This past Friday saw the release of Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, the first film to ever have two of DC Comic’s beloved characters go head-to-head (before eventually teaming up of course). After initial positive buzz following the world premiere, it was eventually released to vast panning by critics, where it now sits at 29% on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite the negative response, the movie is still doing well financially and the overall user reviews from Metacritic are at a ‘generally favourable’ level. So what was it about this film that has either delighted or upset both critics and comic book fans alike?
MediaMiser took to social media to analyze the Twitter user reviews from both critics and fans in order to determine where the actual rating for this film lay. The result? A movie that divided viewers almost right down the middle.
As far as the negative tweets were concerned, several Twitter users referenced the darkness of the film, noting that it was overly violent and not something that children should be watching. This surprised several users and critics considering the usual youth appeal that these characters have.
Part of me really wants both Batman & Superman to continue killing people in this franchise just to piss everyone off.
— Jesabel (@JesabelRaay) March 26, 2016
Over and over I’m seeing reviews mention that a movie featuring Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman is not suitable for children.
— Cameron Stewart (@cameronMstewart) March 23, 2016
A largely controversial facet of the film is that Batman actually causes the death of several criminals, leading to a rougher and more violent portrayal of the Dark Knight.
Why Batman Kills People in Batman V Superman – https://t.co/q5HujE8X5U pic.twitter.com/GxYAV9f4DX
— Screen Rant (@screenrant) March 25, 2016
The above point has caused such division, that the director of the film has come out and explained his methods, pointing to past Batman films as evidence that there is a very grey area when it comes to this.
Jesse Eisenberg’s performance as Lex Luthor divided fans as it made the list for both the positive and negative Twitter user reviews. Viewers either thought that he was a poor choice, or that his unique approach to the character suited them.
I just realized Jesse Eisenberg would’ve been perfect casting as The Riddler. Someone definitely mixed up his files and made him Lex Luther.
— Nathan Zed (@NathanZed) March 26, 2016
@BatmanvSuperman was AMAZING. Gotta say the MVP was #JesseEisenberg : amazing, terrifying, and completely psychotic. #BatmanvSuperman
— Taylor Paige (@TaylorPaige017) March 25, 2016
The positive for the film seemed to revolve around two major points: that users were not pleased with how critics went after the film, and that Gal Gadot’s performance as Wonder Woman was the standout moment for many viewers. The inclusion of the female superhero in the film turned out to be an excellent choice, as users noted that she stole the show from the two title characters.
How Wonder Woman Stole #BatmanVSuperman Away From The Broody Boys (by @newyorkbell) https://t.co/jiRorRWY6Y pic.twitter.com/9oyNuzBtXR
— MTV News (@MTVNews) March 28, 2016
It was no surprise that after several critics panned the film, several positive Twitter user reviews would include that as part of their commentary.
The critics, sobbing heavily, while holding their reviews: “Please, stop liking #BatmanvSuperman.
Me: pic.twitter.com/BMXwRnHDZL
— Denizcan Wayne (@MrFilmkritik) March 30, 2016
“Batman v Superman was dreadful”
Me: “Did u see it?”
“No, but it got a 29% on Rotten Tomatoes. I’m incapable of forming my own opinions”
— Brandon Calvillo (@BJCalvillo) March 30, 2016
So while the film has divided both critics and the public alike, it seems it has done exactly what it was supposed to do: generate debate and buzz, leading to a financially successful franchise.
