Batman v Superman is probably the most polarizing Superhero movie to date. It seems that once again studio interference may need to shoulder at least some of the blame for the beating the movie took from the critics and fans alike. Almost immediately following BVS’s release, rumor and conjecture developed about how the extended R rated cut might make for a better experience.

Even though the major plot points remained unaffected, the additional thirty minutes does provide some needed cohesion to the narrative. Many of the characters are given moments that actually help to flesh out elements that were originally too fragmented.

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For starters this version does a better job with the character of Superman. Striking more balance between the film’s title characters. Clark/Superman acts like an investigate journalist and has some scenes that make semi-likeable. He may have even smiled once or twice, seriously. Clark’s investigation of the Batman really succeeds in helping the audience appreciate why Superman wants Batman to hang up his cowl and he comes of less hypocritical. Superman is also a little more heroic and compassionate than he appears in the original cut.   

Lois Lane’s character also benefits from the extended cut. In this version she’s more than simply the woman Superman saves and she flexes more of her journalism muscles. Lex Luthor’s motivation for manipulating the heroes into going all Thunderdome on each other is still up for debate; but his maneuvers for setting up the conflict are a bit more defined.  This elevates his character to a more megalomaniac status as opposed to the wacked out eccentric he comes off as.