Lemme start out by saying that I want to have a Man of Steel-esque beatdown on the people that run the IMAX theater in Little Rock, because it seems like they think good sound quality means DEAFENINGLY LOUD SPEAKERS. I have temporary threshold shift from the viewing, in fact I always do after seeing something at this theater, thank goodness I'm in audiology.
Let's get the bad out of the way first. The film suffers on one major front: overuse of CGI and action scenes that go on forever, for which Snyder takes all the blame. I was in a very awkward place in the theater (front right side), so that might have had some influence. The action scenes, while generally awesome, are at times difficult to comprehend because of visuals that look like something out of a video game. It also makes it seem like the longest parts of the film are the action scenes full of CGI, making me look forward to a moment of calm more than anything. I feel like Snyder is a kid in a candy store when it comes to the action in his films, especially here. The Clark and Faora fight scene is actually really well staged when you think about it, but at many times all I could make out was silhouettes in smoke. The final fight scene between Clark and Zod creates almost too much destruction, and it feels like that level of destruction of Metropolis is never really addressed at the end of the film. It's just a sensory overload at times
Seriously Snyder, just fucking calm down already.
Those flaws are glaring, and it really feels like Snyder is repeatedly bashing my head throughout the film with a colorful plush baseball bat. However, I seriously abandon all objectivity when I see Cavill in that suit and when I see those moments of truly earnest emotion. I really did tear up several times throughout the film. In fact I would say as far as hero films go, it's more emotional than a lot of other hero films, maybe even Batman Begins. This film tells the story of how Kal-El becomes Clark Kent, and then Superman very well. This is an origin story in every sense of the word. Nolan and Goyer really nailed it and Snyder delivers powerfully emotional visuals and direction. Major props to all three of them for executing, outside of the TDK trilogy, one of the best superhero films in years.
No one stole the show because the performances were all incredible, my favorite being Cavill. This was perfect casting. He was stoic and godly when he needed to be, yet also quite vulnerable and dare I say it "human". I really connected with him on an emotional level, and I always wanted to see more of him when he wasn't on screen. Reeve was an iconic Superman, but I never had that connection with him, I never felt him. With Cavill, I could feel his anger, I could really feel his power, I could feel his sadness when Jonathan dies.
Speaking of which, Kevin Costner performs beautifully. During that scene where Pa is caught in the tornado and holds up his hand, telling Clark not save him, I almost died a little inside. Russell Crowe is a solid rock of fartherly emotion, that was incredible casting. Antje Traue, as is being discussed, is also really impressive and gives a very sharp and sinister performance. Michael Shannon was also thrilling as a passionate, yet militaristic and controlled villain. Amy Adams was an absolute charm as Lois Lane, and I liked that her character was given a lot of perspective in this film.
The thematically serious, yet optimistic tone of the film is something I really loved too. It's not "too serious" or "too gloomy", please ignore that bullshit. It was in the same vein of Nolan's trilogy. I thought it complemented the themes of "who Superman is" perfectly. Snyder really makes Superman feel like a hero we need. Oh and the film actually was funny, without getting too comical like some Marvel films. So seriously, the critics can go fuck themselves on this one.
I don't think I've ever used the word "emotional" more in any review, but IT FUCKING WAS. I felt like a kid while watching it and I mean that in the best possible way. I need a second viewing without stupidly loud sound, because I feel like I will grow to love this film in the same way I did with TDKR. In fact I left the theater feeling much the same way I did after seeing TDKR, it has it's flaws, but the good massively outweighs the bad. Snyder's universe, unfortunately, doesn't feel like it fits with Nolan's, so I'm hoping a crossover doesn't happen. I still don't want a Justice League film, or at least not for several years. I actually really want a sequel too, if only so that Snyder can improve upon his Snyder-ness.
Overall:
+ incredibly emotional
+ thematically serious yet optimistic tone
+ wonderful performances from everyone
- CGI was mostly good, some parts were too video-gamish
- action scenes went overboard
but it could have been a lot better. There were some problems with the film but it still should have been in the high 70's low 80's of RT. Anyway read it and tell me what you guys think 
