So Much Potential, So Much Waste

Rating: 4/10 (23 January 2019)

Just re-watched this for our Podcast (After Credits Cast) and I'll drop my two-cents here.
Best part of the film is basically any time Gal Gadot is on screen. I think THIS bat-suit is the best of the brand, but mostly because it seems like Affleck can move in the damn thing. Some of Superman's more subtle powers (sunlight giving him strength & super hearing) are showcased really well here. And there are a few visual moments that look REALLY good and helped make great trailers.
The rest of the film is a convoluted mess and I fail to understand any level of admiration for the film beyond fans of Batman or Superman refusing to admit the problems. Luthor's plan of framing Superman for the murder of those African War Lords made no sense. Batman being so easily manipulated and overly emotional made no sense. The philosophical battle between the two leads was non-existent. Doomsday is a terrible character in comics and in film. Luthor's portrayal was one of the biggest sins committed to comic book film, right behind the Bat Credit Card of Batman Forever. Amy Adams is wasted in this film. And shoving in clips for other DCFU characters into the film in the least subtle and least creative way possible.
This isn't entirely the fault of Snyder. The lack of subtlety and lack of a coherent story are mostly on him. But the studio is largely to blame for rushing this out and chasing film trends that the industry moved on from ages ago. Namely, the overly gritty and dark super hero films. They've found more success with both Wonder Woman and Aquaman. This film's central idea isn't really focused on, and the conflict feels manufactured and forced versus the characters really NEEDING to fight.
We waited DECADES for these two iconic heroes to cross over in live-action. Instead, I will enjoy the animated versions that treat the characters and their history with some level of respect. Plus, I can enjoy Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy at their best.