Court of Owls isn't my favorite Batman story, but I think it's fairly well done. I think they are interesting because they are almost like a collective of villains for Batman than a singular one. They definitely fit into that old world gothic style of Gotham City. Like they've been a part of Gotham since it was established. Like their roots grow deep and can never be truly removed.
And I hated a lot of New 52 as well.
That being said, I'm not sure if Court of Owls is the right place to start for a new movie that for all intents and purposes is meant to set the tone for a new Batman film series.