Not everything is rainbows and sunshine all the time

Rating: 10/10 (31 March 2016)

I was nervous going into this movie because of the bad reviews I had seen, but I was pleasantly surprised. Upon seeing it the second time yesterday, I officially have a new favorite super hero movie. I love the cast, everyone did an incredible job (especially Ben Affleck!)I love the story, I love the dark and serious tone of the film, the cinematography is beautiful, I love the score from Hans Zimmer and Junkie XL, and I love the risks they took with that ending! This movie is dark and violent and emotional, and it's everything I could have ever asked for in a Batman film! So it pains me to see people being so harsh on this movie.
The tone is a big thing I've seen criticized, but I don't know what people expect. This isn't a cartoon, and it's definitely not a children's movie. It doesn't need "more jokes." It's a realistic look at what a world with superheroes would be. It felt very much like The Dark Knight trilogy to me, but with an even better Bruce Wayne.
To be fair, if you're not a big DC fan, I can see how some people might get lost in the story. I followed it just fine, but I think a previous knowledge of DC lore is necessary to enjoy the film in its entirety. A certain "dream" sequence and cameo will probably confuse casual viewers who aren't familiar with all the characters.
(Spoilers below) One thing a lot of people seem to take issue with is the fact that Batman kills people in this movie. First off, Batman killing is not a new thing. Michael Keaton's Batman killed and many of the comic book versions have as well. But that aside, this is an older Bruce Wayne, he's been fighting crime for 20-30 years now, and in events we'll hopefully get to see in the solo movie, he's lost his way. He has lost his faith in humanity, and it takes Superman's sacrifice for Bruce to find his faith in mankind again. "Men are still good," he tells Diana. And the death of Superman! A++! I commend Zach Snyder for having the guts to kill Clark Kent. That was a powerful moment and I think the movie wouldn't have been as great without it. His sacrifice was necessary. And of course he'll be back, he always comes back. Don't fret.