Once again, the action picks up after the dreadful ending of Snyder's dour Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. The Man Of Steel (Henry Cavill) is definitely dead (did anyone actually believe that?) and the world is in mourning.

But with Ciarán Hind's inter-dimensional invader Steppenwolf sensing an opportunity, a depressed Batman (Ben Affleck) summons up the energy to recruit a crack team of superheroes – Jason Momoa's Aquaman (still mourning the death of his dad) Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman (mourning the death of her boyfriend), Ray Fisher’s Cyborg (mourning the death of his mum) and the refreshingly tragedy free Flash (Ezra Miller).

Thankfully, Snyder makes full use of Miller's mouth-motored ramblings. They aren't exactly funny but they let a chink of light into a relentlessly grim fantasy world.

While this bloated epic can be hard-going in one sitting (I'd recommend watching it in chunks), there are some flashes of genuine brilliance.

The new finale is far more spectacular and Flash gets an achingly beautiful slow-motion sequence to show off his super-fast superpowers.

Steppenwolf is far more convincing after a digital makeover and Cyborg's relationship with his father is genuinely touching.

Sadly, an unrepentant Snyder hasn't learned from past mistakes. There are more momentum-sapping Batman premonitions, undeveloped subplots that tee up sequels and a mercifully brief appearance from an over-acting Jared Leto's Joker.

It's far better than the original, but core problems remain.

On Sky Cinema and NOW TV from March 18

• Batman
• Marvel
• Family

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