The Man of Steel Returns

Superman is the most iconic superhero in the world. Although you would not know it judging by the last several films released. It seems like the last great Superman film was Superman II, but that was nearly decades ago. Superman III was a joke, and the less said about Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, the better. Superman Returns, which was supposed to relaunch ended up falling flat despite its good intentions. So I was hesitant when Man of Steel was announced. I was even more apprehensive when Zack Synder was going to direct it. Synder knows how to direct action well, but his last two projects are mediocre at best. However, Christopher Nolan was a producer on the film, so I still had some optimism about the film. After seeing the film,I have to say that it greatly exceeded my expectations.

Everyone should know the origin of Superman, but here it is anyway. The planet Krypton is in ruins. After years of depleting the planet’s natural resources, the Kryptonians face imminent destruction. Jor-El (Russell Crowe) and his wife Lara have given birth to their son Kal-El, which is Krypton’s first natural birth in centuries. Before Jor-El sends his son off to space, he implants him with the genetic codex of the entire Kryptonian race. Decades later Kal-El, now named Clark Kent (Henry Cavill), is living on Earth and trying to find his purpose in life. However, when General Zod (Michael Shannon), Jor-El’s old nemesis, comes looking for him, Clark must embrace his Kryptonian heritage and protect his adopted home world.

The movie is simply fantastic as it provides exhilarating action and spectacle. The frantic battle scenes in Man of Steel are some of the best I have ever seen. It even beats Iron Man 3, which came out earlier in May. Henry Cavill is a great Superman but still does not reach the same heights as Christopher Reeves. Cavill does not try to imitate Reeves, which is what Brandon Routh tried to do in Superman Returns. He puts his own spin on Superman, and it works for the most part. Amy Adams shines as Lois Lane because the script actually gives Lane something to do this time. She is not just the damsel-in-distress and actually contributes to the main plot.

The main problem I had with the film is the tone. Superman is supposed to be upbeat and inspiring, but at times the film can be dark and brooding. That kind of dark tone is okay for a Batman film, but Superman is supposed to be a little more uplifting. However, it still did not prevent me from liking the film.

Man of Steel is a great summer blockbuster with spectacular action, good performances, and it is definitely the best Superman film I have seen in a long time.

Man of Steel - 4.5/5