James Cole Clay // Film Critic
With BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE hitting theaters this weekend, we decided to cover films about clashes– movies that feature diametrically opposed forces who battle each other to conquer the other’s ideals. That’s the heavy version, but it could even be about a light-hearted feud between a groundskeeper and a gopher in CADDYSHACK, or a mischievous little jerk and two burglars in HOME ALONE.
Those are a couple of good ones, and, surprisingly, there are far more options out there than the big ideas BvS is throwing at us.
Just take a look at the times Hollywood has tried to goad audiences into seeing something by putting up two intellectual properties into the same movie and forced them to fight like a couple of eight-year-olds smashing action figures into one another. It’s an eclectic mix, but ALEN VS. PREDATOR, FREDDY VS JASON, and hell, we’ll throw ECKS VS. SEVER in there for the really geeky fans.
Point being, this is a huge move for Warner Bros. and DC, and while the internet has been hard on the film’s trailers, it’s time to think happy thoughts and just try to enjoy this insane idea for a film.
Prepare for BATMAN V. SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE with these famous clashes
SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD (2010) is unlike any film and remains as the crown jewel in director Edgar Wright’s filmography. The dynamic comedy is as inventive as it is hilarious.
Scott Pilgrim’s (Michael Cera) battle to win the heart of the beloved Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) goes through her seven deadly exes, which range from an emo kid with the ability to throw fireballs to a buff skateboarder turned movie star.
This movie is fun and it taps into the millennials who love geek-culture and genuinely enjoy seeing a diverse cast on-screen. SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD doesn’t just pit our hero against the jock to get the “hot girl.” The story lets the audience meet a wide variety of people from different backgrounds who engage in fights that are catered to their sensibilities with incredibly fun set-pieces. The film also captures what it feels like to be caught up in blind puppy love with all the heart emojis you can handle.
– James Cole Clay
THERE WILL BE BLOOD (2007) – Daniel Plainview vs. The World
“Sometimes I look at people and see nothing worth liking.” That’s a quote that has stayed with me for years.
Daniel Plainview, played by God’s greatest living talent Daniel Day-Lewis, is one mean dude. He scowls, grumbles and glares his way through Paul Thomas Anderson’s THERE WILL BE BLOOD. Nobody, not even Eli (Paul Dano) and his milkshakes, stands a chance against Daniel’s bursts of outrage, violence and his single-minded obsession with greed.
– Preston Barta
KRAMER VS KRAMER (1979) – Dustin Hoffman vs. Meryl Streep
There are no buckets of blood or superheroes bashing in each other’s faces– It’s a court battle between Ted (Dustin Hoffman) and Joanna Kramer (Meryl Streep).
Joanna leaves Ted because he works too much, leaving him to raise their son alone. Then, after some time goes by, she shows up again and wants her son back. However, Ted isn’t going down without a fight. It’s a great film, but load up on Kleenex.
– Preston Barta
TUCKER & DALE VS EVIL (2010)
Tyler Labine (RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES) and Alan Tudyk (SERENITY) portray some hillbillies who will do anything to protect their cabin. So, when some spring breakers come between them and what’s theirs, of course, things get messy. I mean, there’s death by a woodchipper in it. C’mon.
– Preston Barta.
BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE opens tomorrow (our review here).
