Iconic DC heroes dual in a middling action thriller with significant flaws

Rating: 5/10 (25 March 2016)

It's that time of the year again when superheroes make their way to the big screen and earn a killer receipt at the box office. This long awaited DC Comics based action thriller directed by Zack Snyder who left in good impression with the Superman reboot 'Man of Steel' in the summer of 2013, pits two of DC Comics' iconic heroes into a epic battle full of flashy visual effects and adrenaline-fueled action sequences. This movie takes place eighteen months after the events of Man of Steel when Clark Kent/Superman defeated General Zod. After the massive destruction and countless of innocent lives lost in Metropolis as a result of the battle, Superman (played by Henry Cavill) has become a victim of scrutiny by public who consider him more of a threat than a hero. Bruce Wayne/Batman believes Superman should pay for his reckless actions and the result is an epic rivalry between the two heroes. Meanwhile, evil scientist Lex Luther (played by Jesse Eisenberg) hatches up a diabolical plan that could be the world's worst nightmare.
This long awaited movie had so much potential, and was on its way to great start and getting the DC Cinematic Universe caught up with Marvel's popularity status. Sadly, this movie only succeeds in its moderate standards and fails to live up near its full potential. The major flaws come almost entirely from the first half when we are introduced to the premise of the aftermath of the battle between Superman and General Zod, and the controversy surrounding Superman. The plot takes the first hour diving deep into the politics of the wrangle on how Superman is believe to be a threat to society, and not only progresses at an unnecessarily slow pace but leaves many unanswered details that seem to be significant to the story. The movie spends way too much time developing its exposition and not enough time with the main plot that it becomes less interesting as the story progresses. Another flaw comes from the choppily edited scenes that seem to come non-stop, and the results is questions left unanswered. It is not until the second half when the movie gains its appeal of excitement, starting from the long anticipated battle between the two titular characters, to the dazzling introduction of Wonder Woman (played by Gal Cabot), to the intense climatic battle at the end. Filled with spectacular action and visual effects that pack a strong punch, the final hour manages to the deliver above its sluggish first hour with pure excitement along with some emotional investment.
Now lets get into the performances. Henry Cavill remains good as ever in the role of Superman/Clark Kent since his debut in the role in 'Man of Steel'. Ben Affleck makes a surprisingly good impression as the new Batman/Bruce Wayne with a nicely updated costume and good commitment to the role. While he certainly doesn't level up to what Christian Bale brought as Batman to the Dark Knight trilogy, he definitely doesn't fail to satisfy. Amy Adams makes her return as Clark Kent's love interest Lois Lane and does fine job, despite being little more than a constant damsel in distress frequently throughout the picture. Jesse Eisenberg playing Lex Luthor on the other hand, could really use some improvement. As Luthor is supposed to be the villain, he's expected to be portrayed in a dark, sinister. Instead, Eisenberg gives off a more over-the-top Joker vibe that works in some scenes, but comes off a bit silly in other scenes. I really don't think he's the best actor for this role, but for all I can say, his performance is at least fine.
Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice is a bit of a middling superhero action flick that manages to succeed in some parts, but fails significantly in other parts. This movie is not I was hoping and left me in somewhat disappointment. However, it is not to say that this film isn't worth watching but a film that is a bit go-for-broke and will satisfy only some fans, but disappoint others. And there is no doubt that this film will definitely succeed highly at the box office for its mass anticipation. This film is not awful, but it just doesn't live up near its potential.