Not the first time the general critic population and I have been in different worlds

Rating: 10/10 (26 March 2016)

I heard it said over and over that this movie is hard to follow if you're not in the know with the DC Universe, and I can see some of that from inside-looking-out, but I have to believe there's something for everyone here. It has timeless elements of storytelling; the much heard "God vs. Man", as well as Light vs. Dark; just lots of Yin and Yang. I LOVE how they show Batman's struggles, as well as Superman's struggles, and how their ideals end up in conflict. I had heard some reviews say that during the big Bats/Supes Smack \down there's hardly any verbal exchange between the two. After watching the movie I wondered if they put on earplugs for that scene. The clash of ideals is very much at play here.
Ben Affleck's Batman? The man hasn't had the kind of career so praised for bringing the kind of gravitas that Christian Bale (whose Batman I still back to the hilt) has in various roles, but he's got solid acting chops, and that combined with his lifelong love of Batman gave us a Batman IN SPADES!!!! I shirk not to say he's now my all-time favorite Batman. He defied all previous conventions of what kind of physique can be expected from an actor, and how well he can throw his weight around with it. He awesomely played the public facade for Bruce Wayne, brooding private Bruce Wayne, and tough-as-nails/don't-trifle-with Batman.
Henry Cavill once again delivered beautifully as Clark Kent/Superman, and his wanting to help people, along with hurt that no one will accept him runs deep to where you have to cry for the man. The man deserves a place alongside Christopher Reeve in Man of Steel honors.
There was a universal fear that Gal Gadot would become the Sarah Palin of the DCEU, and I would say not even close. The movie makes limited use of her, in such a way that would be expected in a movie that leaves her name out of the title. I say she positively adds to the movie whenever she shows up. Jesse Eisenberg as Luthor? You do get just that, a Jesse Eisenberg Lex Luthor, and I understand if that doesn't work for some, but for me it worked in spades.
I read about the plot being too crammed. Not to me. It has become quite clear that I can be entertained by setup of future related movies if it's handled right. For all the understanding of other DC heroes being included, they don't clog up the movie by any means. One thing I will understand when it comes to those uninitiated in the deeper DC universe that is akin to Thor's hallucination in "Avengers: Age of Ultron", just know you could easily get the idea with a simple Google search.
In the end it's about personal struggles, reconciliation and redemption; and BRILLIANTLY depicted. I wholly adore this movie