Batman v Superman: Despite Reviews, Heading for $180 Million U.S. Opening Weekend
Bad press did not keep the newest superhero film "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" from breaking the record for highest Thursday preshow for an Easter weekend held by "Fast and Furious 7" last year at $15.8 million. The Warner Bros. picture came in with $27.7 million Thursday night and is expected to sweep in an estimated $78 to $83 million on Good Friday's opening, a figure that may mean a $180-million-weekend opening despite receiving only a 30 percent Rotten Tomatoes rating. If this happens, the film will have managed the one of the top domestic opening weekends of all time.
Whether it is the anticipation of the clash between favorite superheroes Batman and Superman or the fact that these DC comic book characters are played by Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill, respectively, fans have been ignoring critics' reviews and going out to catch this second installment to the DC Extended Universe.
And for those who plan to do the same, some spoilers may be in order, unless it is desired to go without any preconceived notions.
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First off, the man of steel is not as universally loved as most would believe. The film features a character, Wallace, who has no love lost for the superhero after the former got his legs mangled when a building that Superman toppled fell on him. And it seems there are others who feel the same: The Government as well as Batman want the scarlet-caped hero brought to justice to face the consequences of his actions.
To add to the already growing resentment against him, Lex and Wallace blow up a courtroom while Superman is at a hearing. As chaos erupts and death is all around, Superman is held responsible.
A change has come over Batman who has become a superhero-turned-vigilante with no compunction in marking bad guys with his Bat logo. This has not elevated him in Superman's eyes.
The two have it out in a massive clash, as it should be, after all, it is what many fans have been waiting to see. But who will prevail is something better left to actual viewing, after all it is bad form to give everything away. Although Batman does take out the kryptonite at some point in the fight.
Lex gains access into a Kryptonian ship that has crashed and succeeds in getting his hands on kryptonite. He also finds the dead body of General Zod. But will these help him figure out a way to defeat Superman? The answer to this may be yes, after Lex resurrects Zod's body as a far more evil creature.
Lex unleashes Doomsday who the heroes team up to defeat, as no one superhero could hope to do it alone. But kryptonite is the only thing to bring it down, and so Superman gets hold of one and goes down with Doomsday in what is a supreme sacrifice.
More action and twists in the story await anticipating fans while first day opening sweeps across 4,242 venues.
