This is this year’s first Superhero battle film and the Avengers need not worry. Although the blockbuster was a great improvement on the previous Man of Steel, there is just something too gloomy about the entire enterprise and a few jokes wouldn’t have gone amiss. The next film in the new DC cinematic universe, The Suicide Squad, has recently some reshot some scenes in order to make the film more light-hearted in relation to recent criticism of Batman v. Superman. Dawn Of Justice strains to both set up a plausible conflict between the two superheroes, and set up future sequels and spin-offs.
Despite the incoherent narrative, Ben Affleck does an impressive job of reinterpreting a darker, world-weary Batman. The film is more interesting when it focuses on the Dark Knight rather than Superman, although no one is complaining when shirtless Henry Cavill is on screen. Notwithstanding the media circus surrounding the first live action film appearance of Wonder Woman, she only serves to set up her solo film and only has 7 minutes of screen time.
The film does have many redeeming qualities; it brings superhero movies into 2016 by addressing the aftermath of the destruction caused by Superman in Man of Steel, showing the impact on the regular citizens of Metropolis and Gotham in the post 9/11 world. It also rejects the idea of Superman being the all American hero, fighting for truth, justice and the American way. In a similar manner to it’s rival comic book universe, it follows themes of unchecked power and gods and monsters.
Ultimately, despite the lack lustre plot and far too serious atmosphere, the film is entertaining and sets up the remainder of the DC universe. Although I think if I have to watch the Wayne’s meet their untimely end one more time I may scream!