Film: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

GENRE: Action

RATING: PG-13 for violence
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 31 minutes

STARRING: Ben Affleck (Gone Girl, Argo, Daredevil)

Henry Cavill (Man of Steel); Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network)

DIRECTORS: Zack Snyder (300, Man of Steel, Watchmen)

WRITERS: Chris Terrio (Argo) & David S Goyer (The Dark Knight)

PLOT: After Metropolis is wrecked, Batman wants to keep Superman in check so he takes him on with some extra egging on by Lex Luthor.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I had low expectations after watching the just okay Man of Steel.

STORY STUFF: While I felt they did a pretty good job justifying Batman wanting to fight Superman, I didn’t understand Lex’s motives much. Wonder Woman is given a good introduction but Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg are left on the peripheral.

ACTING STUFF: Everyone does a good job but there is not really a standout in the lead roles. I usually don’t like Laurence Fishburne (Matrix) but I really enjoyed his work this time around as Perry White. I actually cared about him as opposed to his weak introduction in Man of Steel.

ARTISTIC STUFF: The dark palette continues much like Man of Steel and Nolan’s Batman trilogy. I did not like Batman’s Iron Man suit complete with glowing eyes and platform shoes; too bulky. Unfortunately, the last third of the movie spirals out of control as Snyder makes the action busier and busier. Also, based on the dream sequences, I fear that Bruce Wayne has narcolepsy.

VERDICT: Three stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You love broody superheroes and explosive action
UPCOMING REVIEWS: Allegiant