justice is served... somewhat.

Rating: 7/10 (18 September 2016)

Let me start by saying that I am a massive fan of Man of Steel. I think they did something really interesting and memorable with the origin story, emphasising Superman's alien origins, and by giving more prominence and context to Krypton's people and fate, and the military Kryptonian antagonists, they really bring Superman to life as an entity in a universe, rather then the heavily symbolic figurehead he has often been before.
That's not to slam past Superman movies or comics of course, but, for example, making Superman's suit a Kryptonian family suit, rather then something his human family made to symbolise him as a hero, makes it feel so much more appropriate and plausible. I really loved the exchange about the S between Kal and Lois, and I think it gives added meaning and impact to the already iconic outfit.
Of course, seeing how Marvel have brought their universe to life in their expanded MCU film series, it made perfect sense for DC to bring about the burgeoning DCU that they are establishing with these films. The way The Dark Knight Rises ended doesn't leave much room for Bale's Batman, so we get yet another actor and a fresh continuity. I think we're all desensitised to the rampant rebooting that Hollywood has embraced now anyway. Nevertheless, I was apprehensive about Ben Affleck as Batman; he is a vastly talented actor but has a chequered history of roles, and it didn't seem like he could exude the intelligence, intensity, and strength that defines Batman. I was wrong about this; I think Affleck was a terrific Batman, and I look forward to more from him. But on with the rest of the film, I've indulged in enough preamble -
I think dawn of justice doesn't really deserve the hate it gets, but something is missing... a bit of fun and energy. This is perhaps necessary and intended to deliver the tone of the plot; Snyder's films tend to have this kind of sombre reverence; the problem is, this film could surely have benefited from a little more levity and fun.
I don't mean Clooney-Batman fun, of course, but while Affleck's Batman was a compelling, engaging character, he did lack the sass of Bale's, if not the charisma which he had in abundance. Superman, meanwhile, has a lot on his mind following the devastation of Metropolis and the revelation that he is the last of his race after being forced to kill General Zod, but he has also just liberated his new home-world from that grievous threat, found acceptance of his true self on this world - tempered, of course, by the fear of his power that drives the plot of this film, but still, widespread acceptance and even worship of him nevertheless abounds, and is fairly deserved as well, in light of his defence of earth and his respect of his surrogate race in spite of his immense power in comparison to them - and he has a relationship with Lois and a job at the Daily Planet as well. He should be full of vigour, but instead, he is dampened into brooding depression by the cascading contrivances of this film's plot.
it seemed like they tried to inject that fun into the show with eisenberg's luthor, but he just didn't deliver in my opinion. he had a quizzical impishness about him, as he was cast as the bright young entrepreneurial caricature of the modern world's elite trailblazer, but he just coasts on that left-field eisenbergness and doesn't really assume the mantle of a proper Luthor, someone with ambition, confidence and buckets of menace.
It's not his age, he just doesn't fit with the preconception of Luthor, and while that's not necessarily a bad thing, his quirks just come off as odd, rather then memorable and entertaining. Heath Ledger's Joker was a one-of-a-kind performance, but there was a villain with true levity to go with his villainy. His own jaunty aspects complemented and reinforced his actions.
On the plus side, we get a compelling cameo by Wonder Woman, and briefer cameos by other Justice League members, offering hope for the upcoming films - aquaman's often a figure of fun but he seems like a hell of a character here, for example.
As for Doomsday, the fight between him and the heroes is a bit odd, as Wonder Woman and Superman seem as untouchable as he does, while Batman tries to help while avoiding being completely obliterated, before Superman and Doomsday seemingly finish each other. Thus, we get a pretty Snydery ending of gritty moroseness, with the hint at Superman's rise from the grave to bookend it after Luthor's ding ding warning, which just felt uncomfortable, seeming so forcedly kooky.
pros - the reaction of the world to Superman. debate, fear and differing attempts by people to hold him to account for his abilities, or just to take him down; I thought it was also interesting to see him try his best to respect the humans in these attempts, like when he enters congress and gently opens the wooden gate to his stand, and how his initial warning to Batman came off as arrogant.
cons - Their minuscule attempts at humour. Superman and Batman's exchange regarding Wonder woman - nothing wrong with it, but it was a tiny island in a sea of overt seriousness.
kryptonite: there was no mention or appearance of the iconic substance in Man of Steel. MoS attempted to create a new status-quo for the Superman story, and while Kryptonian material and environment did affect its people, it wasn't glowing green.
I think this film has many flaws, but also has it's own qualities, and works as a companion piece in the DCU that's being built. I hope this review adequately explains that and helps you to enjoy the film anew.