I remember reading about how controversial this film was, but never really paid attention to it. But after watching the film myself, I figured I could put my two cents in. Personally, I don't think the film is as bad as people say, but it's hardly flawless.
Pros:
The film does a great job at Deconstructing just how Superman would adapt to life on planet Earth. Even doing something as using his Eye Beams is a painful experience. His attempts to control his godlike powers come off as very realistic.
Likewise, the fight scenes with Superman and the Kryptonians, particularly the final battle with Zod, are extremely well choreographed and give a frightening demonstration of just how destructive a bunch of Flying Bricks can be when they duke it out in real life.
The action sequences in general are pretty badass. Especially the scenes with Faora.
Cons:
The general tone of the film was too joyless. It felt like the movie was trying to be The Dark Knight in Superman's costume. Not even Lois Lane, DC's queen of snark, could entertain me as her snarky was heavily toned down. Darker and Edgier doesn't mean it has to be gloomy and dreary.
Likewise, the acting for most of the characters felt too lifeless, almost as if the actors weren't really invested in their roles and were just going through the motions. Michael Shannon and Henry Cavill were the only believable acting in the film. Though I like Shannon's acting better as most of Cavill's lines were him screaming all the time.
Jonathan Kent came off less like a caring father and more like a selfish jackass. I mean, telling Clark not to save a busful of drowning kids just to keep his secret? What the hell, man?! Also, his death was pretty Narmy to me. You're just gonna stand there and not try to run from a tornado? Give me a break.
Also, Clark felt a little OOC during the fights. Case in point: When fighting an opponent as strong as he was, I would think that Superman's first priority would be to take the fight somewhere safe and avoid collateral damage. Also, while Superman has used lethal force before, him snapping Zod's neck was a bit jarring.
Overall, not a bad Superman film, but not great either.
Not A Bad Film, But Certainly Not A "Super Film".
I remember reading about how controversial this film was, but never really paid attention to it. But after watching the film myself, I figured I could put my two cents in. Personally, I don't think the film is as bad as people say, but it's hardly flawless.
Overall, not a bad Superman film, but not great either.