...But we only saw Martha Wayne in flashback...in which she died...

I remember that comic. I'm not sure if I was missing context because I didn't play the game or something, but I remember not understanding it at all. 

I doubt I'll see it again in theatres, but will certainly check out the extended version when I get the DVD/blue ray. I've already got to go to Star Trek 13, Star Wars Rogue Squad, X-Men Apocalypse, Suicide Squad, Doctor Strange and possibly Gambit this year...in addition to Deadpool and Supes Vs. Bats already.  This year's crazy...

Well go ahead and count me as one who liked this film too. I'm quite surprised by it. Yes it has it's flaws but overall, it's imminently far better than MOS.

Affleck performed very well. I liked his Bat costume, so much better than the flat darkened angles that framed Bale. I'm also happy to see him play up the bubbly playboy image some here too, that it wasn't all just grim and dark Bruce. I was disturbed somewhat by his body count here and some justifications for it do come to mind but in the end, I think it boils down that this is an older Bruce, more experienced and obviously war-weary after all these years (What the heck happened to Wayne Manor??) So by now, these deaths could amount to nothing more 'acceptable losses' or causalities in this never-ending war on crime.
Although I wouldn't go as far as to describe him as being like Frank Castle. Some bad guys did survive encountering him after all (by his choice).

I thought Cavill did better here than previously in MOS. The film did a nice job exploring the themes of accountability, responsibility, the limits of authority, and the overt religious overtones. Amy Adams as Lois did an equally nice job as the testing of their relationship and love was a strong part of the film I thought. (But Fishbourne stole the Planet, great job Perry!)

The weak link was Eisenberg as Luthor. I found his motivations lacking. His speech to Superman atop the LexCorp tower might be the closest we get to any kind of explanation but it came off as being too haphazard. I liked his mania and rambling, maybe he was channeling the mad scientist bit to some degree. (But the symbology of the angel/devil painting was very well done I thought).

Gadot, amazing. I'd totally watch a WW film now. Seeing her in action was very cool. And the snippets of the other Leaguers was good too (the shot of Arthur was creepy and mesmerizing though).

The action was epic, I'll give Synder credit for one thing, any battle between foes with that level of power would be that devastating. The opening shots of Bruce moving through the ongoing wreckage of Metropolis, with heat vision beams carving up skyscrapers like a turkey roast, should be that scary and impressive.

And yes, I quite liked the 'Martha' bit, a very lovely twist. It highlights a DC factoid that you normally take for granted yet never really consider and was a great way to sway the balance of the Bat vs Supes fight.

The wife's reactions were telling. She's familiar with the basic mythos, has read the comics before but nowhere near on a regular basis like myself and loves Batman. She loved Affleck, liked the film and afterwards, was considering reading WW again. Although she did remark that the film was dark and gritty.

So is it re-watchable like with Avengers? Maybe. But with the expansion of the DCU and the thematic buildup between characters, I'd more than likely watch this film again before watching MOS again.

 

Similar with me. Those three were my unwatched Marvels until this week. Well, I hadn't seen Man-Thing until yesterday either, but I don't think that counts. Planning on the second Thor or Ant-Man tonight.

Let us know why you think of Winter Soldier. A couple of the action pieces are perhaps my favorite in any film.

Ah, gotcha. IMO, Thor 2 is one of the weaker Marvel movies, and Ant-Man was ok, but nothing to write home about. Cap 2 was amazing, though, and I hope you like it.

Haha

Awesome