"People hate what they don't understand"

Rating: 10/10 (25 March 2016)

It's almost been 3 years since this film was announced at Comic-Con and after waiting for patiently for this long, I can safely say this film delivered. However, I've got to address the elephant in the room immediately. This film has been bashed and received unfair criticism from every minute detail- from Ben Affleck's casting as Batman to even Gal Gadot's looks; both of which were ridiculous. Point being, it's unsurprising to see the response it's received from "critics" because people had already formed preconceived ideas and opinions before it had even come out. Anyone can make an account of IMDb or Rotten Tomatoes, regardless of whether they had seen the film or not. This is a film that warrants a viewing before you judge it, because otherwise you'd be missing out on this gem.
The narrative revolves around Batman and Superman having clashing ideologies and conflicting perceptions of one another. Henry Cavil's Superman believes Ben Affleck's Batman to be a dangerous vigilante who needs to be stopped. Batman meanwhile, after the events of Man of Steel, believes Superman is a threat to this world because theoretically, he could destroy everything the world stands for if he so pleased-luckily enough for him, Superman just isn't that kind of character. Chris Terrio is the Ying to Zack Synder's Yang (if that made any sense!). The two blended nicely with each other, with Terrio providing the substance and heart this film needed. It is a dark film, both aesthetically and thematically, but an enjoyable one nonetheless. Oh, and those who didn't somehow couldn't comprehend the destruction of the concluding battle of Man of Steel, don't worry, it's addressed in this film!
The film in my opinion has a great, rewarding build up to the frantic and eventful third act. The tensions are made clear early on and while the characters don't necessarily share their disputes with one another, we understand their agendas. I just wish there was slightly more time spent on the two characters talking directly to one another, but I guess actions speak louder than words.
I've been reading a lot of critic's reviews that state that the film is "incoherent" or calling it a mess editing wise. It's far from it in my opinion and I believe the editing was rather unique for a comic book film. It's difficult to describe without seeing it, but I felt it had the connotations of a comic book itself, and the transitions and changes of time felt as if you were physically turning a page. It's something I felt immediately, and I'm sure it's something not a lot of people will pick up on. The films run time of 2 hours and 33 minutes was nice as the pace built up nicely to the climatic battle. It was enough time to hint at other stories and characters of the wider DC extended universe, and there are a few surprises for comic fans. I'm talking about the awesome cameos and references of course here.There a moments, where I just geeked out,something I haven't experienced in film in a long time.
Aesthetically, this film was an absolute delight. Linking with the comments above, there are numerous homages to comics such as the Dark Knight Returns and overall fans of the comics will be very pleased. Zack Snyder and cinematographer Larry Fong have done a wonderful job of framing this world. I would wholeheartedly recommend watching this film in IMAX if possible; it makes it even more of an event.
Hanz Zimmer's soundtrack for Man of Steel was impeccable, and Junkie Xl and Hanz Zimmer have created an electrifying score. I personally can't get enough of Superman's emotive theme. They have also merged the soundtrack of Man of Steel into this score, and it works nicely. This score sounds much better in film than it does outside.
Now performance wise, I have to say I was impressed. Ben Affleck captures the brooding and brutal manner of Batman, whilst also exploring the detective and playboy side of both his persona and Bruce Wayne. I loved it; the detective and technical aspects of Batman's character were something that were missing in Christopher Nolan's grounded films, but are nicely addressed here. Henry Cavill's Superman is enjoyable to watch because he is a character that should have everything going for him as he has been given these god-like abilities. Yet despite this, these powers he has been given act as a burden and prevent him from living life to it's fullest. It's his morals that define him, and he provides a nice contrast to Batman's 'take-no-crap' attitude. Jesse Eisenberg's Lex Luthor demands your attention. It's a completely different take on the character. He's very agitated and most likely has psychological issues, all of which combine to make him very imposing threat (even if he does lack the physical strength that the titular heroes possess). He's a mastermind, with a cunning persona and seeks power at any cost. Gal Gadot's, role is short but sweet and enough to make me really, really excited for her solo adventure and the Justice League film next year.
All in all, Batman v Superman is one hell of a film. It's a different take on the superhero genre, one that comic book fans will most definitely appreciate more than the average audience viewer Regardless, it's most definitely worth a watch, after all, it's the son of Krypton vs the Bat of Gotham fighting for the first time on the big screen-how could you not want to see it!