Ben Affleck Bummed By ‘Batman v Superman’ Slams: Jennifer Garner Family Easter & Superhero Box Office Help [Video]

Ben Affleck didn’t exactly soar with happiness when he read the reviews for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. The reviews were so bad, with critics terming the movie a “trainwreck” and “unholy mess,” that a video titled “Sad Affleck” even went viral.

But although Affleck was bummed by critics’ slams, moviegoers made it clear that they don’t care what reviewers say, giving Batman v Superman a rock star reception at the box office, reported Jezebel.

The box office numbers were impressive, ranking in the top 10 in terms of domestic movie openings, and a superhero opening weekend when it comes to DC Comics films.

Henry Cavill, who is Ben’s Superman co-star, just might be psychic. Because Henry recently revealed his prediction about the difference between what reviewers think and how the public responds to movies.

“What is really going to matter, I believe, is what the audience says. Because they’re the ones who are buying tickets. They’re the ones who want to see more of this kind of story or not and so the audience’s voice is the loudest and after this weekend, the audience, at least partly, will have spoken.”

If you’re counting dollars, the $250 million production budget is a drop in the bucket compared to the Batman v Superman box office total for the weekend of (wait for it) $166.1 million. Feeling less sad, Ben?

Also perking up Affleck’s spirits was his Easter, which focused on family, a source told People.

Although Ben and Jennifer Garner have consciously uncoupled, they’re still a couple when it comes to their children. That meant Easter Sunday was reserved for family time with their three little ones. Violet is 10, Seraphina is 7, and Samuel is thrilled to be a big boy at 4.

“Affleck and Garner spent Easter Sunday with their kids,” revealed the source.

The day began with a Los Angeles church service. Samuel got a superhero ride, because Ben toted the little boy in one of his arms, while Affleck and Jennifer held Seraphina’s hands. The 43-year-old former spouses then enjoyed an Easter egg hunt at their home with pals.

People reports that Batman v Superman broke records with a $170 million domestic opening, which turned the movie into a golden Easter egg for Ben.

For those surprised that a separated couple would spend holidays together, Affleck and Garner have a history of uniting for their children. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day weekend all provided opportunities for Jennifer and Ben to show their determination to keep their children the priority.

Moreover, Affleck revealed that they’re looking forward to a European family vacation as he shoots Justice League in the spring, almost a year after the couple made their split public, which occurred in June. However, both Jen and Ben have emphasized their focus on family.

“We’re doing our very best and we’re putting our kids first and that’s how we’re focusing on our day-to-day lives,” clarified Affleck. “We don’t know what the future’s going to hold, but each step that we take is one where we prioritize our children and everything else comes second.”

While Ben might put Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice second to his family, those watching the box office numbers are noting that the film achieved several notable goals, reported the New York Daily News.

In terms of North America, it achieved a record March opening as well as number four in comic-book adaptations. The superhero movie also soared internationally, achieving $254 million from 66 markets for a premiere of $424.1 million. That puts it on top when it comes to superhero adaptations and a number four ranking compared to all titles.

So while critics ranted and social media included slams such as Batman v. Superman: Yawn of Justice, the movie-goers are making it clear that superheroes have their support. Will a “Glad Ben Affleck” video be coming soon?

[Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Bai Superteas]