I couldn't get a way to the theater and I have money struggles so, I waited until I can watch it bootlegged. I really enjoyed it. I thought it was a good way to start a DC Cinematic Universe. Yes, you get to say "I told you so". Zack Snyder has grown as a filmmaker but Goyer hasn't and it shows in the film. While I did enjoy it, the more emotional scenes didn't hit me and I'm guessing part of that is I wasn't introduced to DC until my dad had me watch Batman and Batman Returns, then it went to Batman Begins. I never watched the Justice League cartoon cause it bored me when I was younger and my dad just never collected DC Comics. So, while I can see the emotional impact of the characters. The emotional scenes didn't strike me and it goes back to my biggest complaint with the movie which I knew from day one it was going to be, underdeveloped characters. We get to know Kal-El/Clark Kent and General Zod but, that's it. The action scenes were great and as far as devastation goes, this is completely new level of it for a comicbook movie. Unfortunately, I can only call them great cause there were times where the picture wasn't as fast as the sound (due to the loading and it being bootlegged), it was hard to tell what was happening at times. Henry Cavill and Michael Shannon are the highlights of the movie, and *****spoiler for those who haven't seen it******** I was hoping to see more Michael Shannon in the DC Universe cause he completely owns Zod, makes him interesting, sympathetic, brutal and just because he's an awesome actor. Everyone else was good of course. But, due to lack of character development really bringing the movie down. It's three out of five stars for me. Definitely Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk and Iron Man 2 all in one film. Definitely am looking forward to the DC Cinematic Universe.
Now, about the sequel. I got two things I want to get off my chest. 1) If they release it next year, it would be an insanely dumb move cause there is no way they'd be able to do it next year. I'm sure everybody from the movie has other projects they're committed to. So, 2014, very unlikely. 2) GET RID OF DAVID GOYER!!! Don't get me wrong, I really liked Man of Steel but David Goyer should not come back for the sequel and should not write Justice League. It's painfully obvious. Not to mention the fact he only deserves half credit for The Dark Knight trilogy and has everyone forgotten about Blade Trinity and The Unborn? Yeah, that's not a good sign at all. Get rid of his ass. For this cinematic universe, I'd hold off on Man of Steel 2 or my preferred title, Superman. Until Wonder Woman and The Flash get made. Those two should be next after Man of Steel. By then in the universe when Superman does come around, Lex Luthor would have rebuilt Metropolis and is campaigning for President and is looking for a reason to get rid of the Man of Steel whether it's by exile or killing him. We would learn about Kryptonite and while Lex Luthor is the brains behind the "master plan" the muscle would be Metallo. Very similar to a lot of people's ideas on this site, if not the exact ideas. I think it would be best to go that route as well as discovering the Clark Kent aspect of the character instead of Kal-El. Just my thoughts.
First thing is first, do NOT try to grab Zack Snyder for Justice League. He should stick with Superman and for Justice League, have someone who hasn't directed a Marvel Cinematic Universe movie or a DC Cinematic Universe movie to direct it. Build up to Justice League. Either accept Green Lantern in the DC Universe or reboot him, Wonder Woman and The Flash should be the next two after Man of Steel, Superman should come out after The Flash and Batman should either be the last film before Justice League or Justice League should happen after Superman. Either way, build up to it. Don't do world's finest until "Phase Two" as I'm calling it. Build audience anticipation. Also, do not have them already be an established team. X-Men and Fantastic Four is one thing but, for Justice League you need to go The Avengers route. I would also personally, have the White Martians be the villains because it's a great way to introduce Martian Manhunter. White Martians are on earth in search for him and that's why mysterious murders happen and it really uses the best of everybody to beat them.
Well, that's about it folks. Comment below with your thoughts.