Batman v Superman will likely always be highly divisive, and it is very much a Marmite film; you'll either love it or you'll hate it.

Rating: 6/10 (12 November 2017)

BvS is not the worst installment of the DC Extended Universe. It is also not the best. There is no way you can ignore the numerous flaws that the film possesses, but there are also a lot of enjoyable elements in the film as well. What I'm implying is that BvS is distinctly average. Much of the story feels tedious, but the spectacle nearing the end of the film is immense. The action is overly stylish, but the plot is practical and coherent. Zack Snyder has directed a film with positives and negatives in equal proportion. For example, the performances; Ben Affleck is surprisingly compelling as Batman, providing a layered portrayal of the caped crusader. Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman is also immediately charming, and Jeremy Irons makes a decent Alfred. Contrastingly, Henry Cavill's Man of Steel is once again soulless and uninteresting; I find his Superman too dull and dark, much like the film's tone. Jesse Eisenberg is horrifically miscast as primary antagonist Lex Luthor-there haven't been many villains which induce less fear than Eisenberg's eccentric take on Superman's nemesis. Lois Lane is also very character deprived, as hard as Amy Adams tries to fix it. Snyder's direction is a mixed bag; sometimes it's too arty, other times too CGI filled, but other times well handled. Tone is a major problem, which I am pleased that the people at DC have attempted to correct with Justice League, because the film is just too gloomy. You go to see films to have a good time, and tonally BvS defies that purpose. The film is also overstuffed with potential plot lines; I believe the studio gave this movie too much to do. Overall, a little disappointing, but still full of great spectacle to enjoy.