History YMMV / ManOfSteel

* CriticalResearchFailure: During preproduction, writer David S. Goyer was [[ExecutiveMeddling told by executives]] that the escape pod baby Kal-El used to travel to earth couldn't be destroyed by destroying the world engine. The reason? It left Superman with no way of returning to Krypton. You know, ''[[DontExplainTheJoke the planet that blew up at the beginning of the movie]]''.

* DirectorDisplacement: Due to the success of ''Film/TheDarkKnightTrilogy'', many associate ''Man of Steel'' with executive producer Creator/ChristopherNolan rather than director Creator/ZackSnyder.

* VindicatedByHistory: After coming out to a polarized reception, attitudes towards ''[=MoS=]'' have softened more over the years for its willingness to lean into a take on the Superman mythos and character different from the Donner/Reeve movies (helped by Henry Cavill's rising star profile and clear passion for the role), intriguing worldbuilding (especially for the Krypton scenes in the prologue), action sequences (considering this movie was the first live-action Superman movie to have the character display the full extent of his strength in a fight against an opponent of equal power), moments of levity, having a compelling villain in General Zod, and relatively self-contained story (other than a few {{Mythology Gag}}s, there weren't really many attempts at trying to make this movie the springboard for a SharedUniverse). Furthermore, the release of ''Film/ZackSnydersJusticeLeague'' brought critics to revisit ''[=MoS=]'' (along with ''Batman v Superman'') and appreciate it as part of a well-structured trilogy detailing Superman's journey from a conflicted and self-doubting anti-hero to TheCape that he's best known as.

* VindicatedByHistory: After coming out to a polarized reception, attitudes towards ''[=MoS=]'' have softened more over the years for its willingness to lean into a take on the Superman mythos and character different from the Donner/Reeve movies (helped by Henry Cavill's rising star profile and clear passion for the role), intriguing worldbuilding (especially for the Krypton scenes in the prologue), action sequences (considering this movie was the first live-action Superman movie to have the character display the full extent of his strength in a fight against an opponent of equal power), moments of levity, and relatively self-contained story (other than a few {{Mythology Gag}}s, there weren't really many attempts at trying to make this movie the springboard for a SharedUniverse). Furthermore, the release of ''Film/ZackSnydersJusticeLeague'' brought critics to revisit ''[=MoS=]'' (along with ''Batman v Superman'') and appreciate it as part of a well-structured trilogy detailing Superman's journey from a conflicted and self-doubting anti-hero to TheCape that he's best known as.

* VindicatedByHistory: After coming out to a polarized reception, attitudes towards ''[=MoS=]'' have softened more over the years for its willingness to lean into a take on the Superman mythos and character different from the Donner/Reeve movies (helped by Henry Cavill's rising star profile and clear passion for the role), intriguing worldbuilding (especially for the Krypton scenes in the prologue), action sequences (considering this movie was the first live-action Superman movie to have the character display the full extent of his strength in a fight against an opponent of equal power), and relatively self-contained story (other than a few {{Mythology Gag}}s, there weren't really many attempts at trying to make this movie the springboard for a SharedUniverse). Furthermore, the release of ''Film/ZackSnydersJusticeLeague'' brought critics to revisit ''[=MoS=]'' (along with ''Batman v Superman'') and appreciate it as part of a well-structured trilogy detailing Superman's journey from a conflicted and self-doubting anti-hero to TheCape that he's best known as.

* SomeAnvilsNeedToBeDropped: The climax scene when Superman, out of all people, decides to snap [[spoiler: Zod's]] neck. While it is shown to be controversial for being out of character moment for Superman, many fans actually praised this scene to show that sometimes, you won't have answers to the situations that are always [[ViolenceIsTheOnlyOption ethical.]]

** He attempts to threaten Superman's adoptive mother, almost killing her… [[BerserkButton not really a smart move on Zod's part]].

