One thing I did like about this movie is how they streamlined a lot of the subplots. For example Lois and Clark’s relationship, Batman’s backstory, etc. We’ve seen these story arcs in various media for over 20 years. There’s no need to see them yet again in the new movie.
That ain’t streamlining. They just took shit for granted and changed whatever the hell they wanted to fit the narrative.
Superman and Lois Lane being together? That’s expected. Them being shoved together despite having no chemistry and their relationship having zero development? That’s bad writing.
So to sum it up, Batman v Superman is a by the numbers movie where it serves to create a cinematic universe by studio mandate.
Make a movie with Batman and Superman that butchers character development for both of them, goes through the motions to get these two to meet up and fight, and has enough action to keep basic moviegoers satisfied.
You’re thinking of the Thor movies. Universe building takes up maybe 15 minutes of the runtime and is actually incorporated really well.
Lots of references to Dark Knight Returns. My favorite being Alfred’s word for word Quote
"the next generation of Waynes will inherit an empty wine cellar — not that there will be a next generation of Waynes"
A good summary would be If you’re drinking the Marvel Kool-Aid and addicted to the formulaic-ness of those movies you wont like it.
If you like DC books, which tend to be grim dark, you’ll like it.
If you like Action you’ll like it.
If your expecting forced comedic moments, you wont like it.
If your a sheep and have a mind to not like it because other people told you not to like it you wont like it.
Who said anything about jokes? Winter Soldier dial it back on humor and it’s the best Marvel movie to date. Netflix shows are excellent and it’s the darkest material we’ve ever gotten from Marvel and there’s no jokes there. There’s just no joy to be had with this movie.
I’m going to be pretty damned curious to see what happens if they actually do keep Snyder on the project. As much as I don’t need superhero movies to be toyetic, it would at least be nice to be able to show my nephews the movies before they’re in their teens.