Batman V Superman: 12 Early Reactions You Need To Know

5. It Is A Batman Movie At Superman's Expense

In fairness, Zack Snyder and co. have always said that Batman would be the protagonist of the film in order to establish Ben Affleck's new take, but critics appear to have taken exception with how far that balance has been tipped for a movie called Batman v Superman. Screen Crush commented that the Man of Steel is "crowded out of his own movie by a second star, a bunch of villains, and the obligation to lay tons of cinematic universe groundwork" (Screen Crush), while Forbes added that the script is "hijacked by Batman", who has "spoiled the fun and then taken over the party." Other outlets remarked that Superman becomes the most paradoxically dull thing about the film: "the least interesting character in Batman v Superman is Superman, even though his presence is the catalyst for virtually everything that happens in this story" (Cinema Blend), and "Cavill is also likeable enough but, again, hamstrung by the twisty, convoluted inventions designed to limit his abilities during long stretches" (Variety). A number of critics referred to Henry Cavill as "wooden", and Digital Spy rather hilariously summarised that he "continues to offer frowns and silence in place of emotion or personality." Oh dear.