10 Ways ‘Batman v Superman’ Aged Poorly
When ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ hit theaters in 2016, it promised an epic clash between two of DC’s biggest heroes. The film, directed by Zack Snyder, aimed to set the stage for the DC Extended Universe with bold visuals and a gritty tone, but it left audiences divided with its dark take and messy storytelling.
Over the years, the movie’s flaws have become more glaring, and it struggles to hold up against modern superhero films. From questionable character choices to pacing issues, I’ve pinpointed ten ways this blockbuster hasn’t stood the test of time, exploring what went wrong and why it feels out of place now.
10. Overly Grim Tone
The dark, brooding atmosphere of ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ was meant to set it apart from lighter Marvel films. Zack Snyder leaned hard into a joyless world where heroes are cynical and hope feels scarce.
This approach feels heavy-handed today, as audiences now gravitate toward films like ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ that balance stakes with heart. The relentless gloom makes the movie feel more like a chore than an exciting superhero adventure.
9. Misguided Superman Portrayal
Henry Cavill’s Superman is depicted as a conflicted, almost tragic figure, far from the hopeful icon of classic comics. His dour attitude and questionable actions, like fighting Batman, clash with the character’s core as a symbol of optimism.
Modern audiences expect a Superman who inspires, as seen in ‘Superman & Lois’. This darker take feels like a misstep that alienates fans of the Man of Steel’s traditional values.
8. Batman’s Extreme Violence
Ben Affleck’s Batman is a grizzled, older vigilante who doesn’t hesitate to kill, a stark departure from the character’s no-kill rule in comics. Scenes of him mowing down enemies with guns feel jarring and out of character.
Today, films like ‘The Batman’ show a detective-focused Batman who avoids lethal force, making this version feel like a betrayal of Bruce Wayne’s moral code.
7. Lex Luthor’s Odd Characterization
Jesse Eisenberg’s Lex Luthor is a hyperactive, eccentric villain, more akin to a chaotic tech bro than the calculating mastermind of the comics. His manic energy and convoluted schemes confuse more than they captivate.
Compared to the more grounded villains in recent films like ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’, Eisenberg’s performance feels like a caricature that doesn’t hold up.
6. Convoluted Plot
The film tries to juggle multiple storylines—Batman’s vendetta, Superman’s public scrutiny, Lex’s schemes, and Wonder Woman’s introduction—resulting in a cluttered narrative. Key moments, like the Justice League setup, feel forced and disrupt the flow.
Modern superhero films, such as ‘Avengers: Endgame’ streamline complex stories better, making ‘Batman v Superman’s messy structure stand out as a flaw.
5. The Martha Moment
The infamous scene where Batman spares Superman because their mothers share the name Martha is meant to be emotional but lands as absurd. It reduces a climactic showdown to a poorly executed plot device.
Years later, this moment is mocked more than celebrated, especially when compared to emotionally resonant scenes in films like ‘Logan’, which handle character connections with more depth.
4. Underused Wonder Woman
Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman is a highlight, but her role is limited until the final battle. The film teases her potential without giving her enough screen time or development.
After the success of ‘Wonder Woman’, fans expect more from Diana, and her sidelined presence here feels like a missed opportunity that dates the film.
3. Rushed Justice League Setup
The movie crams in cameos and foreshadowing for the Justice League, like email clips introducing Flash and Aquaman, which feel tacked on. This rush to build a cinematic universe undermines the main story.
Marvel’s patient approach in films like ‘Iron Man’ shows how to introduce a universe naturally, making DC’s hasty attempt look sloppy by comparison.
2. Overreliance on CGI Spectacle
The final battle with Doomsday leans heavily on CGI, creating a visually overwhelming but emotionally hollow climax. The destruction feels repetitive and lacks stakes.
Recent films like ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ balance CGI with character-driven action, highlighting how ‘Batman v Superman’s’ bombast feels outdated.
1. Poor Pacing and Runtime
At over two and a half hours, the theatrical cut of ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ drags with slow scenes and abrupt shifts. Even the extended Ultimate Edition struggles to fix the uneven flow.
Today’s audiences prefer tighter pacing, as seen in ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’, making the film’s bloated runtime a clear sign of its age.
What’s your take on ‘Batman v Superman’ today, or is there another superhero film you think has aged worse? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
