@JD
I thought I had seperated it enough but reading back it didnt quite seperate out - the "small minded hate" I was referring to was more the people that see this particular film and immediately hate it because of a reason that is either very clearly explained within the film, or is based upon the fact that they cant accept that this version differs (and even then, can't accept the internal logic of why the version differs) - then go off negatively impacting other peoples views of the film etc. Perhaps my wording was a little blase - I realise now perhaps my own post has come across that way, but I thought I'd clearly defined my reasoning for feeling a bit miffed with Smith. You are right about the fact he is entertaining in the podcast and doing his job of course, and I should have kept that in mind - I did in fact listen to the segment where they discuss the movie (and the part about the Flash directing) thanks - there's no need to assume I'm telling lies, chief. I also did watch the same film as you, and since you've taken the time to clearly explain in a concise manner your issues with my post, I'll thank you for that. You haven't spouted vitriol, you've made your point clearly and explained your position. I never meant small minded to apply to "anyone that doesn't like this movie" - I wouldn't make a blanket statement like that.
Do you not think that he is being hypocritical though? If you check out the Fatman on Batman video review of BvS, let me know what you think.
Counter point however - Affleck isn't one of his best friends, just a friend from his past (The Askewverse etc as I'm sure you're aware) - he admits as much in a few podcasts now, and has said he hasnt spoken to him in years (not through animosity, though having seen a Dinner for Five (awesome show) at one point and a discussion with Kevin, it's fairly clear that Affleck distanced himself from Smith once his "star" started rising into the big leagues - that's as far as I can tell anyway, from what Smith has said in a few different things now. Have you heard different? And also, have you read the Superman script that Smith wrote? I actually got around to reading it today - whilst I appreciate that he wrote that in the early 00's...wow. It has some stuff in there that just would not work, IMO, in a Superman film. One of his complaints (if Im remembering right) was that they shoehorned a lot into BvS...his script includes Luthor, Brainiac, Doomsday, Eradicator etc. There's a lot going on, in a "comicy" fashion which just reads as ridiculous in some places. He does get some of the characterisation fairly well but even then, some of it is so, so corny and weird. And it would come across as quite campy I think if it had gone on to be filmed in that form. As an aside, have any of you seen The Death of Superman Lives by John Schnepp? Quite enjoyed it, documentary about how the film almost got made.
Btw, I was also not claiming Smith was babbling, just his (to my eyes) hypocrisy - what I thought was his honest review sat well with me initially - he wanted this and that, and wasnt super happy with the film overall, but there were parts he enjoyed (Ben etc) and once he heard the actual hate, he started getting defensive of it. Whereas in the babble on, his comment was something along the lines of “It was certainly ****ing humourless, there was nothing funny going on in that world whatsoever.” and it's statements like that - at what point during Man of Steel did this film universe seem like it was established as a funny film? or one where regular jokes are made? This movie was almost a direct sequel to that one, which we've all known for three years. The trailers don't allude to comedy, in fact it shows us one of it's jokes during a trailer. And I totally agree with the statement by the way - whilst there were definite moments to illicit a smile and a positive thought (Clark jumping in the bath with her, Perry's sarcasm, "You've never known a woman like me", Lex's moments of casual power play and some of his mannerisms) it was never, ever going to have a tone where you laugh at a snarky quip every five minutes. So why expect it? That is basically the principle about a fair few of the complaints against this movie that aggravate me, it's the expectation that just seems so out of place.
I will admit, my mind is flexible on the expectation of the superhero core value complaint. There is absolutely no doubt I would enjoy a more light hearted film, with certain motivations made more front and centre - I do get that, of course. But I also love this serious portrayal too. It's different, and for me it works for a number of reasons - first and foremost that I've really tried to allow myself to enjoy the story that is being told to us, not the one I want it to be. (and as I've previously admitted, even from there, there are things that dont work for me and that I do have issues with)
Also - you have actually said something that proves some of what I was trying to convey,
"Sometimes we choose to ignore or find ways to justify straying from that like many do for the Nolan movies (which I personally disliked for the most part)."
You're showing consistency and integrity in your argument by accepting that the Nolan films have the same interpretation issues of Batman that you dislike in BvS (assuming the no kill rule?) So, so, so, so many people I've seen commenting "I love Nolan's Batman, he had a no kill rule, this batman kills thats so ****" (basic example) - we all know if you look at Nolans films there are many deaths that can be attributed to Batman. I still love those films. And that's why those particular complaints don't have me too fussed about this one doing it, especially when it is made into a plot/character point. Which I wont go into detail here, as I'm starting to see double.
There was no need to cite Smiths experience (incorrectly in part
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) as I hope you can see that I arent just jumping in to hate on Kevin Smith - I enjoy his work. What I see is that the majority (people that read an article that pops up) will now read that Kevin Smith hated this movie, instead of what I saw when I watched his actual review, which was measured and not showing hate, where he made some good points in favour and against. Its such a small thing I know, but that was my main issue.