** Attempting to [[spoiler:use his heat vision to fry some innocent bystanders to punctuate his vow to kill ''everyone one by one'' with Superman to witness. Superman ends up breaking his neck, but because of Superman's morality, he goes into a breakdown]].

* NeverLiveItDown: [[spoiler:Superman killing Zod, despite [[ShootTheDog only doing it as a last resort to save a family and he was obviously anguished about having to take a life to accomplish it]] and before he adopted his ThouShallNotKill rule. It is still cited and brought up by DCEU detractors as emblematic of everything they consider wrong with the series, even more than [[InferredHolocaust the massive destruction of the city caused by the fight prior]]. What makes it even more egregious is that those same detractors will often [[DoubleStandard give a pass to the Christopher Reeve movies while condemning this one on this sort of thing]] (for context, Superman killed General Zod back in ''Film/SupermanII'', yet nobody complained about it back then, yet when he kills Zod in this movie, everyone loses their minds).]]

* RonTheDeathEater: ''Superman'' of all people, gets hit with this sometimes, being painted by detractors as selfish and having to be goaded into heroics, despite being a HeroicBystander and [[SamaritanSyndrome being compelled to help long before he got the suit]], and ultimately choosing Earth and humanity over his own people. Also, his DestructiveSavior tendencies are blown out of proportion since he was responsible for only a fraction of the devastation. Likewise his [[spoiler:killing of Zod]] is sometimes treated as an antithesis of Superman's character, despite it clearly being the only option he had, Clark being visibly averse to doing it (he literally begs Zod to stop his attempted massacre before he finally does the deed), and of course his [[TheseHandsHaveKilled reaction]] afterwards making it abundantly clear he took no pleasure in doing so.

* SoOkayItsAverage: The general consensus among critics boils down to this, with many agreeing the film is definitely an entertaining blockbuster, but not quite the masterpiece that the trailers and creative team indicated it would be. Audience reception was [[CriticalBacklash much more positive]]. Comic fans are in more of [[BrokenBase a division]] (particularly because of the scene where [[spoiler:Superman is forced to kill]]).

** The movie is pretty much a modern-day remake of ''Film/SupermanII'' sans the presence of Lex Luthor and a DarkerAndEdgier tone to boot.
** The conflict between Superman and Zod mirrors in many ways the central dramatic beats in Creator/AlanMoore's ''ComicBook/{{Miracleman}}'' -- A fight between two superpowered beings that causes massive collateral damage in a populated area; this fight also serving as the moment [[TheUnmasquedWorld where humanity learns of superpowered beings]] with capabilities and technologies beyond anything they are capable of, and the hero being [[spoiler:forced to kill the bad guy to save innocent lives by snapping his neck]]. Given that Snyder is surprisingly knowledgeable and adept about comics lore for a major film-maker (especially from the '80s) this is very likely an intentional influence on his film.
** Due to the quality of the fight scenes, fans feel that the film was a better ''Franchise/{{Dragonball}}'' movie than the official [[Film/DragonballEvolution Dragonball movie]]. The fight scenes in Man of Steel were brawls translated into live actions from the Superman comics... which in turn were more similar to Dragon Ball style combat in the anime and manga than the "floatier" martial arts style used in Dragonball Evolution.

** According to [[https://m.facebook.com/notes/man-of-steel-fan-gives-hope/zack-snyders-superman-is-the-purest-to-the-lore-ever-put-on-film/1485185938177932 this]] article, this film is a pretty good adaptation of the 1930’s proto-superhero book, ''Literature/{{Gladiator}}''.

* TheyCopiedItSoItSucks: Some viewers noticed it followed ''Film/BatmanBegins'''s steps way too closely, as it not only imitated said film's path for its hero (such as traveling the world to find one's self) but also elements such as the anachronistic order, the WellIntentionedExtremist villain who attacks the hero's home (Gotham/Earth) with a device that alters the environment, the function of Lois Lane and Rachel Dawes and the relationship between the hero and the Government (especially between the trustworthy Gordon/Hardy and the skeptical Loeb/Swanwick), along with hints of the arch-enemy in a future installment (the Joker calling card and the FreezeFrameBonus of the [=LexCorp=] logo showing up).

