A few reviews

[Moe_Syzlak]

Okay, now I guess this may fall into personal choice.  I've heard something like this argument whenever I criticize bad sci-fi, fantasy, superhero, horror, etc.  It's always like:
-If the cars are coming to life, how do you know simple mechanical tools can't also come to life?! (Maximum Overdrive)
-If they can do impossible flying spin kicks, who's to say they can't learn how to turn into mystical dragons? (Mortal Kombat: Annihilation)
-If a serial killer can invade people's dreams, who's to say the family's pet bird wouldn't turn murderous and then explode? (Nightmare on Elm Street 2)
-If alien metal landed on Earth in only one place and it absorbs kinetic energy, who's to say it doesn't also heal any wound, give people a genius understanding of how to invent new tech, make them incredibly rich despite zero trade or production, and also become sharp enough to pierce any normal metal?  (Black Panther)

So, here's my take on it as an audience member: throw me a bone, writers.  I'm on your side.  I came to the movie to get wrapped up in a story.  I'm with you, just don't lose me.  If the writers/director just lays a little groundwork to build that world and show how X happened, I'm on board.  If they establish the rules of their universe and this is just a variation of that, I'll go along for that ride.  If their premise is about one thing, but suddenly something incredible but unrelated is thrown on top with no explanation?  They lost me.  Especially if it's a deus ex machina resolution to some plot point they've written themselves into a corner on.  Superman's unexplained time-travelling ability falls into that category for me.  Sorry to shit on a beloved franchise!  That's just my take.

I agree with this. Stories should play within the rules they establish. Superman is an extraterrestrial being so he has “powers” but he is living on Earth and all earthly physics seemingly apply with exception of his superpowers. And it does reek of Deus Ex Machina in the same way that Star Wars often solves its issues with “because of the Force.”

But not everyone always agrees (shocker!) on what makes something implausible or a cheat in-universe. My favorite example is the much loved The Prestige. The movie goes along for most of its runtime leading the viewer to believe it exists in a sort of historical fiction world. Suddenly sci fi elements are thrown into the mix to give the story its twist. I liked the movie up to that point but I have a major eye roll once that happens and it ruins the movie for me. But obviously most people don’t see it that way as it’s one of Nolan’s most praised movies.