Film Review: ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ is Both Despairing & Disappointing

CHICAGO – Dang it, DC Comics and Warner Bros.! Two of my favorite comic book characters get dragged through a dull mud in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.” There is a dawn all right, but instead of the bright sun over the horizon, it’s a full mooning to the fans who anticipated the film.

Rating: 2.5/5.0

The stiff Henry Cavill and Batfleck (TM, ha ha) – Ben Affleck – portray Superman and The Batman as initial rivals, and the script has them going through a mass of complex issues, and silly dream sequences, while a blaring soundtrack gives them “walking (or flying) music” for virtually any instance in the film – seriously, there is walking music for Bruce Wayne going downstairs at a party. The first hour and 15 minutes or so is death, as the set-up doesn’t even get them into costume for “reals” until that point. Afterward, the film perks up a bit, but there are so many logic holes, especially involving villain Lex Luthor, that even the appearance of Wonder Woman to help out can’t elicit a comic book woody. It starts out dull, and can’t re-shine the finish. and It’s time for the WB to consider some new blood on the production team.

Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) is one of the angry citizens that watched Metropolis fall during the General Zod and Superman (Henry Cavill) battle from “Man of Steel.” Wayne has been the Gotham City vigilante The Batman for twenty years now, with the loyal Alfred (Jeremy Irons) by his side. Wayne and Superman’s secret identity, Clark Kent, meet at a benefit honoring Alexander “Lex” Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg).

A U.S. government committee headed by Senator Finch (Holly Hunter) is investigating Superman’s place in America as a hero, while Luthor is trying to get Kryptonite through back channels. Reporter Lois Lane (Amy Adams) is keeping the secret on Clark’s double life, while their relationship continues, and a mysterious woman named Diana (Gal Gabot) may be able to intervene and/or team up with the duo in the midst of the Batman versus Superman fracas. It all comes down to a creature, a villain and a kitchen sink full of plot points.
 

“Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” opens everywhere on March 25th in IMAX and regular screenings. See local listings for IMAX theaters and show times. Featuring Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne, Jesse Eisenberg, Diane Lane, Jeremy Irons. Holly Hunter, Lois Lane, and Gal Gadot. Screenplay by Chris Terrio and David S. Goyer. Directed by Zack Snyder. Rated “PG-13”