Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is a visually striking but divisive superhero epic that brings two of DC’s greatest icons into conflict. Starring Ben Affleck as Batman and Henry Cavill as Superman, the film explores themes of power, fear, and responsibility while setting the stage for the DC Extended Universe.
The story follows Bruce Wayne’s growing distrust of Superman after the destruction caused during Man of Steel. Fueled by paranoia and manipulation from Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg), Batman prepares to take on the Kryptonian in a brutal showdown. Meanwhile, the world questions Superman’s role as a hero or a threat. Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman makes a memorable debut, adding excitement to the film’s climactic battle.
Visually, the film is stunning, with Snyder’s signature dark and dramatic style. The action sequences, especially Batman’s warehouse fight and the final battle against Doomsday, are thrilling and well-choreographed. Hans Zimmer and Junkie XL’s score enhances the film’s epic scale, particularly with Wonder Woman’s powerful theme.
However, the film suffers from a dense and sometimes messy narrative, with multiple storylines crammed into its runtime. The pacing feels uneven, and Eisenberg’s portrayal of Lex Luthor is polarizing. While the “Martha” moment is meant to be emotional, it became one of the film’s most criticized scenes.
Despite its flaws, Batman v Superman delivers iconic moments, intense action, and a darker take on the superhero genre. It remains a bold but flawed entry in the DCEU, appreciated more by fans over time.
