Not the Marvel Formula

Rating: 10/10 (2 April 2016)

First off, I've been a Marvel fanboy since birth, just so you know where my allegiances lie, but I'm also a Creative Writing graduate, so, to me, the story matters more than the film being fun, lighthearted, humorous, kid- friendly, etc. If that's what you're looking for, then this probably won't live up to your expectations. A number of television series (e.g. "Game of Thrones," "The Sopranos," "The Wire," "Breaking Bad," "True Detective,") have surpassed their Big Screen counterparts by adhering to phenomenal writing techniques and setting up character development throughout multiple episodes. I recognize that this DC Cinematic Universe is striving to empower itself through this type of craftsmanship. If you're willing to sit back and enjoy the ride, I'm certain you will find this strategy will surpass the route Marvel is partaking in with a few more movies under their belt, to have a more polished feel.
It seems that most of the negative reviews streaming from this movie have a correlation to Snyder and Goyer's vision of Superman. You see, the connotations Superman has with most people is an overpowered messianic figure. He's the epitome of a savior personified; however, Goyer has managed to implement flaws into his creation. If this offends you, then, once again, this is not the movie for you. Every person alive is flawed, so this alternate take on the Man of Steel allows him to finally become a relatable character for the first time. It also leaves the existence for Supes to go through character development -- something missing from previous approaches to Superman.
The film relays a believable plot where Clark and Bruce would be battling one another: Superman sees Batman as a vigilante, while Batman views his opponent as the person responsible for the death of his employees in a Wayne Enterprises building stationed at Metropolis, which was demolished in the battle at the end of "Man of Steel."
Suspense is a driving factor within the film; however, this is one area where the production felt lacking, due to how Warner Brothers' Studio showed too much throughout the trailers -- something all blockbusters are guilty of nowadays.
Foreshadowing has been incorporated throughout the entire film. Seeing how this film is being used as a vehicle for setting the legwork into the upcoming shared cinematic universe, this technique was paramount.
The conflict is astounding. Batman, as an antihero, has his demons within him he constantly battles against, but we finally get to see Supes going through internal, human conflicts of his own. There are conflicting views in society about the presence of metahumans in the world: both by citizens and governments alike. We witness the clash of superheroes against one another, as well as protagonists teaming up against antagonists. The movie's foreshadowing allows one to glimpse into a possible prophetic vision of the future into the age-old-philosophical question of 'does absolute power corrupt absolutely?'
Snyder sprinkles symbolism throughout his feature: a great feat into the juxtaposition of god and men. This is a wonderful way to compare and contrast this version of Superman against the preconceived notion of how some viewers feel they think he should be portrayed.
The tone is derived from Miller's work in "The Dark Knight." Snyder manages to incorporate a number of previous DC devices to form a brand synergy to construct his universe (mostly done by foreshadowing): "The Dark Knight;" "Injustice: Gods Amongst Us;" "The Death of Superman" arc; "The Return of Superman" arc; and the premise for the "New 52" reboot. This tone is dark, gritty, and realistic in nature, and encompasses the possibilities of what would result from the world we live in, were superheroes and supervillains to become a reality.
I place this movie as my second-favorite comic film to date, which is right under Zach Snyder's adaptation of Alan Moore's "The Watchmen."