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Director Zack Snyder\u2019s new Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice<\/em> is in danger of becoming merely ammunition in Warner Bros\u2019s newly launched DC Films Universe\u00a0battle with Marvel, rather than viewed as a superhero movie in its own right.<\/p>\n This sequel will be compared with Snyder\u2019s first DC Comics film, Man of Steel<\/em> (2013), with an eye on the much-anticipated, future Justice League movies. The 2013 film was criticised for portraying Superman (Henry Cavill) in a dark, destructive light, something some were not prepared for. Superman even kills one of his own, which shocked many.<\/p>\n Dawn of Justice<\/em> is no exception \u2013 Superman (Cavill again) is far from good and inflicts some rough justice. However, the film attempts to address the fear the character has (where he belongs, what he\u2019s capable of), as well as man\u2019s fear of Superman\u2019s power and threat to humanity.<\/p>\n It uses two contrasting characters to do this in Batman (Ben Affleck) and Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg), both of which equally despises and celebrates this god incarnate\u2019s gifts. It\u2019s like the comic-book version of the Easter story; the persecution of a deity through ignorance. Using Snyder\u2019s enormous visual prowess, Dawn of Justice<\/em> is full of intriguing messages and imagery, which is just as well, as the acting gets lost in the CG medley, as do the characters\u2019 reasoning.<\/p>\n After bringing down General Zod \u2013 remnants of which we see at the beginning of this, Batman wants to curb Superman\u2019s actions, while the world decides whether it really needs a superhero at all. Is the Kryptonian actually a menace to society, considering the chaos he brought to Earth in the 2013 film?<\/p>\n With Batman after Superman, a new threat, Doomsday, is allowed to emerge, created by Superman\u2019s arch enemy Luthor. Can the superheroes put aside their differences to battle the true evil destroying Metropolis once more, with a little help from Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot)?<\/p>\n Think Nolan and The Dark Knight<\/em> for comic-book grittiness. The sheen is completely absent from Superman\u2019s colourful persona. Thank goodness for Clark Kent \u2013 Superman\u2019s alter-ego \u2013 or there would be zero soul left in the character. Cavill has limited facial expressions too, relying on his furrowed brow to do all the acting work. Hence this keeps Superman even more two dimensional. It also limits how much we really understand about how exactly this \u2018anti-hero\u2019 feels, which is a shame.<\/p>\n Snyder\u2019s Batman is also a damaged character. Affleck gets little to do apart from scowl around and clunk about in what must be the heaviest Batman suit ever. Gone is Batman\u2019s smart-thinking\/acting slickness. He seems more Transformer than lithe bat-like creature. This seems to suit Snyder\u2019s heavy-meted action sequences, especially when Doomsday appears. However, Batman comes across as a lumbering, half-witted brute most of the time, which again, makes him \u2018heartless\u2019, with only scenes of the wrecked Wayne mansion etc to suggest his inner pain and grief.<\/p>\n As a result of a lack of what is going on inside these characters\u2019 heads, comes a lack of empathy and understanding as to what Batman\u2019s personal grievance with Superman actually is? Snyder merely \u2018suggests\u2019 with flashbacks, which doesn\u2019t quite add up. Apart from what Luthor wants both to think of each other, this doesn\u2019t seem strong enough rationality for them to be knocking the hell out of each other.<\/p>\n That said when the Batman v Superman showdown actually arrives, it might be a whirl of CGI but it\u2019s pretty exhilarating to watch on a big screen. Snyder is in his element here, and just the right comic-book fan\/artist to recreate such a spectacle for fanboys out there. Superman\u2019s brush with Doomsday re-addresses his lost humanity too.<\/p>\n As lovely and determined as Amy Adams is as rogue reporter Lois Lane, there does seem to be a little too much Ms Lane in trouble \u2013 or in the buff \u2013 in this. How anyone can navigate that much concrete rumble in heels is anyone\u2019s guess during the final battle scenes. As strong a female character as Lane is, it\u2019s Gadot\u2019s Diana Prince\/Wonder Woman that\u2019s the more positive contrast with the male characters. Hers is a pure superhero without agenda, just old-school trying to save us from the greater evil.<\/p>\n Like Ledger\u2019s Joker, Eisenberg makes Luthor his own crazed interpretation. His is a babbling nervous wreck, likely to self-implode at any second and keeping things edgy. His excitable state at the very least keeps things energetic, or they would be in danger of slipping into a depressed state \u2013 him, and Jeremy Irons\u2019s smart tongue as Alfred.<\/p>\n If you like lots of mood, Batman v Superman<\/em> is your kind of DC Comics interpretation, though it is more visual that cerebral. There is a distinct lack of emotion from the main characters that leaves Dawn of Justice<\/em> plain numbing. If it wasn\u2019t for some of the supporting cast, it would be a CG swirl of colour and noise. Though, if there was a prize for cinematic gloom, this installment would win hands down.<\/p>\n 3\/5 stars<\/strong><\/p>\n By @FilmGazer<\/p>\n