Batfleck, Wonder Gal & Neck-snapper vs the Social Netjerk...

Rating: 8/10 (23 March 2016)

Black and blue/god vs man/day vs night/fans vs haters...who will win? Like the two heroes pitted against each other, this film will be divisive. Best not to go into it *wanting* to hate it. Make up your mind after having actually seen it for yourself. Our movie begins with a brief recap of the Wayne murders (which is all we need, as we know the story by now) intercut with flashbacks to the destruction porn of Man of Steel from Bruce Wayne's perspective on the ground. The valid points regarding the massive loss of life in MoS are finally addressed. You see how civilians could interpret Superman's actions/the consequences of his fight with Zod. Who is in the right? The movie attempts to show both sides of the argument, and your enjoyment of this film will depend on which side you land.
Aside from Antje Traue's Faora, I thought MoS was a bore (The Simpsons said it best: "Superman has never been less fun.") and wasn't impressed with Henry Cavill's Clark Kent/Superman nor Amy Adams as Lois. While Cavill played his dual identities virtually the same, lacked charisma (he was better in The Man from U.N.C.L.E.) and did away with everything that made the character inspiring (even the iconic/uplifting Superman Theme!), Adams became my least favourite version of Lois thus far. This movie hasn't changed my opinion of them. Some dull exchanges and attempts at developing the 'romance' can't save the most unengaging/snooze-worthy superhero love story in comic book movies.
One of the few admirable aspects of Cavill's Superman is his love for his mother, and although they only share a brief scene together, that relationship between mother and son proves much more effective and significant to the film. Diane Lane also gets probably the best line in the movie when she meets Batman. I feel Superman should've been portrayed as a symbol of hope/optimism/safety, but instead he's too similar to Batfleck. Trying to force him into the 'dark/gritty' tone has led to a lack of contrast between the two, making them not so much "day vs night" as "night vs night".
Consequently, the one who *belongs* in the shadows, the character of Batman, emerges more or less intact. He's certainly merciless when fighting bad guys, but that's more fitting of his character. Batfleck is much more grizzled/hardened than we're used to, holding grudges for all the lives lost. When you see things from his perspective, it's little wonder he dislikes Superman. Despite all the complaining over Affleck's casting, he does okay. Bruce gets to be clever, using his brains/creativity against Superman's brawn. He and Jeremy Irons' Alfred make some attempts at banter/'humour', though it pales in comparison to Christian Bale/Michael Caine's dynamic. Some may not like the lack of 'light' moments, but I for one found it a welcome relief to not have some snarky superhero jerk spouting one-liners constantly.
What I liked best about this Bats was what finally made him listen to Supes. They have something in common, and it's one of the only 'emotional' moments in the film that has any impact (of course, by now it's become somewhat of a 'joke', but that's only because of people who miss the point of it). It's not as simplistic as 'their mothers share the same first name'. It's about Batfleck seeing Superman as someone who loves his mother (just like Bruce loved his mother, thus reminding him of how he felt when he tragically lost her) and coming to regard him as more 'human' than 'alien'.
Easily the best part of the movie is Gal Gadot's Diana Prince/Wonder Woman. Those who felt she lacked the muscle to play the part need to do some research into her having been an athletic trainer in the Israeli Defense Force, with weapons and combat training, who knows all about workout regiments...and it SHOWS, which should hopefully put an end to the thin-shaming/judging Gal Gadot's strength solely based on her looks. Although her mysterious appearances are lightly sprinkled throughout most of the movie, when she *does* eventually make her entrance (and what an entrance it is!), there's no doubt that she is THE Wonder Woman for the new age. She's universal. Our first big screen incarnation of the character makes a hell of an impact, showing off her various skills, the weapons at her disposal and her strength, but she also displays compassion/intelligence, works well with the two guys and, if nothing else, this film will leave you wanting to watch her solo movie ASAP. Meanwhile, appearances from other members of the Justice League amount to mere cameos.
The most 'controversial' part of the movie is likely Jesse Eisenberg's casting as Lex Luthor. Is he an evil mastermind? The same character Eisenberg always plays, now with really bad hair and who seems drunk half the time? Or something in between? There's one moment where the 'crazy' side of this Lex becomes abundantly clear, and Eisenberg does well in that respect. I also enjoyed his comment to Lois as he flicked her forehead. I'd say he's really a 'take him or leave him' character. At least he has some LIFE to him, though (one might say 'too much'), which supervillains often seem to lack. Of particular note is his Howard Hughes urine jar moment.
The movie itself is rather bizarre, as it starts seemingly all over the place, cutting from scene to scene (which appear largely unrelated), but eventually things come more or less together towards the end. There's a few major action sequences, though it takes quite a while to reach them (especially Bts vs Supes). Those craving non-stop action may be disappointed (but at least the big battles lead to less collateral damage this time around). The movie is rather 'grim/dark', which has caused quite the debate, but in the end, it's not a question of who wins out of Batman vs Superman...since I'm Team Wonder Woman all the way! She's more of a hero than either of them.