Batman vs. Superman is rated PG-13 and runs 151 minutes

Grade: C-

I didn’t know what to expect when I attended the early screening of Batman vs. Superman.  I knew that it was highly anticipated. I knew it had cost some $250 million to make, and I knew the cast boasted some big names. However, I couldn’t help thinking the title was a tad silly. I mean, isn’t Superman like a super-human with limitless powers? All Batman has are his gymnastic abilities, his own human strength, some technology and that utility belt and awesome car. How can he measure up?

There is quite a bit of detail to get through before the showdown even happens. This includes the “9/11-esque” ending of the 2013 Man of Steel in which Superman (Henry Cavill) and General Zod (Michael Shannon) level Metropolis — something I found a bit hilarious considering the amount of destruction. In the opening, Bruce Wayne/Batman (Ben Affleck) witnesses the devastation, and jumps on the bandwagon as the public begins questioning Superman’s motives — especially after several people die in another of the heroic rescues of  great love, Lois Lane (Amy Adams), who always does a fine job and doesn’t have enough to do in this film.

 Cavill has the body to play a man of steel, but I’m not sure he has the acting chops to bring much to the character of either Superman or Clark Kent. Perhaps he will grow into the role, which he will undoubtedly play again.

Ben Affleck has become a classic movie star. He brings an interesting mix of brooding and inner turmoil to this character. His physical preparation for this movie should also be noted as pretty amazing. After watching his performance, I’m still puzzled as to why folks didn’t think he’d measure up.

In this go round, Lex Luthor is played by Jesse Eisenberg. Eisenberg lapses into his trademark quirkiness, but his intentions are good and he tries hard to portray the villain with a disturbing weirdness. I actually liked his portrayal more than most reviewers, so there you go.

Supporting cast members include the beautiful Diane Lane as Superman’s mother, Martha, Holly Hunter as Kentucky senator June Finch, and Jeremy Irons as Bruce Wayne’s butler, Alfred. Both Lane and Hunter are great actresses and do the best they can in the roles. Irons is always good, but I’m hoping he’s not relegated to supporting roles from here on out. I’m thinking many of the big stars in this film are there because they wanted to be part of this project. And why not?

 It’s hard for me not to think of folks like Christopher Reeve, who brought depth to the character of Superman/Clark Kent, or Gene Hackman, who was terrifying as Luthor. I also find it a bit funny how the character of Alfred used to clean up the Batcave and answer the phone for Adam West in the late 1960s. He now seems to be even more important than Robin (he’s not in this one, either).

We get glimpses of The Flash and Aquaman, assuring us we’ll hear more from this series. More than a glimpse is offered of Gal Gaddot’s Wonder Woman, who actually joins in one of the monotonous battle scenes of the picture. She steals the show — even with her small amount of screen time.

The film is a little draggy. At times, it could be called cluttered. Our heroes spend a great deal of time being victims and the weightiness of the film seems to be on the shoulders of the main characters as they gaze downward much of the time. They trudge through lengthy scenes meant to be symbolic and deep, and we have numerous references to “good vs. evil.” Indeed, almost every character says something about it. Look closely for some religious and political undertones, too. There are some absurd and shoddy moments, even some funny-meant-to-be-serious moments. I don’t think this was director Zack Snyder’s intention and it’s clear he is not afraid to take risks.

Batman vs. Superman will end up making a load of dough and will usher in even more revenue in the future. It may not be one of the best in the eventual series, but it’s necessary, I suppose.

If you’re a huge superhero fan, I’d tell you this movie is essential. If you aren’t, I’d say you might want to go elsewhere.