An action-packed superhero blockbuster showcasing legendary characters is being lauded as ‘underrated’ by film fans, and it’s available on ITV2 this afternoon.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, which debuted in 2016, pits Gotham’s dark knight against the Man of Steel after Superman’s actions in Metropolis spark Batman’s fears of an unchecked, god-like power, prompting a personal vendetta to neutralise the threat, whilst the scheming Lex Luthor exploits their rivalry and pursues Kryptonite.

The narrative ultimately compels the heroes to join forces with Wonder Woman against Luthor’s terrifying creation, Doomsday, preventing catastrophe and laying the groundwork for the Justice League.

Ben Affleck portrays Batman whilst Henry Cavill takes on Superman, supported by a stellar cast featuring Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenberg, Gal Gadot and Diane Lane.

Preparation for these roles demanded significant physical transformations, with Ben Affleck packing on 20 pounds of muscle through rigorous training to embody Batman, making him the eldest actor at 43 to portray the character on the big screen at release.

His wasn’t the sole metamorphosis, as Gal Gadot similarly added 17 pounds of muscle mass to prepare for Wonder Woman, reports <a href=”https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/underrated-superhero-film-too-complex-36551555″ rel=”Follow” target=”_self”>the Mirror</a>.

Critical reception has proved divisive, with Rotten Tomatoes awarding just 28% on the Tomatometer.

Nevertheless, passionate supporters are defending the production, with review saying: “Amazing ! Underrated! ! ! Too complex for average viewers! The directors cut is best!”

Another added: “I never understood the negativity to this film. I was looking forward to the two heroes in one film for the first time and I was not disappointed. Great action, looked amazing, and the cast of what would have been the new DC universe left me very surprisingly pleased.

“The extended cut was definitely better as it clarified things a little better and made things make more sense, thus making a better film. A much longer film, however, that felt very long too, but overall I’m still pleased and wished they had continued this DC universe. It starts out strong.

“I think this is the best Superman and best Bat man character renditions. Not sure why the critics hated it but this was a super entertaining movie. Great graphics and fight sequences. I’ll watch it again and again,” said one five-star review.

Another added: “Visuals: 10/10 – Dark, stylish, almost mythic. Every frame looks like a graphic novel come to life. Soundtrack: 10/10 – Zimmer and Junkie XL go crazy here. The Batman theme, Wonder Woman’s entrance… pure chills. Action: 9/10 – The warehouse scene alone is legendary.

“The final battle is huge and chaotic in a good way. Story: 7.5/10 – Ambitious, heavy, and symbolic, but sometimes a bit messy. Still, it has a lot more depth than most superhero movies. Performances: 9/10 – Affleck is a brutal, angry Batman. Cavill continues his grounded, emotional Superman. Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman steals every scene. Overall, 8.5/10.”

Another wrote: “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” is underrated for exploring the consequences of the destruction caused by superheroes, however a miscast Lex Luthor definitely hinders the film’s performance.”

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice airs on Sunday 18 January on ITV2 at 6.10pm.