** The more positive-yet-critical views of the film see the promise of a "realistic look at Superman" to be this. The idea of Superman growing up in more modern, cynical times could have been the grounds for a nice DeconReconSwitch, showing that even in times of tragedy, Superman can find it in himself to be an inspiring figure for humanity. While the film ''tries'' to deliver on this, it ultimately focuses too much time towards Clark going through tragedy and alienation and too little towards him finding the drive needed to become a hero. Thus, several viewers see the shift towards Superman declaring himself a defender of humanity to be jarring and unearned.
** Just like the old films, Jor-El has too much bearing on Clark becoming Superman, with the added complication of Pa Kent's unconventional portrayal. Traditionally (even as far back as the 30's), it is the Kents' upbringing which gives Superman the morals and responsibility needed to use his abilities for good, but despite them having tender moments with Clark, very little of this moral, earthly upbringing is seen. Thankfully, they did downplay Jor-El and Krypton in later films.
** The Kryptonian civil war in the beginning ends almost as quickly as it begins, despite it being shown to be a planetary scale rebellion, thus it looks to be worth a lot of exploration.
** The film leans into the idea that Clark has an idealized vision of what his homeworld and people were like, something he briefly discuss with Jonathan and Martha about prior to Jonathan's death, as he gets annoyed with them and makes a comment about how they aren't really his parents. This seems to be setting up a plot point where Clark learns how flawed Krypton was, especially when he meets Zod and sees how dangerous and unhinged he is. Despite the film setting this idea up through said flashback, the film never dwells on the topic and just moves on without discussing the point. Clark never has a moment where he affirms that he may be Kryptonian, but that he is an Earthling, which is odd because the ending has a scene where Clark makes a comment about being raised on American values, suggesting that he does see himself as an Earthling, but the film never addresses that at all.

* VindicatedByHistory: After coming out to a polarized reception, attitudes towards ''[=MoS=]'' have softened over the years for its take on the Superman mythos and character (helped by Henry Cavill's rising star profile), intriguing worldbuilding (especially for the Krypton sequences), and relatively self-contained story (other than a few {{Mythology Gag}}s, there weren't really any attempts at trying to make this movie the springboard for a SharedUniverse). Furthermore, the release of ''Film/ZackSnydersJusticeLeague'' brought critics to revisit ''[=MoS=]'' and appreciate it (along with ''Batman v Superman'') as part of a well-structured trilogy detailing Superman's hero's journey.

** Some think the 38-year-old Creator/AmyAdams is [[http://splashpage.mtv.com/2011/03/29/superman-amy-adams-lois-lane-2/ too old to play Lois Lane]], also being nine years older than Cavill. In response, comics writer Creator/MarkMillar has argued that an older actress fits, since Lois is already an experienced journalist when Superman debuts. Also, Amy is somewhat famous for [[OlderThanTheyLook looking and seeming much younger than she really is]], constantly playing sweet and youthful characters convincingly.
** Some have objected to Creator/HenryCavill just because he's not American, though this has largely died down after his performance and [[FakeAmerican convincing accent]] were favorably received.

