Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice review

Zack Snyder's Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice is in cinemas now
Zack Snyder's Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice is in cinemas now

What happens when DC Comics tries to take on Marvel Comics at the movies?

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is what happens.

Is this the biggest superhero showdown since, well, the last big superhero showdown? Most definitely.

Marvel has been printing money since it launched its Avengers franchise, now DC Comics wants in.

So they take their two biggest hitters, the Batman and the Superman, and pit them against each other, a man versus a god.

Then they throw in a few other superheroes from their stable to spice things up - or rather, to tease their many movies to come.

Man of Steel director Zack Snyder takes the helm and brings his usual stylish big-screen aesthetic -- but unfortunately his rather patchy storytelling too.

Brit Henry Cavill fills the Superman suit once again, Amy Adams at his side but we have a new Dark Knight.

Ben Affleck is our Caped Crusader, Jeremy Irons his Alfred.

So who is the bad guy?  Well Lex Luther certainly tries to be, with woeful results, I'm afraid. But I will let the rest of this story reveal itself to you over the course of the two-and-a-half hour (!) running time.

There's no question this new superhero mash-up is a hot mess and while I get some fanboys will open fire on it with all guns blazing, I didn't hate it.

There are certainly massive narrative issues, Lex Luther is all wrong, but the Batfleck delivers and I'm eager for the upcoming standalone Wonder Woman film.

Keep your expectations well in check and you might find yourself enjoying this.

Three stars.

Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice:: Director: Zack Snyder:: Starring: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne, Gal Gadot, Jesse Eisenberg, Diane Lane, Jeremy Irons, Holly Hunter, Callan Mulvey:: Rating: M - Violence:: Running Time: 151 minutes:: Release Date: March 24, 2016

Newshub.