After seeing "Batman v Superman" earlier this week, even I had a lot of questions -- and I've followed Marvel and DC Comics for years. There's a lot to take in and many moving parts that will certainly confuse someone who isn't a comic expert.
Read: 'Batman v Superman': Meet Breakout Star Gal Gadot Related: 'Batman v Superman': How Ben Affleck and Zack Snyder Created Their Own BatmanI invited a friend -- who has dabbled in some Marvel movies like "Iron Man," but really wasn't up on the canon that is Batman and Superman -- to see the film Thursday night for the first official showing at 6 p.m. Yep, it was going to be a long night for both of us -- I assumed she would have a ton of questions and I would be the one answering. Plus, the movie is 150 minutes long.
I was right. I watched the roller coaster of emotions and confusion pour out, as she experienced Batman and Superman on the big screen for the first time.
No spoilers, but here are her top questions from the night.
1 - I knew this one was coming. When we were in line for popcorn, soda and candy (cost like $30 BTW), she asked what everyone who isn't a die-hard fan or writes about entertainment for a living has been asking: "Why are Batman and Superman fighting?"
Look, I know this has probably been answered a hundred times in the past year, but let's try the quick and dirty. After the events of "Man of Steel," the prequel to this movie, thousands died in Metropolis and Gotham, and Bruce Wayne (Batman) had to watch as Superman and Zod destroyed the cities. Now, Superman saved the world, BUT he can also destroy it!
"What was Superman supposed to do? Let Zod kill millions, maybe billions?" she fired back.
This is a very good question. While Superman is lauded by the masses, the government -- and obviously Batman -- fear him. He saved freaking mankind from extinction! Well, we needed a reason to bring these two together, so here we are.
2 - "Was that the ship in 'X-Men'?" The movie opens with the Krypton ships that are trying to basically create a new world by killing ours.
The ships from "X-Men" look nothing like the ones in "Batman v Superman," but I let it slide and explained more of the World Engine story and how the ships play into this movie. But I obviously can't tell you that. (No spoilers, remember?)
3 - "Who is the old guy helping Batman?"
Thought this would be an easy one. "That's Alfred, his trusted butler and companion." I was wrong.
She spun her head around and said, "So, Ben Affleck has like a man servant?"
"Yeah, his family is rich, but Alfred also helps with the weapons and the suit and stuff. He's more of family than a servant," I said.
"But he works and lives with Batman?" she asked again.
"Yep," I said.
"I still don't get it," she said, as I just remained quiet.
4 - "Is Batman part of the police?" While this question will make most purists laugh, after you see the movie, it's not a terrible ask. Batman has been fighting crime in Gotham for more than 20 years and it does seem that there's some respect for the Caped Crusader, whether it makes sense or not.
5 - "What does Lois Do?"
"She's a Pulitzer-Prize winning reporter," I answered.
"But, how does she contribute to the movie?" she responded.
"How do you mean?" I asked back.
"She's just kind of there," she said. And we moved on.
6 - "Is Jesse Eisenberg Lex Luthor's son? Isn't Lex old?" Another solid question. A Forbes interview that Luthor himself gave in promotion of the movie did say he's a junior. He also spoke about his father founding LexCorp.
"Dad named the company after himself ten years before I made my unexpected entrance into his life. But investors seemed to respond to the idea of an adoring father building a legacy for his precious son," Luthor says in the fake Forbes interview.
No word on if Lex Sr. is as evil as his son.
7 - This is another age-old question asked over and over. I knew this one was coming too! "How do people not recognize Clark is Superman?"
This is historic. Henry Cavill, the actor playing Superman, even went to Times Square in NYC to show that no one recognizes Superman in the streets. But it is one of those vestiges that was created more than 70 years ago and there's nothing anyone can do about it now.
8 - About two hours into the movie, my friend asks, "Wait, it that Wonder Woman?" To be fair, she had been in the movie throughout, but if you don't know the casting, I guess you can miss it. I simply looked over and said, "Yes, yes that's her."
9 - There's one scene, in particular, that is crucial to the plot, but very confusing, especially to a comic novice. I can't say what, but I can say after 10 minutes, she turned to me and said, "What just happened? I literally didn't understand anything that just took place." I think I've already said too much and can't explain more without spoiling it. You'll know what we mean when you see it. #Teaser!
10 - "Why is Batman's suit metal and isn't that really heavy? I like the suit with the muscles more." This one was tough. Essentially the metal suit is just so Batman doesn't break anything when he faces off against the "Man of Steel." I think the suit looks pretty cool, but yeah, it's not explained too well, especially since Superman can still throw him around like a rag dog when he's in it.
Bonus - "What the heck is that? Who is that monster?"
I explained that is Doomsday. He's from the books and he's from Krypton as well.
"But I thought Krypton was destroyed and Superman was the last son?"
Yes, but this is an ancient beast and he's almost unstoppable.
"I bet you Superman and Batman can stop him," she said, followed by finishing off the popcorn.
I just smiled like a proud teacher would.