By Mark HadleyWednesday 30 Mar 2016The Big PictureMoviesReading Time: 2 minutes
DC Comics finally takes on the might of Marvel Studios with the release of its own big superhero smack-down. This titanic struggle is basically a sequel to Man of Steel. Superman (Henry Cavill) has settled into the role of World Saviour and is flying around doing good on every continent. However his ‘to the rescue’ moments often save some and leave many others in the dust.
Bruce Wayne (Ben Afleck) is afraid the actions of a god-like Super Hero left unchecked will lead to a world tyranny so Gotham City’s bat vigilante decides to take the caped good samaritan down. Or does he? Pulling the strings behind the scenes is Lex Luthor, (Jesse Eisenberg), a manic millionaire villain who can’t stand it that brains don’t equal power, and is prepared to put the two greatest heroes in the ground to prove otherwise.
RATED: M for Intense sequences of violence and mature themes
AUDIENCE: Teens and up. This is a superhero flick that has more in common with The Dark Knight than it does Captain America.
WHAT’S GOOD: It’s a great action flick that’s even better on the big screen. Probably one of the few well worth the $20+ you’ll pay for a Vmax screen and super-Dolby audio. The storyline isn’t complicated by too many plotlines (yes, I’m looking at you Avengers) and even Ben Afleck’s acting doesn’t get in the way of a basically enjoyable ride.
WHAT’S NOT: There are a couple of silly moments when the audience’s patience is tested by incredible plot jumps. It’s easy to believe that Batman is somewhat unhinged given the speed with which he can change his mind. The whole film is also about half an hour too long.
SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING: There is an incredible amount of God-talk in this film. Superman is deliberately compared to a new Jesus, and the same question that accompanied the Son of God’s arrival complicate his. Is humanity truly ready to hand over their safety to someone who isn’t one of them? Lex Luthor also challenges the goodness of God, suggesting that if bad things can happen then God obviously doesn’t care or isn’t as in control as we think. Of course no-one actually asks God what He says to these accusations.
RELEASE DATE: March 24