Ben as Batman?

The Blog doesn't have a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page.

The truth is, no one asks The Blog questions frequently enough to warrant a FAQ page.

He would love it if his blogglitts did ask questions.

One of The Blog's blogging idols, Ken Levine gets so many questions from his readers that he dedicates his Friday posts to answering questions.

But, I'm not going to beg.

But, outside of this blog, the real world me gets asked lots of questions.

And, over the last couple of days, I have been asked a question, so frequently, that if it had been asked here in this space, would have earned the right to be called The Blog's first "FAQ."

And, it goes like this...

"Ben Affleck as Batman. What do you think?"

I'll be honest, my initial, knee-jerk reaction was less than enthusiastic.

My answer was, "I'm okay with it, I guess."

Or, as the kids say, these days...

"Meh."

I like Ben's work. He is talented, handsome and likable.

But can he cut it as The Batman?

I wasn't sold.

Affleck might be too affable, (yes, I said that,) to be a proper Batman.

Especially after three genius turns by "American Psycho" Christian Bale.

The first thing that popped into my head upon learning of Ben's casting was...

                                                                   George Clooney.

I don't blame George for the awfulness of "Batman & Robin."

The fact is, he was perfect for a lighthearted, cartoonish Batman.

George was a high budget, A-List, Adam West.

I blame the writer and director for nearly killing the franchise.

                                                               Because, Bat-Nipples.

But, back to Ben...

Yeah, I wasn't enthused about the idea of Ben as Batman.

But, then, I wasn't crazy about the casting of Michael Keaton, back in the day. But, that worked out pretty well.

One problem I had was that Ben had already played a costumed, comic book, hero.

                                                                   Marvel's Daredevil


Daredevil wasn't a great movie, but it wasn't awful.

Again, I don't blame the actor for the movie's deficiencies.

Ben rocked the blind super-hero role.

If Daredevil failed, it was the fault, like Batman & Robin, of the writer and director.

The thing that has been the genius of the "Dark Knight" director and EP of the new "Man of Steel" movies is that his casting choices are never the obvious ones.

Pretty boy Heath Ledger as The Joker? "Girl next door" Anne Hathaway as Catwoman? Michael Cain as Alfred Pennyworth?

Virtual unknown, Henry Cavil as Superman?

Fucking brilliant!

And then came Ben Affleck.

Ironically, or coincidentally, I'm never sure.

*Damn you, Alanis Morissette!*

Two things happened last night that have convinced me that Ben Affleck is the right choice for the new Batman.

Thanks to the TWC blackout of CBS, The Blog watched the Ben Affleck movie, "Jersey Girl" on STARZ Kids and Family, last night.

"Jersey Girl" is one of the few Kevin Smith movies that I have never seen before last night.


*Note to Warner Bros.*

Give the next Batman movie to Kevin Smith, because he is a movie making god.

*End Note*




In "Jersey Girl," Ben delivered a performance that was full of pathos and humor, and several "Batmobile" references.

Everything that the next Batman story arc needs.

Also, AMC Theaters posted this poster...

I don't know if this is an official Warner Bros. poster, or a Photoshopped™ fantasy...

But a grizzled Affleck chin under an angular Batman cowl, works for me.

So, let's see how it goes.
                            _________________________________________________
 

And, if Ben Affleck is the new Batman...

                                              Maybe these guys should be the new villains.

Just kidding.