Batman v Superman Review (2016): Dawn of Justice – A Clash of Titans or a Superpowered Soap Opera?
- Tavia Millward
- Jan 8
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 25
When the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel collide, you expect fireworks, right? But what happens when their showdown feels more like a superhero therapy session with an apocalyptic backdrop? Let’s unravel Zack Snyder’s polarising Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, a film that dares to mix grim brooding with chaotic action, only to leave us wondering, “Was that Martha worth it?”
Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice promised an epic gladiator match between two of the most iconic superheroes in comic book history. Instead, we got a gloomy soap opera sprinkled with dazzling action and a plot bursting at the seams. The stakes were high, the heroes were brooding, and the pacing? Well, let’s just say it could’ve used Wonder Woman’s lasso to rein it in.
The narrative kicks off after the destruction of Metropolis in Man of Steel, framing Superman as both a saviour and a potential threat. Bruce Wayne, fuelled by his distrust of an all-powerful alien, decides Superman must be stopped. Clark Kent, on the other hand, has issues with Batman’s vigilante justice. Cue a convoluted game of philosophical ping-pong, orchestrated by a twitchy and deranged Lex Luthor, played by Jesse Eisenberg in a performance that feels like The Joker auditioning for Dragons’ Den.
Let’s talk highlights. Wonder Woman. Gal Gadot’s Diana Prince is the shining beacon in this otherwise dark and murky film. Her entrance into battle is electrifying, and her mystery-laden character adds much-needed depth. That brief scene where she finally joins the fight? Instant goosebumps. The score by Hans Zimmer and Junkie XL is another standout—a thunderous symphony of emotion and adrenaline that outshines the story it’s paired with.
But the cracks in the cape are hard to ignore. The film juggles too many heavy themes—divine power, morality, legacy—and drops the ball on most. The infamous “Martha” moment, meant to humanise and reconcile our heroes, feels forced and unintentionally comedic. Add to this a bloated runtime, dream sequences that border on nonsensical, and a shoehorned setup for Justice League, and you’re left with a film that’s more exhausting than exhilarating.
That said, Snyder’s action sequences are undeniably stunning. The Batman warehouse fight scene is a pure, gritty spectacle—proof that Ben Affleck’s Batman could be one of the most physically imposing versions of the character to date. And Doomsday’s CGI-fuelled rampage, while chaotic, delivers enough destruction to satisfy the popcorn crowd.
Ultimately, Batman v Superman is a visually striking but narratively flawed film. It’s like watching a heavyweight boxing match where the fighters forget why they’re fighting halfway through. Fans will find nuggets of gold here, but casual viewers may leave scratching their heads—or Googling “Why did they stop fighting over Martha?”
Verdict: Come for the action and Wonder Woman; stay for the unintentional comedy of “Martha.”
Behind the Scenes: The Art of Visual Storytelling in Snyder’s Universe
Zack Snyder is a director known for his bold, operatic style, and in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, his approach to visual storytelling is both a strength and a weakness. Let’s unpack his signature techniques and what filmmakers can learn from them.
1. Cinematic Framing: Snyder’s background as a commercial and music video director is evident in his meticulous composition. Every frame of this film looks like it belongs on the cover of a graphic novel. The opening sequence, a retelling of Bruce Wayne’s tragic origin, is a masterclass in visual symbolism. The slow-motion pearls scattering as Martha Wayne falls—this is Snyder at his most poetic. For young filmmakers, the lesson here is clear: think of your shots as standalone works of art. What story does your frame tell, even without dialogue?
2. Colour Palette and Tone: Snyder employs a muted, desaturated colour palette that reinforces the film’s grim tone. This isn’t the vibrant world of Marvel; this is a darker, morally ambiguous universe. The colour grading, while divisive, effectively sets the mood. The key takeaway for filmmakers? Use colour to shape the emotional landscape of your story. Want optimism? Use warm tones. For despair or ambiguity, lean into shadows and greys.
3. Kinetic Action Sequences: The warehouse fight scene is a standout not just in this film but in the entire superhero genre. Snyder choreographs Batman’s movements with brutal precision, blending practical stunts and CGI seamlessly. The visceral impact of every punch, the calculated use of gadgets, and the fluid camera work make this sequence unforgettable. The takeaway? Action should tell a story. Every movement, every angle should reveal something about the character—Batman’s efficiency, his ruthlessness, his resourcefulness.
4. Overloading Themes: While Snyder’s ambition to explore weighty themes is commendable, the execution often falters. The moral questions about power and responsibility are fascinating, but they’re drowned in the film’s chaotic structure. For filmmakers, this is a cautionary tale: less is more. Focus on one or two core themes and explore them deeply rather than juggling too many.
Snyder’s approach to Batman v Superman may not be universally loved, but it’s undeniably distinctive. For aspiring filmmakers, his work serves as both inspiration and a reminder: visual storytelling is a powerful tool, but it needs a solid narrative foundation to truly soar.
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