himself. In this regard, he fell to temptation. Countless times did this Took screw up, yet kept pressing on. As previously stated, Peregrin Took pledged service to the king of Gondor, who was then a corrupt steward named Denethor, left in charge of Gondor until the real king returned. While this was at first an unwise move, Aragorn returned and Denethor died. Pippin was commissioned by his king to continue to serve him wherever he went, and that he might call on young Took again. After he, Merry, Sam, and Frodo returned to the Shire, they were greeted by men who were causing trouble in the Hobbits' home. Right away two guards antagonized the four, and one insulted Frodo. At this disrespect of his friend, who had given everything to save Middle-Earth, Pippin could take it no more. He drew his sword, and the book states the other part of my favorite passage: “He cast back his cloak, flashed out his sword, and the silver and sable of Gondor gleamed on him as he rode forward.” Basically, the glory of his king shone upon this servant. Peregrin Took was a fool, a Halfling, and a weak one at that. But as he served his master, this little man was transformed into a noble, loyal, courageous warrior, who the king actually wanted to use. And so it can be with us, who are imperfect, unworthy sinners, as we give ourselves over to our King, ready and willing to serve Him in love to the end. |
Victor Sassano IIIAuthor of the Why You Suck Series. Adventurer. Warrior-Poet. Superhero enthusiast. Servant-Leader. Archives
March 2018
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