10 Reasons We've Already Given Up On The DC Cinematic Universe

10. Man Of Steel

Where to start with Man of Steel? The gaping plotholes? The overlong action sequences? The mere presence of Russell Crowe? The destructive finale that saw Superman kill not just Zod, but presumably thousands of Metropolis citizens crushed under the pieces of city he routinely demolished? Produced by Christopher Nolan and directed by Zack Snyder, Man of Steel is almost schizophrenic in how it wishes to both ground its hero (that'd be the Nolan influence) and have him recklessly blow things up, sometimes just for the sake of it (that'd be Snyder). The film has a cold, grey look, matched by a cast that mostly phones it in, to play characters who don't require much more anyway. The opening sequence on Krypton sets the scene: it's a mish-mash of ideas that don't quite add up to anything of substance. It's also the first and probably last film that makes roaring lunatic Michael Shannon forgettable, which is not just a cinematic crime but a complete anti-fluke that should never have been able to happen. This misfire is enough to make anyone give up on the DC Cinematic Universe (DCCU) - as an indicator of where DC wants to take its new line of movies, Man of Steel couldn't incite less confidence. But in case you need nine more reasons...