Review of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) by Rafa U — 24 Sep 2016

Arriving amidst a flurry of negative reviews and already huge box office Batman & Superman finally share the silver screen together in director Zack Snyder's follow up to Man of Steel.

To say there is alot riding on this film for studio Warner Brothers would be an understatement, Dawn of Justice is the first in a new DC film universe which Warner's hope will rival Marvel. With so much weight on his shoulders Snyder just about pulls it off.....just.

Fearing the actions of Superman are left unchecked, Batman takes on the man of steel, while the world wrestles with what kind of a hero it really needs. With Batman and Superman fighting each other, a new threat, Doomsday, is created by Lex Luthor. It's up to Superman and Batman to set aside their differences along with Wonder Woman to stop Lex Luthor and Doomsday from destroying Metropolis.

The films lengthy run time is an issue here. The first hour does drag a tad as all the characters are introduced or reintroduced. The film is never boring but we all want to see the two heroes beat seven bells out of each other as promised in the title and thankfully when it comes it is worth the wait as Batman in an armoured suit & Superman square off in a rain soaked smack down levelling buildings in the process. Its a thrilling sequence to be sure but it could and should have come sooner in the film.

Another problem is Jessie Eisenbergs performance as Lex Luthor, to say he is irritating is an understatement and his portrayal really does not suit the serious and somber tone of the rest of the film.

And a sub plot regarding Superman being framed for murder is ridiculous and not properly explained at all.

The film does get alot right though. One big plus is Affleck. His Batman is the toughest and most hardcore ever seen on screen, Batman kills on screen in the film as well as branding criminals like cattle. He also brings a weariness to Bruce Wayne which also works well. Affleck has two or three good scenes with Jeremy Irons as Alfred, again looking and sounding a little weary. Alfred & Bruce have been doing this for some time.

Another highlight is the long awaited big screen debut of Wonder Woman. Gal Gadot brings her to life with aplomb and based on her limited screen time here her solo film will be worth the wait.

There are also a number of exciting action sequences, a dream sequence showing an apocalyptic future is a stand out as is seeing the climax of Man of Steel from another perspective.

Production design is top notch too and all of Batman's new toys look fantastic.

Hits & misses then but nowhere near as bad as the critics would have you believe. Hopefully Suicide Squad the next DC Universe film will live up to its promise.