In spite of the seemingly overwhelming negative feedback the film has been getting from various places, I liked the film. As a lover of DC Comics there were moments of this film that gave me chills. There were moments that were either translated right from the comics or were homage. The film is very much fan service for people like myself. I understand how not having some type of personal connection with the material can be alienating to a viewer. Especially in a film with the issues that this film has. But, a personal attachment does not hide the fact that the film does have its flaws.
What seems to be getting somewhat universal praise even from those who hate the film, is that of Ben Affleck's portrayal of Bruce Wayne/Batman. I absolutely love this version of Batman. He is the darkest, most brutal, and psychologically tortured Batman that we have ever seen on film. What I find most interesting about this Batman and coincidentally what most people have issue with is that he is willing to kill his enemies. Although this aspect of the character has precedence in both the Comic Books and previous film incarnation, there has been established Batman's reluctance to kill. One of the major aspects of his character is that he is constantly teetering on moral ledge of whether to kill or not. What fascinates me about Affleck's version of Batman is what has occurred in his life to push him over that ledge? At what point did he reach the breaking point and what form of trauma was it? Perhaps those answers could come in later films? The motivation behind his need to take down Superman are established early, of all the abundance of plot elements in the film, this is the clearest. I wouldn't be surprised if Affleck himself either wrote or re-wrote hs character because it sticks out as being far superior writing than the rest of the film. The Batman v Superman elements are the strongest of the film in my opinion.
The opening 20-30 minutes of the film are excellent, the next two hours compile a messy film. The biggest flaw for me in the film is story/plot structure is rather a mess. The film tries to be many many things, which stretches the film too thin, despite its long runtime. It is a film that tries to be a sequel, a Superman film, a Batman film, and a setup film all in one. It both fails and succeeds at the same time. Also one must understand what they are getting going into a Zack Snyder film, his filmography is long enough to where there should be no surprises as to the weaknesses of his ability as a director. He is not a director that would appeal to everyone, his style is rather blunt but beautiful at times. he has the ability to at times deliver such beautiful visuals that convey so much in just their appearance. Other times his visuals are so blunt and hit the viewer like a brick repeatedly. The action is some times fantastically well done, like the fight scenes with Batman and other times can be over the top and mind numbing, like in the third act.
Snyder also has a reputation for his films lacking substance and surely that argument has been made for this film. But, the film is not devoid of substance. it is there if one delves deep enough. The main issue is because the film structured in such a messy way, key themes are introduced but never fully developed. The film opens very interesting doorways into such themes as God's relationship with man but walks partially down the hall way and then moves onto another doorway. The material for a rich story is their, the signs are there, it just needs to be fully realized. Aspects of the plot feel rushed. The third act of this film is a DC comics fans dream to see on the big screen. I will admit I love the concept of the third act from a fan's perspective. But, had the lead up to it been much better written and structured, it would have been even more rewarding. Some of these underdeveloped writing issues could be remedied in the the 3 hour Ultimate Cut that will be released on Blu-ray/DVD later this year. Overall the film has both good and bad aspects. It is not a great film and it is not a terrible film. Despite its apparent flaws I still was able to find enjoyment watching it. 3.5/5 Stars
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