10 Things in ‘Batman v Superman’ That Made Absolutely No Sense

When ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ hit theaters in 2016, it aimed to bring two iconic superheroestogether in a clash for the ages. Directed by Zack Snyder, the film packed in ambitious ideas, intense action, anda sprawling cast, including Ben Affleck as Batman, Henry Cavill as Superman, and Gal Gadot as WonderWoman. Yet, despite its grand vision, the movie left many viewers puzzled by its choices.

As a fan of superhero films, I was excited to see these legends face off, but some moments felt like they cameout of nowhere or didn’t quite add up. From character decisions to plot twists, certain parts just didn’t click. Hereare 10 things about ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ that had me confused, starting with the leastbaffling and ending with the most head-scratching.

Overstuffed Plot

The film tries to juggle too many storylines, cramming a superhero showdown, a Justice League setup, and Lex Luthor’s schemes into one messy package. Subplots like the Knightmare sequence and Wonder Woman’s introduction feel forced, diluting the core conflict. 

This lack of focus makes the narrative hard to follow, especially for casual viewers. Modern audiences prefer tighter, more cohesive stories, and the film’s ambition now feels like a cluttered misstep compared to streamlined hits like ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’.

Grim Tone

Zack Snyder’s dark, brooding aesthetic leans heavily into gloom, with little room for levity or hope. Batman’s brutal violence and Superman’s constant anguish clash with the brighter, more balanced tone of later DCEU films like ‘Shazam!’. 

The unrelenting seriousness feels dated in a genre that now embraces humor and heart. I find the film’s refusal to lighten up makes it a slog, especially when compared to the wit of ‘The Batman’.

Lex Luthor’s Mischaracterization

Jesse Eisenberg’s take on Lex Luthor as a jittery, eccentric tech bro misses the mark. Unlike the calculated, imposing villain of comics or Gene Hackman’s iconic portrayal in ‘Superman’, this Lex feels like a caricature. 

His erratic behavior and unclear motives confuse rather than captivate. Today’s audiences expect villains with depth, like Thanos in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’, making Eisenberg’s performance feel like a relic of misguided casting.

Weak Character Motivations

The central conflict—Batman’s vendetta against Superman—relies on flimsy reasoning. Bruce Wayne’s fear of Superman’s power feels forced, especially when resolved by a shared connection to their mothers’ name, Martha. 

This infamous scene now feels laughably simplistic, undermining the stakes. Modern superhero films, like ‘Captain America: Civil War’, ground their conflicts in believable ideological clashes, highlighting how thin ‘Batman v Superman’s motivations are.

Pacing Issues

The film’s runtime, clocking in at over two and a half hours, drags with slow, ponderous scenes that disrupt the flow. Long stretches of exposition and dream sequences sap momentum from the action. 

Compared to the brisk pacing of ‘Wonder Woman’, the film feels bloated. I find myself skipping chunks on rewatch, a sign the editing didn’t prioritize audience engagement.

Underdeveloped Supporting Cast

Characters like Lois Lane and Wonder Woman get shortchanged, serving as plot devices rather than fully realized figures. Amy Adams’ Lois spends most of her time chasing leads that feel inconsequential, while Gal Gadot’s Diana has minimal screen time. 

Later DCEU entries, like ‘Aquaman’, give supporting characters room to shine. The film’s failure to flesh out its ensemble makes it feel hollow compared to richer team-ups.

Overreliance on CGI

The climactic battle with Doomsday leans heavily on CGI spectacle, but the visuals haven’t aged well. The monster’s design and the chaotic fight feel dated next to the practical effects and polished visuals of ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’. 

The reliance on digital bombast over practical stunts makes the action feel weightless. I’d rather see grounded choreography than a CGI slugfest that looks like a video game cutscene.

Justice League Setup Over Character

The film prioritizes setting up the Justice League over developing its main characters. Cameos for Aquaman, Flash, and Cyborg feel like trailers for future films, not organic parts of the story. 

This forward-looking approach sacrifices depth for Batman and Superman. Newer superhero films, like ‘Black Panther’, focus on standalone stories, making ‘Batman v Superman’s agenda-driven narrative feel outdated.

Superman’s Lack of Agency

Henry Cavill’s Superman feels passive, reacting to events rather than driving them. His brooding demeanor and lack of clear goals make him less compelling than the hopeful hero of ‘Man of Steel’. 

Audiences now gravitate toward proactive heroes, like those in ‘Shang-Chi’. Superman’s sidelined role leaves a void, making the film feel unbalanced on rewatch.

Missed Emotional Resonance

The film aims for epic tragedy but falls flat emotionally. Key moments, like Superman’s sacrifice, lack the weight they should carry due to rushed character development and tonal missteps. 

When I compare it to the gut-punch moments in ‘Avengers: Endgame’, ‘Batman v Superman’ feels cold. Its inability to connect emotionally makes it hard to care about the stakes, a flaw that’s glaring in hindsight.

What’s your take on ‘Batman v Superman’ today, or is there another superhero film you think doesn’t make sense? Drop your thoughts in the comments!