Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

The $250 million budget blockbuster Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (rated PG-13 for violence, language, and some sensuality) seemed doomed long before its release: Minutes after Warner Bros. announced actor Ben Affleck would play Batman, fans stormed the internet to protest. More than 30 online petitions sprouted overnight, with “concerned Americans” complaining of Affleck’s unworthiness for the role. Days before the movie’s release, most critics confirmed their fears: It’s a face-smacking disaster.

But Affleck isn’t the problem here—he actually fits well as the weathered, cynical crusader. Rather, the problems are the unforgivable plot holes, the too-loud and too-casual blasts of bodies and buildings, and an overall gloominess that tries too hard to be gritty. Even the fight scenes lack sophistication—the bull charges, bulky punches, and bathroom sink smashings trigger more eye rolls than eye pops.

Batman v Superman picks up after 2013’s Man of Steel, which ended with a battle involving Superman (Henry Cavill) that destroyed the city and many innocent civilians. In the resulting anti-superhero climate, psychotic billionaire Lex Luthor (a twitchy, cheeky Jesse Eisenberg) easily manipulates Batman and the public into blaming Superman for certain atrocities. Batman suffers temporary IQ loss and decides he’s the man to terminate the red-caped alien. Cue in smothering glares and swelling biceps.

This film could have been great, and not just because two iconic characters knock fists. In one mini-monologue, Luthor muses, “If God is all-powerful, then He cannot be all-good,” and vice versa. Therefore, he concludes, he doesn’t want God and has created his own god that “bends to my will.” Such are the philosophical gems the movie tosses out like cheap peanuts. Not that fans cared. Despite the harsh reviews and social media mockery, Batman v Superman raked in a colossal $166 million in its opening weekend.