* TaintedByThePreview: People were already divided over the involvement of Creator/ZackSnyder ([[NeverLiveItDown because of]] ''Film/SuckerPunch'') and David S. Goyer and Creator/ChristopherNolan (because some thought their approach for [[Film/TheDarkKnightTrilogy Batman]] wouldn't fit Superman). Then the first ever picture of Henry Cavill in the Superman costume drew mixed reactions for its [[DarkerAndEdgier dark and gloomy tone]] and muted blue filter. Then the first ever teaser trailer drew mixed and confused reactions for its dark and gloomy tone, muted blue filter, [[ArsonMurderAndJaywalking and Clark Kent on a fishing boat]]. The first full trailer again drew mixed reactions for the same reasons though there was finally a taste of the promised action, and many dismissed Hans Zimmer's score just from the snippet used. Add in the people who believe [[NostalgiaFilter the Donner/Reeve/Brando/Williams films will never ever be bettered and are offended by this film's existence]], and you have one heck of a BrokenBase. Safe to say the base was broken from ''the start''.
* TheyChangedItNowItSucks: A lot of viewers were disappointed that ''Man of Steel'' made a deliberate effort to not match the tone of the Christopher Reeve quadrilogy. The problem is that ''Film/SupermanReturns'' tried to do just that to mixed reactions as well.
* TheyCopiedItSoItSucks: Some viewers noticed it followed ''Film/BatmanBegins'''s steps way too closely, as it not only imitated said film's path for its hero (such as traveling the world to find one's self) but also elements such as the anachronistic order, the WellIntentionedExtremist villain who attacks the hero's home (Gotham/Earth) with a device that alters the environment, the function of Lois Lane and Rachel Dawes and the relationship between the hero and the Government (especially between the trustworthy Gordon/Hardy and the skeptical Loeb/Swanwick), along with hints of the arch enemy in a future installment.

** A major highlight are the action scenes, which are a live-action adaptation of how Superman's fights are drawn in the comic books. ''Man of Steel'' properly adapts the speed and power the Kryptonians display in the comic books, and their fights are powerful brawls, whereas prior depictions relied a lot more on CoconutSuperpowers and some degree of obvious WireFu.

** Supes destroying a government surveillance drone tracking him is this in light of the recent controversy over the NSA.

* NeverLiveItDown: [[spoiler:Superman killing Zod, despite [[ShootTheDog only doing it as a last resort to save a family and he was obviously anguished about having to take a life to accomplish it]] and before he adopted his ThouShallNotKill rule. It is still cited and brought up by DCEU detractors as emblematic of everything they consider wrong with the series, even more than [[InferredHolocaust the massive destruction of the city caused by the fight prior]]. What makes it even more egregious is that those same detractors will often [[DoubleStandard give a pass to the Reeves movies while condemning this one on this sort of thing]] (for context, Superman killed General Zod back in Superman II, yet nobody complained about it back then, yet when he kills Zod in this movie, everyone loses their minds).]]

* NeverLiveItDown: [[spoiler:Superman killing Zod, despite [[ShootTheDog only doing it as a last resort to save a family and he was obviously anguished about having to take a life to accomplish it]] and before he adopted his ThouShallNotKill rule. It is still cited and brought up by DCEU detractors as emblematic of everything they consider wrong with the series, even more than [[InferredHolocaust the massive destruction of the city caused by the fight prior]].]]

* SomeAnvilsNeedToBeDropped: The climax scene when Superman, out of all people, decides to snap [[spoiler: Zod's]] neck. While it is shown to be controversial for being out of character moment for Superman, many fans actually praised this scene to show that sometimes, you won't have answers to the situations that are always ethical.

* SomeAnvilsNeedToBeDropped: The climax scene when Superman, out of all people, decides to snap [[spoiler: Zod's]] neck. While it is shown to be controversial for being out of character moment for Superman, many fans actually praised this scene to show that sometimes, you won't have answers to the situations that are always ethically pleasing.

** The Kryptonian civil war in the beginning ends almost as quickly as it begins, despite it being shown to be a planetary scale rebellion, looks to be worth alot of exploration.

