2016 was the year when the ultimate outcome of the epic conflict between DC Extended Universe and Marvel Cinematic Universe became clearer, mostly thanks to 2016 DC's tentpole film Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. A sequel to 2013 Man of Steel it features Henry Cavill back in the role of Superman, while Ben Affleck stars as new, rebooted Batman. The plot shows how those two superheroes become bitter rivals and sworn enemies while their conflict is being manipulated by evil tycoon Lex Luthor (played by Jesse Eisenberg). Directed by Zack Snyder, Dawn of Justice is unusually dark, but also rather incomprehensible film, burdened by unnecessary pathos, abysmal dialogues and scenes that serves nothing but as fan service to most esoteric devotees of the original comic books. All that culminates with the usual orgy of CGI violence during the predictable final showdown with utterly forgettable supervillain and seemingly "shocking" but rather predictable plot twist that serves as cliffhanger necessary for new sequels. Impression is saved only by capable supporting cast which includes Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman whose deus ex machina arrival not only rescues film from total disasters but also points towards her own film looking like a much better path for troubled mega-franchise.
RATING: 4/10
