“Man of Steel is a film that I actually didn’t see until it was released on Blu-Ray and partially that was because of the mixed reaction it received when it was released. That being said when I finally got the opportunity to see it I was impressed with the performances from the cast, the visuals, the score, and the costume design. I really enjoyed the film, but realized that it had some issues when it came to the writing. I found that there were certain moments that didn’t quite work, especially in certain scenes with Jonathan Kent. Kevin Costner’s performance was great, but I found the use of his character to be a little heavy handed. All in all it’s a good film that could have been great if the script was given another revision or two. I look forward to seeing how Batman V. Superman builds off of this film and expands the universe they are building.” – Christian Michael Stoic
“I love Superman. Always have. As a kid I dreamed of flying and having nearly limitless strength. As an adult, I’m inspired by his unfailing goodness and his indomitable desire to do right – even when it’s tough, even when no one else in the world agrees. So when Man of Steel presented a Superman who was brought up to resent his powers, to think only of himself, who reluctantly answers the call to action only when it personally affects him, and who causes destruction and death on a massive scale, I revolted. The film itself is a technical marvel – one of the most spectacular translations of comic book action to the giant screen – but it’s ultimately hollow and cruel. It betrays every ideal the last son of Krypton ever stood for, and in doing so fails to accomplish the one thing a Superman movie need do: show us Superman. With the impending release of Batman v Superman, I’d love to once again see a Superman who inspires us to dream, to be better than we are. If that’s not the Kryptonian we get on film, I’m happy at least that we have one on television.” – David Daut
“My second-favorite episode of the 1950s classic Adventures of Superman involves a criminal couple who try to evade justice by taking advantage of Superman’s refusal to kill. He eventually stops them by leaving them atop a mountain to die of natural causes. The episode ends with Clark Kent laughing in his office as he reads the headline about their deaths. I bring this up to illustrate a point—I don’t mind seeing Superman kill people. I kind of enjoy it, actually. But even if I didn’t, I would still love the end of Man of Steel. Some viewers felt Supes was portrayed as a cold-blooded killer who didn’t mind leveling a few buildings, but this is wildly inaccurate. He didn’t kill Zod until he had to, and the guilt was written all over his face. After Man of Steel, the world doesn’t know if Superman is a hero or a threat. What few realize is that Superman is likely asking the same question himself. If my assessment of Man of Steel is correct, Batman v Superman just might give us the most engaging cinematic character study of the Caped Crusader to date. I am very excited to see how these films tie together.” – Kieran Hair
