If Batman is the film's conscience, Superman is its struggle.

Rating: Null/10 (4 April 2016)

Twenty years in Gotham as a crime fighting vigilante have brought more greyness for Bruce Wayne than just his hair. Amid glimpses of his burnt ancestral manor, memories of his slayed partner, insomnia due to nightmares, Alfred's criticism of him leading a life of solitude and his ruthless delivery of justice upon criminals, the ambiguity of Batman's moral stance quickly forms the film's conscience. It's a return to the gritty drama of the DC comics involving powerful politicians, twisted Businessmen and other-worldly beings that become villains for the righteous heroes. Zack Snyder ('300', 'Watchmen', 'Man of Steel') tests the heroism in the protagonists by pitting them against each other. Batman's brutal justice is questioned by a Daily Planet reporter whose alter- ego struggles to justify his act of good to skeptical citizens who only measure his actions by the collateral damage it causes. The greatest gladiator showdown thus features the more seasoned yet angrier Bat of Gotham vs the God-like Son of Krypton whose tremendous power leads to distrust among the very humans he is trying to protect. The clouds burst over Metropolis and Gotham with resounding thunder against the backdrop of a destroyed part of the city as Zack Snyder's 'Dawn of Justice' explodes with brute force.
18 months ago, chaos and destruction ensued in Metropolis during the battle against General Zod. Unaware of the forces at play and their intentions, the citizens and Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) had a cynical approach to their savior. Mankind was thus introduced to the Superman. Burdened by the trauma of his childhood losses and frustrated with decades of crime fighting, Bruce Wayne is exhausted. Yet he remains determined to get to the bottom of Lex Luthor's dealings with a weapons trafficker and the code white Portuguese. This is when he is outwitted by the mysterious Diana Prince and the two end up with Luthor's secret files revealing the existence of a few metahumans. Meanwhile, the Man of Steel (Henry Cavill) busies himself saving lives across the globe. On one such instance, he rescues Lois Lane (Amy Adams) from African mercenaries, only to be framed for killing several innocent villagers. This brings him to a Senate hearing that seeks to limit his powers. For some, he is a symbol of hope for the lives he saved and for others including Bruce, he is a being whose limitless powers need to be in check. A clear distinction in each hero's approach leads to a divided stand which is connivingly manipulated into hatred by Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg). Annoyed by the Bat's meddling in his own affairs, he orchestrates the great Gladiator match while exposing Superman's weakness to his advantage. On a stormy night in Gotham and Metropolis, the epic showdown includes an all new Bat-suit, kryptonite, Martha, a demonic force created for annihilation and of course, Wonder Woman. This, is also what DC comics were all about. Absolute mayhem.
David Goyer, who co-wrote Nolan's Batman trilogy, retains the elements of darkness, frustration and anger in this Batman but a more ruthless version of him. This knight of Gotham has endured enough evil for two decades to now brand all goons and thereby intimidate criminals. In contrast, the alien superhero has come to terms with his identity that shall bear a significant responsibility to save mankind. Yet the opinion of a few powerful individuals is more cynical and that adds another burden upon the red cape. Snyder captures the Batman in gritty noir fashion whereas Superman's globally heroic deeds are more epic.
The action is bolstered by Hans Zimmer and Junkie XL's rousing score and along with some exemplary visual effects that keep the characters closer to their comic roots, Snyder just throws everything at the audience till it overwhelms.
Henry Cavill gets more absorbed into Superman's responsibility but finds himself at the crossroads of being a savior and a destructive force. The latter, is of course the result of manipulation and misunderstanding but the conflicted reception of him on Earth still weighs down heavily on him even though Martha (Diane Lane) suggested that he didn't owe the world a thing. In understanding the character's struggles, Cavill is by far, the best Superman to wear the cape. Jesse Eisenberg was an unlikely choice for the bald Lex Luthor we are used to seeing but as his younger version, his take of the psychotic, astute and manipulative millionaire is fun and lively. Amy Adams' Lois Lane has come to realize that fighting evil is her way of life as well now but we may not want Amy being involved in a superhero fight again. People were quite literally apprehensive about what Ben Affleck would do to their beloved Batman but he has pulled it off in the most convincing manner. As an ageing, exhausted and troubled vigilante, Affleck showcases a very different Batman and fits into those big shoes with remarkable ease. By far, the most dynamic entry and mesmerizing revelation has been that of Gal Gadot's Diana Prince/Wonder Woman. She is a badass warrior who is deemed the most powerful of them all and it's her theme and entry that will have you whistling and cheering with excitement. Gal was a fantastic choice for such a powerful character and it will be exciting to witness her abilities in the future.
If Batman is the film's conscience, Superman is its struggle. Zack Snyder distinctly creates sides for you to choose including your option to love or hate his decisions. Subtlety was never an option for this epic clash. With numerous references and clues to the big DC Universe, he sets the right tone with a more serious, gritty and cynical look at the heroes who make sacrifices to save mankind but are constantly criticized for the effect of their actions. Stop being the cynical critic. Be the comic book fan and you will enjoy this adaptation in every way.
9.113 on a scale of 1-10.