Sunburn — The Morning Read Of What’s Hot In Florida Politics — 3.4.22

By Peter Schorsch

Good Friday morning.

I am tired but excited. One week left to Legislative Session and “The Batman” has debuted.

I am headed to the show, as my dad described going to the movies, this afternoon. Please, may I just have this moment to watch The Dark Knight do his thing. Keep the 5 o’clock news dump to a minimum.

Thank you.

Here are a few last-minute reads about “The Batman”:

“The Batman brings the caped crusader back to his detective roots” via Alex Abad-Santos of Vox — Reeves turns down the lights and lowers the stakes for a classic story: Batman needs to find a murderer with a passion for blood and riddles. In doing so, he explores the hero’s worldview and personality, showcasing his guilt, doubts, and spirit that recent movies like Justice League and Batman v. Superman overlook. Those blockbusters tend to shortchange Batman’s skills — investigation, planning, strategizing — because they’re not as sexy compared to his teammates’ superheroic powers. Reeves, on the other hand, has made a detective noir flick that fluently understands the caped crusader’s skills and weaknesses. The result is a Batman movie with far less spectacle. But the exchange is welcome.

“Weekend box office forecast: The Batman paces for second $100m+ pandemic debut with potential for much more” via Shawn Robbins of Box Office Pro — The film is tracking to become just the sixth March release to ever post more than $100 million for its domestic opening weekend, with the universe of metrics and pre-sales both indicating much more is likely. It would be the second film of the pandemic to cross that threshold after Spider-Man: No Way Home. Matt Reeves’ vision for “Year Two” of Bruce Wayne’s progression into the Batman persona has been tracking remarkably well in the lead-up to release, and strong reviews are now in play, backing it for a final push of momentum. Our social gauges have seen upticks since the review embargo came down Monday, further bolstering strong positive sentiment.

“Robert Pattinson ‘counted ‘sips of water’ to film ‘Batman’ shirtless scenes” via Brooke Kato of the New York Post — To play a death-defying, mysterious hunk takes intense preparation, including a strict diet. In fact, he undertook “months” of physical preparation for the acclaimed role. “I had about three months before the movie started, and then you’re working out before and after work all the time,” he told People on “The Batman” premiere red carpet Tuesday night. “You just cut down and cut down and cut down before the couple of scenes with your shirt off, and you’re counting sips of water.” He said that going shirtless in the movie was motivation to look his best. “Shame is my biggest motivator, 100%,” he joked.

“‘The Batman’ made me feel miserable about living in crime-ridden NYC” via Johnny Oleksinski of the New York Post — These days, horrid acts appear on the evening news almost every night. Subway assaults and violent crimes against Asian New Yorkers have become an intolerably regular part of city life during the past year. It’s distressing and terrifying. Fine. But I don’t want to think about all that during a movie about a billionaire who dresses in a tight-fitting bat costume and has a British butler named Alfred. And yet so much of “The Batman” could’ve been narrated by news anchor Pat Kiernan. When I arrive at an 8 p.m. movie and take my seat, I want what’s on-screen to help me forget about what’s right outside the door because there’s no masked billionaire to protect us here.

—”‘The Batman’ is the ‘Se7en’ of superhero movies” via Drew Magary of SFGate

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Florida’s political press corps will look slightly different this election cycle and next Legislative Session.

David Smiley announced Thursday that he’s leaving the Sunshine State for Washington. The longtime reporter has covered schools, crime, and various city halls during his time at the Miami Herald, where he has worked for the past 16 years, including the past three as its political reporter.

The next chapter of his career starts March 14, when he takes over McClatchy’s DC editor.

“Really excited to work with our team in DC and get back into national politics,” he tweeted alongside a link for those angling to take his old job as the Herald’s local government editor.

Jeffrey Schweers, meanwhile, announced Thursday that his tenure as the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s statehouse reporter would end March 11.

Schweers has held the statehouse reporter position for three years and has covered goings-on across the state for the better part of 35 years. He’s not going anywhere, though — he’ll start his new gig as the Orlando Sentinel’s Tallahassee reporter March 14.

“I’ll be covering the same issues, keeping an eye on state government and reporting on the upcoming elections,” he said on Twitter.

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

—@RyanStruyk: 55% of Democrats say (Joe) Biden should run again in 2024 via new Fox poll vs. 39% of Democrats who say he should not. Among other groups: 64% of Black voters, 47% of Hispanic voters, 34% under 35 years, 33% of suburban voters, and 23% of independents say he should run again in 2024.

—@FLCaseyDeSantis: There are no words to express how truly blessed, grateful, and humbled I am to hear the words cancer-free. To those who are in the fight, know there is hope. Have faith and stay strong.

Tweet, tweet:

—@Jack — Petocz: I organized the statewide #DSGWalkout today in response to attempts to silence and erase the LGBTQ+ community in Florida. I was indefinitely suspended from my school for organizing a peaceful rally

Tweet, tweet:

Tweet, Tweet:

Tweet, tweet:

—@MayorDaniella: Effective immediately, I have ordered all Russian flags be removed from Miami International Airport.

—@VoteJustice: Beginning Friday March 4th, the Skyway will be lit in Blue & Yellow, the colors of the Ukraine flag. In accordance with state policy, the counties surrounding the Skyway have each filed requests with the State Department of Transportation.

Tweet, tweet: