Stemming from the DC Extended Universe, Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice, which opens on March 25, is a highly-anticipated event in the comic book movie genre. The film is directed by Zack Snyder, also known for the widely-criticized Superman: Man of Steel. Initial reviews from sneak preview screenings in Los Angeles are highly positive, praising performances by Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor and Ben Affleck as Batman. Eisenberg’s performance has been compared to Heath Ledger’s Joker in 2008’s The Dark Knight, creating a “multi-layered” and “complex” version of Superman’s nemesis Lex Luthor. Ben Affleck’s Batman enjoys inflicting pain on criminals as a sadist, contrary to Christian Bale’s portrayal of the character showing a broader spectrum of human emotion.

Dawn of Justice follows Batman’s standing grudge against Superman, involving chase scenes with the Batwing and the Batmobile, as well as hand-to-hand combat between the two amidst themes of privacy versus security. Towards the end of the conflict, Batman and Superman set aside their differences in order to face Doomsday, the creation of an alien scientist, who serves as Lex Luthor’s muscle to his mastermind.

DC Universe fans should stick around during the end credits for a montage that sets up the Justice League, showing Aquaman, the Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, the Flash, and Robin agreeing to work together against the Legion of Doom.