Bad, but not through lack of trying

Rating: 4/10 (29 March 2016)

Let me start off by saying that this movie is very poor indeed. The plot is nonsensical and barely even present, the action scenes are few and far between and every character lacks depth and development. That being said, Ben Affleck puts in a very good performance as a slightly cocky yet troubled Bruce Wayne/Batman. He is one of the few actors to portray both egos of a superhero character well and has definitely come along way since Daredevil (2003). Jeremy Irons also has a solid portrayal of Alfred and manages to do it without copying the fantastic work of Michael Cane in the Dark Knight Trilogy. My problem with this movie is not with Batman, I would still very much like to see a solo Batman movie starring Ben Affleck. My problem with this movie is not even with Superman or Wonder Woman despite the fact that both characters lack all discernible traits and are essentially just generic hero #1 and generic heroine #1.
My real problem with this movie is the writing. The reason for the feud between Batman and Superman is nonexistent and is only really held together by pointless (albeit visually impressive) dream sequences that are never truly explained. It also doesn't help that teasers for upcoming DC movies Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg are so painfully shoehorned in.
While I am a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and how they intertwine their movies I am not a fan of this dire attempt at it by DC. Not every movie has to be filler until the next one, I thought we had learned that from Iron Man 2.
If the next movie in this universe is to improve on this, it has to be a movie. That means it can't just be a set up for the sequels as this so clearly is. Develop characters. Develop the plot. Make something that can be enjoyed on it's own, something that isn't just there to keep fans busy until the next one.
In conclusion, I think this movie had potential that was wasted in trying to set up a franchise. Learn from your mistakes DC, nobody was expected Citizen Kane but we were definitely expecting better than this. If Green Lantern (2011) didn't exist then this would be the biggest misstep DC have ever made.