Every year, new movies come out that redefine their genre. Since 2008, Marvel Studios has been doing just that with films that revolve around superheroes and has set the bar for any similar movies that might be made in the future. On March 25, 2016, however, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice was released to theaters in the United States and was able to reach that bar. Based on characters from DC Comics, the film focuses on the epic battle between the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel. Director Zack Snyder excells at bringing the film and all of its characters to life, yet many critics offer mixed reviews on this spectacular showdown between two of the most beloved and well-known superheroes of all time.

A number of critics writing for numerous websites and magazines argue that the film does not live up to its hype. Some believe that Snyder’s take on what’s referred to in the film by Jesse Eisenberg’s character Lex Luthor as, “The greatest gladiator match in the history of the world,” is not what they thought it would be.

In the New York Times, A.O. Scott wrote, “It is about as diverting as having a porcelain sink broken over your head … not so much a ‘dawn’ as an entire morning spent watching the clock in anticipation of lunchtime.”

Michael Phillips of the Chicago Tribune wrote, “Humankind deserves a better blockbuster.”

I believe, however, that Snyder gives his audiences that early summer blockbuster they deserve.

Snyder’s film excels in many ways. First and foremost, the actors in the film do their characters justice and bring them to life on the big screen in a very different way from previous adaptations. Ben Affleck portrays a much darker and worn-out Batman than other actors who have also donned the cape and cowl like Christian Bale and Michael Keaton. In Snyder’s version of Batman, the Caped Crusader has been fighting crime and putting away criminals in Gotham City for 20 years. He’s been through some struggles and for the first time, the character’s origin story is not the focus of his development. Henry Cavill, who reprises his role from Man of Steel, portrays a much different Superman than most fans are used to seeing. Cavill’s take on the Last Son of Krypton is, much like Affleck’s Batman, much darker and more complex. For the first time, Superman is torn between doing what is right and what the government and the people of the United States want him to do. It’s the love of his life, Lois Lane, played by Amy Adams who keeps him grounded.

Eisenberg takes on the role of Superman’s archenemy, Lex Luthor. Snyder cast Eisenberg, who gained notice for his role in The Social Network, in an attempt to create a younger, more psychotic version of Luthor. Many critics believe that Eisenberg does a poor job in his portrayal of the villain. If Snyder was going for a much more manipulative and crazy version of the character, than he succeeded. If, however, he was trying to make Eisenberg’s version similar to others who have played the character, then I can agree with critics’ disappointment.

For the first time in 75 years, Wonder Woman makes her debut on the big screen. Alongside her fellow Justice League members, the Amazonian princess and warrior practically steals the show. Gal Gadot, the Israeli model who brings Wonder Woman to life, gives an excellent, and at the same time, mysterious performance. Gadot’s screen time is just long enough to get a good glimpse of the female fighter and what she is capable of, but also get audiences excited for her upcoming solo movie in 2017.

On top of acting, the film also succeeds in visual effects and sound effects. It has the perfect combination of computer generated images and an appropriate soundtrack that gives the film its dark and powerful allure.

The ending of the film leaves audiences on the edges of their seats, and personally, I can not wait for future DC film releases. In DC’s next movie, Suicide Squad, which comes out on August 5, 2016, Jared Leto will be making his comic book debut as the Joker and Margot Robbie will be making hers as Harley Quinn. Other upcoming movies to look forward to are Wonder Woman and Justice League: Part 1 in 2017, Flash and Aquaman in 2018, Justice League: Part 2 in 2019, and finally, Cyborg in 2020.