I remember seeing the theatrical release of Batman vs Superman and genuinely enjoying it despite its faults, but still feeling like something was missing. And when the negative reviews began pouring in, I felt more than a little guilty about my opinion that the film was an entertaining (if somber) motion picture. Soon thereafter I received word of an extended release and hoped that it would provide that little bit which I felt was missing from the version that I saw twice in theaters...



It absolutely delivered.



This version provides that little element of heart that was unfairly cut out of the cinematic release, appropriately provided by the character with the biggest heart of them all: Superman. From calling up his mother in the middle of the night to seek guidance and emotional support, to going against his boss's instructions to shed light upon the people who are being hurt by Batman's vigilantism, and consistently helping others in spite of being distrusted and rejected by an unappreciative world who sees him only as a loose cannon (Anti-MoS fanboys, anybody?), this Superman provides the most human element of the story in this, THE definitive version of Batman vs Superman. In fact I find it very hard to regard him as the dark and violent sadist that the detractors of these DC movies see him as, considering that he does pretty much nothing to warrant such a label... that honor goes to Ben Affleck's dark, twisted, and unforgiving portrayal of Batman.



Speaking of, Batman is undoubtedly the single biggest reason to see this movie. After three solid films by Christopher Nolan which depicted a semi-dark but overall heroic (and dare I say, unintimidating) version of the dark knight, Zack Snyder's take on the caped crusader gives us an interesting portrayal the likes of which we've never really seen before, borrowing heavily from Frank Miller's seminal graphic novel The Dark Knight Returns. This Batman is an old and broken man, bitterly stubborn and Hell-bent on bringing down Superman, no matter what the cost. And I DO mean that in the most drastic of terms, for it seems that Batman's 20-year reign of terror has left him indifferent to the lives of criminals; at one point in the film during an exciting chase scene, for instance, we see the Batmobile snag a car holding some thugs and use it to dispatch a second car, no doubt killing virtually everyone inside of both vehicles in the process. But unlike in Tim Burton's duology, Christopher Nolan's films, and even Joel Schumacher's "Batman Forever" (wherein we see Batman remorselessly kill three thugs, a buttload of ninjas, The Joker, The Penguin, Two-Face (twice), Ra's Al Ghul, AND Talia Al Ghul), this time around we're given a look at Bruce's psychology as well as some clues to give us an idea of why this version of Batman is so cruel and harsh towards criminals. It's... honestly surprising that people give this film such a hard time about Batman's "killing spree" when this is absolutely NOT breaking any new ground with him. But hey, could be worse; he could be making out with Black Canary while some criminals burn to death nearby. *Cough*(All-Star Batman)*Cough*



Now that I've covered both of the main stars, I'd like to briefly cover the titular fight which everyone paid to see. Put simply, it's a satisfyingly brutal bout between two titans of the genre that have never shared the screen before. Batman's mechanical armor from The Dark Knight Returns is beautifully recreated in live action, and I'm glad to say that it was largely a practical effect rather than a CGI costume (ala Iron Man) and as a result, it feels appropriately bulky, intimidating, and powerful. I WAS somewhat disappointed that it didn't grant Batman any enhanced strength, merely serving instead as a means by which Batman may take the brunt of Superman's strength without harm, but at the very least it serves its purpose very well. Both characters give it their all, and without spoiling how the fight actually ends it stands as the emotional peak of the movie. (Yes, fanboys, I liked how the fight ended... for a detailed analysis as to why, and with no restraint on spoilers, I refer you to CinemaWins' spectacular video "Everything Great About Batman Vs Superman") This summarizes my major plus-points about the overall experience.



I do, however, take issue with the climax of the film. That is not to say that it doesn't deliver exactly what it sets out to; it IS explosive and action-packed, with appropriately epic visuals and a suitably intimidating and powerful villain, but honestly after the spectacular fight between Batman and Superman (which I was far more invested in) the final battle simply bored me. It DOES end on a surprising note, however, which I shan't spoil here (although anybody who's familiar with the source material this film was based on might be able to wager a reasonable guess). Plus we finally got to see Wonder Woman in action for the first time ever in a major big-screen motion picture, so there's also that plus. Believe it or not, I'm one of those few people who is just fine with Jesse Eisenberg's Lex Luthor; I mean he's not the calm and collected mastermind we saw in the Superman and Justice League animated series, but I liked him well enough. At the very least his plan was deeply complicated, he seemed to have contingencies for just about everything, AND he has some of the best lines in the film. So it's a mixed bag; either you love him or you hate him.



Overall I give this movie a 4 out of 5. Too many people have forgotten just how lucky we are to even have this thing; 10 years ago it would never have even been conceivable, yet now because of Marvel's super happy fun time superhero movies (which I should mention I am also quite fond of) we've become spoiled and ungrateful for what we have. This film attempts to be different than Marvel's straightforward super-fare by offering a thought-provoking analysis of Superman and what it would really be like to have such a powerful being in our modern world of cynicism and distrust, and the fans took one look at it and went "why can't it be all fun and happy like Marvel's doing??" and refused to appreciate the movie's good points, of which there are many. To me, this film stands not only as an outstanding Batman/Superman movie as well as a monolith of just how far we've come in the medium of superhero movies as a whole. Thank you, Zack Snyder, for this monumental achievement. I'm proud to own your imperfect masterpiece here on Amazon.