Since news dropped that Batman would be featured in the next Superman movie I have been filled with excitement and anticipation. When that ridiculous rumor that Christian Bale had been offered $50 million to reprise the role got started I was hopeful despite knowing better. That’s far and away more money than any actor has ever been offered to play any role and it was just wishful thinking. I never really expected Bale to come back to the role but I was certain that the casting would be great. Far too much hinges on who is chosen because it’s not just about the Superman sequel, it’s about The Justice League. Warner Brothers has to be smart about how they eventually bring all these characters together and they have already made many costly mistakes. With one character franchise already failing miserably (Green Lantern) and allowing their most successful character franchise to finish and not be incorporated they are already at a disadvantage. Choosing a new Batman was necessary under the circumstances but was not a decision to be made lightly. When I woke up this morning and saw the news of Ben Affleck being cast I literally wanted to go into a dark room and hide from the world.
I am literally depressed by this development because it crushes all the hope and optimism I had invested in this movie. All I want to know is who the hell thought this was a good idea? I know that Affleck has made a nice comeback and showed promise behind the camera but what has he ever done as an actor to garner this kind of significant role? I read this article about how they wanted an older and wiser Batman and an actor with the “acting chops” to pull off the role. Which one of those qualifies Affleck? Not only has he never come off as wise but who in the world thinks Affleck has “acting chops?” I remember a time when the best role he could get was a small part in Smokin’ Aces, and he got killed thirty minutes into that movie. I also remember the last time Affleck tried to pull off a superhero and destroyed what might have otherwise been a promising franchise. I also remember the things I heard about that role including the fact that against the norm Affleck opted to wear shoulder pads in lieu of bulking up for the role. I literally think this is the worst decision with the Batman character since George Clooney was cast in the role. I don’t think Affleck will be as bad as Clooney was but I do think he has the potential to challenge Clooney for worst Batman ever.
Something I think is really important to consider about Batman is that the lower half of his face is all that is visible when he is in costume. This is what made Michael Keaton the best Batman because if nothing else the man had the right mouth and jaw line for the part. My only hang-up with Christian Bale as Batman was that he had no upper lip. Batman with no upper lip looked silly but the movies were so good they made up for it. All I can think of now is that enormous chin Ben Affleck has and how stupid it will look jutting out from under the Batman cowl.
I have no reason at all to think I am alone in my outrage at this decision so please someone back me up here. This is the worst right? Is there any hope at all to be had in the potential this movie did have? I read many supportive comments this morning and was shocked. I know Affleck has found great success as a director and respect him for it but we can’t let that blind us from the truth. He is and never has been a good actor and his track record offers absolutely nothing acting wise to explain this decision. So please sound off in comments and let me know if I am right or wrong on this. I need hope if there is any left to be had because all of mine is gone now.
The Movie Snobs 