* TheyCopiedItSoItSucks: Some viewers noticed it followed ''Film/BatmanBegins'''s steps way too closely, as it not only imitated said film's path for its hero (such as traveling the world to find one's self) but also elements such as the anachronistic order, the WellIntentionedExtremist villain who attacks the hero's home (Gotham/Earth) with a device that alters the environment, the function of Lois Lane and Rachel Dawes and the relationship between the hero and the Government (specially between the trustworthy Gordon/Hardy and the skeptical Loeb/Swanwick), along with hints of the arch enemy in a future installment.

* NeverLiveItDown: [[spoiler:Superman killing Zod, despite [[ShootTheDog only doing it as a last resort to save a family and he was obviously anguished about having to take a life it]] and before he adopted his ThouShallNotKill rule. It is still cited and brought up by DCEU detractors as emblematic of everything they consider wrong with the series, even more than [[InferredHolocaust the massive destruction of the city caused by the fight prior]].]]

** The amount of action. Before the film was released, Goyer said it had more action than any of the ''Film/TheDarkKnightTrilogy''. He wasn't lying. On that note, the level of destruction involved. Some think Superman didn't try enough to stem the level of carnage being done to Smallville and Metropolis, and he sometimes even voluntarily adds to it. He's responsible for bringing a fight from an isolated farmhouse into Smallville central. Though when he does send Zod into orbit, Zod takes them right back to Metropolis. The amount of damage Superman creates also really isn't much different from city fights with powerful villains like Darkseid in ''WesternAnimation/JusticeLeague'' and other recent media, and the US military dealt most of the damage to Smallville through MoreDakka. Others also argue that there wasn't much Clark could have done to avoid endangering anyone; after all, Zod and his follows not only have his powers, but they're also highly trained warriors.

* VindicatedByHistory: Sort of. In the years since the release of the much more divisive ''Film/BatmanVSupermanDawnOfJustice'', this film - whose main flaws can best be described as "''only'' controversial" - has caused a minor reevaluation of its more straightforward plot, crowd-pleasing moments, and hopeful atmosphere.

** Lara worried that the people of Earth would ostracise and kill her son. And another scene has Martha tearfully confess that she's worried that Superman's race will take Clark away from her, something that the latter denies. [[spoiler: In ''Film/BatmanVSupermanDawnOfJustice'' both mothers' fears come true when Superman dies in a HeroicSacrifice]].

** Lara worried that the people of Earth would ostracise and kill her son. And another scene has Martha tearfully confess that she's worried that Superman's race will take Clark away from her, something that the latter denies [[spoiler: In ''Film/BatmanVSupermanDawnOfJustice'' both mothers' fears come true when Superman dies in a HeroicSacrifice]].

** Lara worried that the people of Earth would ostracise and kill her son. [[spoiler: In ''Film/BatmanVSupermanDawnOfJustice'' that's exactly what happens.]]

** Even though [[spoiler: John Kent is killed by a tornado that Clark could have easily saved him from(but didn't because John didn't want him to expose his powers]], Clark begins to use his powers openly(before becoming Superman)to save people from a burning oil derrick and even destroys a truckers livelihood because the man spilled beer on his head and ineffectually tried to push him. Good thing he respected [[spoiler: John's]] wishes!

* NeverLiveItDown: [[spoiler: Superman killing Zod, despite [[ShootTheDog only doing it as a last resort to save a family and he was obviously anguished about having to take a life it]] and before he adopted his ThouShallNotKill rule. It is still cited and brought up by DCEU detractors as emblematic of everything they consider wrong with the series, even more than [[InferredHolocaust the massive destruction of the city caused by the fight prior]].]]

