A hero for the new generation

Rating: 9/10 (21 October 2013)

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? These are the phrases that comes in mind when someone refers to the Superman. The movie Man of Steel has certainly shown dare and has broken the tradition that we see in the old Superman movies. Henry Cavill has certainly proved and lived up to the expectations that people had when this movie was about to be released. He is a complete opposite of the old Clark Kent/Superman played by Christopher Reeve. The new Kent/Superman is less humorous, comes to know of his power when he was a child and tries to fit in to the society throughout the movie unlike the character played by Reeve. As a Reeve fan you might find it hard to accept Cavill as the Man of Steel but he will grow on you during the entire duration of the movie. Even the meaning of symbol 'S' has been changed representing hope and sigil of the house of El.
The whole movie is presented as any other Snyder movie- dark themed, close up actions, tragedy in every half an hour but this time these things are what that had made it one of the unique and unforgettable movies of 2013. Story is well pitched and has a great pace which will captivate the audience. Kevin Costner has played a troubled earth dad of Clark who tries to find the meaning of his(Clark's) arrival to Earth and even motivates Clark to do it. Jor-El wonderfully portrayed by Russell Crowe who in every bit has looked as much of a Kryptonian as Brando himself. But its Michael Shannon who takes the prize for his portrayal of General Zod, a commander so ruthless who will do anything to save his planet(Kryptonite). He mourns for his friend (Jor-El) but at the same time is willing to destroy Kal-El (Jor-El's son) showing that nothing comes between him and his duty towards his planet. He is not propelled by greed or evil towards his mission but by determination which keeps him on par with Kal-El.
The daily planet cast have been shown as average with importance given to Lois Lane (Amy Adams) who throughout the movie pursues the mysterious hero and fights with her boss. Laurence Fishburne though given a small role as Perry has done good but somewhat been under utilized.
The whole movie is presented with a wonderful background score none other than the maestro of music Hans Zimmer himself. From scene one to to the ending part not a single moment is there where the beat and the tune doesn't keeps the viewer intrigued. The visuals are really good and certainly would be magnificent if watched in IMAX.
All in all this movie is entertaining and certainly exceeds the expectations of any action movie buff. I will myself rate it to 8.7. I would have given it somewhere around 9 if not for certain cheap humor at one or two places and uselessness of one or two characters.
In the end I would just like to quote that this movie certainly gives itself an "Ideal to strive towards" for a sequel which we will be certainly waiting for.