Classic moral story about power and it's corruptive consequences

Rating: 9/10 (28 June 2016)

Superman vs Batman is an amazing film and although some will take issue with what I am about to say, I feel it is the best Superman film ever made. Which brings me to the topic of why this film is so hated by many. Watching it tonight for the second time, the first being at the theater on opening day months ago, my initial feelings are confirmed. The storyline of this film is unlike any other of DC's superhero films I have seen. This film has an adult theme, moral, message to the story. It isn't another dumb kid comic book action film.
This film covers the repercussions of absolute power. How absolute power corrupts. How nefarious interests seek to manipulate power to bring about its own interest into realization. The film also covers self-sacrifice for the better good of humanity.
Oh heck, by the end of the film, it borrows the story of the crucifixion and self-sacrifice of Christ into a DC superhero adaption of the Christian Paschal mystery. It even has powerful symbolisms of the crucifixion when they lower Superman's body from the top of the rock. In that scene, the upper left-hand corner of the frame you have several telephone/power poles that resemble crosses while superman's body is lowered. Two women take possession of Superman's body. Sound familiar? And the symbolism of the dirt from on top of Superman's casket rising up from the lid and the grave. The hologram of the demonic creature Lex Luther made inside the ship after they destroyed Doomsday. The post-apocalyptic world in batman's dream with fire and destruction. Lex Luther even states, "The devils don't come from hell beneath us." Then a reporter on the televised newscast states, "What we've done is we project ourselves onto him. The fact is maybe he's not some sort of devil or Jesus character. Maybe he's just a guy trying to do the right thing." Then later in the film, Lex Luther says, "So, if a man won't kill god the devil will do it!" What does Lex do in this film? He throws the world into chaos through the use of manipulation and lies. Bringing the good of the world into conflict with each other to bring about destruction. Lex=Devil?
How could the critics not see the symbolism used in this film? I personally found the story coherent, clear with a strong message. Superman vs Batman, even though it's a DC Superhero movie, has adult themes embedded in the story and requires some critical thinking to understand the story. Look past the tights, spandex, capes, and explosions and you will see the underlying moral of the story in this film.
Nope, not getting religious on anyone. I don't care if the viewer is religious or an atheist, but it's no denying this film as a strong moral theme relevant to any time in history despite what the "critics" have stated about it. If you are going to watch this film, go into it with an open mind. It's not about Christianity, but about good and bad that is universal regardless of whatever belief system you may subscribe to or don't subscribe to. For this reason, I would rate this film a 9/10. I often get a much better understanding of films when I see them at home than when I see them in the theater. Sometimes I wonder why I even bother going to the theater at all.﻿