How could a good movie be so bad?

Rating: 4/10 (29 January 2014)

Before watching MoS for the first time I was so excited! Afterward, I was left feeling like I had lost what felt like six hours of my life (actual runtime is 2hr.23min.)that I could never get back, and oh how I wish I could. Snyder actually managed to make Superman Returns look good. I found very little of MoS enjoyable to watch. After my first viewing I was seething with hatred for Snyder, but to remain objective, I've put off writing a review for some time. HOWEVER, after re-watching this abomination three additional times, I can honestly say it is the MOST disappointing movie of recent years. Snyder spends an inconceivable amount of time, money, and effort blowing things up, and for no reason what so ever, but that isn't even close to the worst part. While I am more a fan of film than graphic novels, I find Snyder's betrayal of the basic elements of Superman appalling. In this representation (a hollow shell of what it could have been given the budget and casting) Superman seems to have no power over the events unfolding in front of him, so much so that his anonymity is lost about half way through the film. If he could have retained it, it may have been a vessel for more proper character development, (not to mention so many fans could have seen the romantic/sexual tension build between Lane and Kent until his EVENTUAL reveal) but no; the storyline which is essential to the Superman mythos is abandoned in lieu over the top action sequences, and while they are visually pleasing, they run on so long I almost nodded off several times despite the loud CRACK BANG BOOM of Metropolis being reduced to a pile of rubble. Which brings me to the biggest problem I have with the film. THERE HAS TO BE A METROPOLIS FOR SUPERMAN TO PROTECT but the extended fight scenes lend to its destruction and the loss of tens, if not hundreds of thousands of lives. The "S" on his costume stands for hope? more like "I hope you're on vacation outside the city." There is in fact so much needless destruction and death, I felt numb to the plight of characters like Perry White and his companions. But, I don't want to give the impression that it was ALL bad. Amy Adams puts this film on her back and carries it into watch-ability with Diane Lane, and Cavil certainly does look the part of Superman. My only hope for the future? I hope Snyder doesn't return batman to the dark ages (see Joel Schumacher)in a candy coated MoS sequel, and takes more time to focus on what matters, the story.