It's not that "Man of Steel" is a bad movie, it's just that there's nothing here for me to grab onto.

Rating: 5/10 (30 December 2013)

And that's mostly because they spent too much running time and money on the wrong things. Lots of expensive (and garish) CGI. Not enough time getting to know these characters (Laurence Fishburne really got the shaft here, but there's also no chemistry developed between Lois and Superman). So much time is spent on/in Kryptonian settings that there were times I forgot this was a Superman movie. It also doesn't help that Zod's a lame bad guy. And that overwrought Zimmer score won't stop. And how do you completely remove the soul from Pa Kent? Who was that guy they got Costner to play?
But it's still no "Superman III", and here's what they did right:
Snyder's movie stands on its own, devoid of any chains to the Donner films (thought that'd never happen). They also delivered on the flying scenes, emphasizing Superman's power (and his smile when first taking to the skies is infectious), not to mention some majestic cape shots. And it's also a good cast, they just need some actual meat to work with. Which brings me to the movie's greatest strength: the man wearing the tights. Henry Cavill makes for a terrific Superman, charismatic, and boasting a physique to weep openly over. He's absolutely the reason I'd watch a sequel, and I cannot speak highly enough of Cavill's turn in the role.
But this material shouldn't be so dark. They Nolanized it and made everything Batman serious. That's not Superman. If his S-shield is a symbol of hope, then this film is a surprisingly bleak affair.
Not to mention uncharacteristically colorless.
5/10