Of gods and men

Rating: 8/10 (27 March 2016)

My main thought while watching this movie was that it had ambition. While other superhero movies often don't aim higher than any other action/entertainment-movie, this movie aims to be something more than any "run of the mill"-movie in the genre. This high ambition is apparently also the reason why so many people do not like it, as many report that it's a "swing and miss"-scenario. I disagree, though the movie obviously has its flaws.
The movie has lots of references to mythology, and the theme of "gods and men" runs through it all. In a way, it's like the Marvel-movies are like the myths of old, with gods amongst men, but often with plain good or evil characters. If that's the case, then Batman v Superman tries to be like how the myths were treated in the renaissance. Basing their art on the old myths and characters, but adding to it levels of artistry, meaning and complexion (that on some level were inherent or implied in the original myths).
Now, I am not saying Zach Snyder is Michelangelo or a renaissance artist, but that the movie's ambition is to treat the "myths" of superheroes in the same way. Does it succeed? Not all the way, but I am more than satisfied with it.
It might have been explored to death in the comics (I wouldn't know), but I really liked the exploration of moral, power and justice. All the 3 main players (Superman, Bruce Wayne and Lex) has their own take on it, and they are all valid (to a point) - but their belief-systems are all shaken up throughout the movie. Someone more skilled in philosophy than me could probably line them up with various thinkers. Not unlike Watchmen (the graphic novel or Snyder's movie adaption), scenes and thoughts from this movie could probably be used to understand moral dilemmas.
The plot movies on in an unusual fashion, but not hard to follow or confusing. It jumps a bit back and forward, and it does require more from the audience than many other movies of its kind. It takes itself really seriously, which is a really good thing. Why shouldn't it? It seems people have forgotten that the Dark Knight-trilogy did the same thing, before the Marvel cinematic universe went into high gear.
The main trio (Superman, Wayne, Lex) are all interesting characters. The supporting characters are not explored too much, but Alfred, Perry White and Lois Lane are all enjoyable in the scenes they are in. The music is mostly really good. The visuals are mostly stunning, though I don't always agree with Zach Snyder's (lack of) colors. The big climaxes works well.
My main nitpicks with this movie are just that: nitpicks. There's quite a few small, silly decisions. Like beeping, blinking trackers (that probably should be harder to find). The introduction of the wider DC-universe could probably have been handled a bit less "in your face".
I still have lots more to say about this movie, and I'm sure others will too. It's a movie that lends itself for discussion, and not just "what scenes did you like the most", but rather holding it up against the real world, and discussing the characters in light of modern day society. As I am already beginning to ramble here, I will end with saying that I hope the studios try to mimic this movie, instead of Deadpool - that they dare to explore the very interesting themes that are inherit in the concept of superheroes, instead of carelessly laughing it all of with blood and destruction.