The Script Is the Real Villain in Batman v Superman

“Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Ultimate Edition” is a hot mess. It’s overlong, confusing, poorly written, and atrociously paced. I watched this version of “Batman v Superman” to prep for “Zack Snyder’s Justice League,” but now I’m questioning whether I should bother with Snyder’s new movie. If it’s more of this, I won’t be able to make it through.

It’s difficult to recap this film, but the main thrust of the narrative is in the title card. Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg) manipulates Bruce Wayne / Batman (Ben Affleck) and Clark Kent / Superman (Henry Cavill) into fighting each other. Batman fears Superman’s godlike power, while Superman questions Batman’s methods, particularly his aggression. There are also a million other subplots, including the introduction of Diana Prince / Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot).

“Ultimate Edition” is the extended version of “Batman v Superman” and supposedly the director’s preferred cut of the film. It adds 30ish minutes to an already bloated movie. Most of the added material expands Clark Kent and Lois Lane’s presence in the film, while also clarifying Lex Luthor’s machinations. It also pushes the film from PG-13 to an R rating.

I hate having to do this, but I feel that I need to pre-emptively defend myself when I talk about this movie because there is a small, but vocal minority of toxic DC fans who feel entitled to be gatekeepers of this movie. However, that doesn’t disqualify me from sharing my opinion — I’m a DC comic book fan. I like Greek mythology. And while I don’t love Snyder’s work, I don’t think he’s a bad director. With that being said, this movie is littered with bad decisions (“Martha!”, Luthor, etc.)

I could rant about this movie all day, but instead, I’m going to highlight its best aspects. I appreciate Snyder’s exploration of Superman’s psyche and his struggles to wield vast power. He cares, and his failures weigh on him. 

Affleck is surprisingly good as Batman and has the best scene in the movie, a brutal warehouse fight with Russian mercenaries. I’m excited to see Affleck in the upcoming “The Flash” movie. I know people had problems with Batman using guns, but I think it works here. 

Finally, Snyder knows how to compose some amazing visuals. There are a lot of pretty pictures and people to look at, which is extremely comic book accurate, I suppose. — David (@itsmedavidcross)