Dominic Corry: Five reasons Ben Affleck will be a good Batman

Perhaps Oscar winner, Ben Affleck, will make a good Batman?

When it was announced last week that Ben Affleck would be playing Batman in the upcoming sequel to Man of Steel, it suddenly felt like 2003 all over again. But with Twitter.

Back then, irrational hatred for Affleck flowed in all directions, mostly focusing on his tabloid-dominating relationship with Jennifer Lopez and fueled by terrible movies like Gigli; Paycheck and Jersey Girl.

Affleck subsequently withdrew from celebrity life and attempted a career as a director, a successful endeavour which culminated in last year's triumph Argo. For a brief moment, it seemed like the world had gotten over its hatred for Ben Affleck.

Then they announced he was playing Batman and seemingly every man; woman and their dog turned into a raging fanboy railing against perceived injustices. On Twitter.

Now that the dust has settled somewhat, and the world has moved on to being enraged by potential war and a celebrity butt-dance, I thought I'd take the time to cite some reasons why Affleck's casting could actually result in a really good Batman.

1. It's surprising

When I wrote about all the rumoured contenders last week, Affleck's name was nowhere to be found. That's because despite talks between Affleck and Warner Bros. apparently having begun in early 2013, nobody imagined or predicted this casting in their wildest dreams (or nightmares).

In a cinematic landscape where everything that happens feels blatantly obvious seven moves ahead, this has to count for something.

2. The jaw

My favourite comic book rendering of the caped crusader comes from legendary artist Neal Adams, who helped define Batman's modern look in the '70s. The tall-faced, lithe Batman Adams drew is particularly well-suited to Ben Affleck's stature and facial structure.

This will hopefully mean a move away from the more compact; nuggety Batman as portrayed by Christian Bale - I always thought his mask looked too round, and the ears were too short. Look at this awesome Neal Adams image and tell me it doesn't strongly resemble Affleck.

3. He's a smart guy

Anyone who's seen Affleck talk at length on Politically Incorrect or Real Time With Bill Maher knows he's a smart cookie. Despite writing and directing three critically acclaimed movies in the last six years (not to mention winning an Oscar for Good Will Hunting's screenplay), this information has struggled to filter down to the general populace. The general public simply isn't ready to accept that Affleck is an intelligent fellow.

Anyway, if certain rumours are to be believed, his casting here is the first step in him becoming involved behind the scenes of these films going forward, which can only be a good thing - the guy seems incapable of directing a bad movie.

I have more faith knowing that Affleck's filmmaking talents played a role in his casting - if it ultimately leads to his directing that long-gestating Justice League movie, I will be very happy.

4. Matt Damon said so

Look, who's going to argue with Matt Damon? He's like the anti-Affleck. Everybody loves him. Matt Damon has signed off on this. He makes a salient point about Affleck's acting abilities. Everything is okay.

5. Okay I only have four

But seriously, people of Earth, wasn't that something of an overreaction? I've never completely understood the wide disdain for Affleck. There is clearly some sort of anti-lughead agenda at work here.

Reindeer Games is often cited as one of his worst, but that is a great film! He was also fantastic in Changing Lanes and Hollywoodland. Yes Daredevil was pants, but that wasn't his fault. He's made some other bad choices, but he's clearly learned from it all - Affleck has humility now. This can only benefit him being involved in such a gargantuan production.

And seriously, if you've never seen Reindeer Games, check it out. It rules.

Soooo....any thoughts to add here? Comment below!