Rating: 4.2/5
Review: "Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice 3D IMAX movie review"

"Batman V Superman may have a disjointed plot but is saved from its stunning action scenes, visual effects and brief but decent emotional development of Batman and Superman."

Batman V Superman has to be one of the most anticipated film of the year. Who doesn't want to see two iconic superheroes clash head to head? Unfortunately when the review embargo was lifted, critics were not amused; it scores a low 30% on rotten tomatoes. The thing is that director Zack Snyder is never viewed positively by most critics. So is the sequel to Man of Steel really as bad as what the critics say? I would say not.

The story: First of all, Zack has a penchant for attractive visuals and action scenes. And it shows in this. Most of the action scenes happens in the third act. So what happen in the first and second acts? Critics have complained of its disjointed plot. I would agree to some extent that it is trying too hard to set up the Justice League and at the same time, developing on Batman's and Superman's emotions. The pacing is not as smooth as it should be. Sometimes the editing made the film more like an episodic event after another instead of a full feature film. Although the emotional sides of Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent could be developed more, the film does better in that area than the story. The visual effects and action kick in full gear in the last hour with a satisfying full-blown climax. Hans Zimmer and Junkie XL created a great score; epic and emotional. Acting wise is alright. Ben Affleck is a decent Bruce Wayne. Gal Gadot, as Wonder Woman, has little screen time but she has a strong presence in the film. Jesse Eisenberg is alright as a fast-talking Lex Luthor. He is just channeling his Mark Zuckerberg's performance here. The rest is almost the same as seen in Man of Steel.

3D IMAX: Zack's stunning vision alone just has to be seen on big screen. It is very detailed and sharp. The whole 3D experience adds to the 'WOW!' factor. Though the 3D effects do not have many gimmick moments, it helps in immersing me into the grim worlds of Gotham and Metropolis. The characters look three dimensional. Having seen in both normal cinema and IMAX, I say IMAX is the better choice if you feel like spurging on a ticket. IMAX is not exactly cheap but it is worth the money.

Overall: I can understand most of the negativity about the plot and 'the try-too-hard direction'. But Zack Snyder should be applauded for his tireless effort in creating attractive visuals and action. His action is fast and furious and he staged one of the best superhero battle scene in a superhero film; a fight with Doomsday. I enjoyed his visual style and it seems that critics are not even enjoying that department. Batman V Superman is a film made for general audience and fans, not for critics. I just hope Zack will find a better way to improve in his direction for Justice League.