* {{Anvilicious}}:
** The film goes out of its way to portray Superman as some sort of messiah for the human race. It even has a shot of Clark, tormented by his decision over whether or not to surrender himself to Zod, framed by a stained glass depiction of Jesus Christ's Passion at the Garden of Gethsemane (prior to surrendering himself to the high priests) to push the point across. However, that one may be more subtle than Superman floating out of Zod's ship into space in a [[CrucifiedHeroShot crucified Jesus pose]].
** To some extent the film is just following the template of the first Superman film for the Jor-El/Clark relationship - as did ''Film/SupermanReturns'', which was meant to be a sequel. But for some, the Jor-El/God and Superman/Jesus theme was already anvilicious in the first film, even more so in ''Returns'', and could have been [[TheyWastedAPerfectlyGoodPlot avoided or downplayed for a reboot]], since the comics have ''never'' had this theme.
** It should also be noted that some Christians prefer this film's symbolism over the other films'. Clark Kent as a fallible human being (or alien immigrant from a failed society) struggling with his doubts and seeking guidance in a house of God doesn't jar quite as much as a direct Christ parallel who's also a deadbeat dad from a "superior" culture.

** Some time after [[spoiler:destroying his ship and killing Zod – effectively wiping out what's left of his long sought-after home world –]] Clark cheerfully tells his mother that he's finally figured out a way to balance his dual identities.

* ItsTheSameNowItSucks: The film has faced many accusations of trying to piggyback on the success of [[Film/TheDarkKnightTrilogy Christopher Nolan's Batman films,]] with its dark tone and washed out color palate, except those things don't fit Superman at all.

** Fans happy about the reboot vs fans upset that ''Film/SupermanReturns'' isn't being followed upon.
** Comparisons between Creator/ChristopherReeve and Creator/HenryCavill, Creator/RussellCrowe and Creator/MarlonBrando, and Creator/MichaelShannon and Creator/TerenceStamp. Creator/AmyAdams and Creator/MargotKidder seem (comparatively speaking) equally liked.
** Some of the powers have got this as well; such as the new heat vision effects: consistently realistic, or too much like [[WesternAnimation/LooneyTunes Marvin The Martian's]] laser-ray?

** The fact the sequel is a {{Crossover}} with Franchise/{{Batman}} instead of a standalone continuation of the narrative. People are either excited at how the World's Finest will have a live-action movie for the first time, or rather would have the sequel be more focused on Superman's character development.

** For some, allowing Music/HansZimmer to create his own score for the film instead of reusing Music/JohnWilliams' classic compositions was not acceptable and doing so robbed a fundamental majesty to Superman. Others found the music to be just as good at playing up what Clark is about and the conflicts he engages with.

* CommonKnowledge: Superman is often held directly responsible for the large amount of destruction sustained by the Metropolis during the film's final battle, and is also characterized as being indifferent to it. This ignores that the Kryptonians were the ones picking the time and place of the battle and he had limited power to draw them away, since they could have just continued killing civilians instead of trying to chase him until he is forced to come back to them. However, the interpretation of Clark Kent as indifferent to the violence is unintentionally reinforced by the film-makers failing to show any regret about the casualties on his part both during the battle and in the [[MoodWhiplash dissonantly happy]] epilogue scenes.
** Similarly, Superman in this film has a reputation for being the live-action superman "who loves murder" and resolves every conflict with violence as his first and only solution. This despite the fact that in the infamous NeckSnap scene, Superman is literally ''begging'' General Zod to surrender peacefully, and being [[RedemptionRejection coldly refused]], even while the latter is trying to [[MoralEventHorizon murder a random family with his heat vision for no reason other than to torment Superman]] (or to [[SuicideByCop force him to kill]].) Not to mention the SkywardScream of pure anguish Superman lets out after doing the deed. But no, Superman ''must'' [[NeverLiveItDown be a complete psychopath forever]] because "Superman doesn't kill."

** {{Downplayed|Trope}}. The film has a rating of 55% with critics and a 75% with audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. That said, it really polarized hardcore Superman fans due to the [[TheyChangedItNowItSucks liberties taken with the source material]] ([[MovieSuperheroesWearBlack not just the costume, either]]). Despite this, the movie had very positive audience reactions and word of mouth, and collected the highest-grossing June opening weekend at the time (before being surpassed by ''Film/JurassicWorld'' two years later).