Illustrated by Hayden Johnson
“Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice” is one of the best new movies of 2016. Although many critics have given it bad feedback, I happily disagree.

This movie is a cinematic marvel with gut-wrenching action and heartwarming scenes of friendship, love and family. Throughout the entire film I was entertained and on the edge of my seat.

The story of how Batman and Superman, both of whom are protagonists, end up at odds with each other is both intricate and fascinating.

I was particularly impressed with the performances of Henry Cavill (Superman), Ben Affleck (Batman) and Jesse Eisenberg (Lex Luthor). We have already seen Cavill as Superman in his incredible performance in “Man of Steel,” and he again proved his job as Superman as superb.

I was particularly worried about Affleck’s performance as Batman because of how well Christian Bale carried the Batman franchise previously, but was pleasantly surprised by how Affleck did.

I was excited to see Eisenberg as Luthor. I was impressed with how he carried himself as being wealthy and distinguished but also showed his gangster and mad-scientist side..

I believe, however, that the most exciting piece of this new film is what DC is going to do with the entire “Justice League” franchise. The film was an intriguing start to the new series of movies DC plans will begin producing in 2017.

“It brought a different twist to the story than I had expected,” junior Ben Stanzell said. “It set up a series of movies that have ample potential to be phenomenal.”

I give “Superman vs. Batman: Dawn of Justice” five stars for the incredible story, impressive acting, and for the exciting future.