Near Perfect Translation and Modernization of an Icon

Rating: 9/10 (19 June 2013)

I've refrained from submitting IMDb reviews up to now, mostly because I simply haven't the time, but I felt compelled to make this my first.
I was a comic book freak growing up, though mostly a Marvel devotee (I did read some DC but never really developed a following for any of their characters), and I've watched my share of film adaptations of the characters I grew up with. Some were definitely better than others, and some were downright awful (nobody was more disappointed in "The Spirit" adaptation than I was, and don't even get me started on Doc Savage).
The first trap that this film does *not* fall into is portraying these characters -- some very well defined and formed through years, decades of depictions in other media, print and otherwise -- cartoonishly, as stereotypes, or bizarre caricatures of previous renditions. Most of the familiar characters -- Superman himself, LL, Perry White, the Clarks -- retain their essential, core elements, but are drawn afresh, with modern characteristics drawn in.
Second, this is a pitch-perfect origin tale, with enough background and character development to give you plenty of ground to plow for future story lines. They did not try to do too much, but gave you a very solid structure to build upon and flesh out.
Third, it was a good balance between fanboy fodder and great exposition for the uninitiated. While I sometimes enjoy the plethora of inside jokes and knowing "wink wink, nudge nudge" plot elements that often get throw in liberally in films of this genre, it's disappointing when it causes confusion or worse for the non-fan viewers.
Fourth, many of the broader, more conceptual themes are drawn very nicely, again with a very modern sensibility woven in. This Superman seems contemporary but retains the archetypal soul of a superhero icon.
Fifth, while some of the action/fight sequences do seem a bit long, they are very good, with great FX and not too much graphic gore or gratuitous violence, IMO. Moreover, I didn't think that the FX overran the film, which sometimes happens with "summer" movies. The cinematography and editing were also very good, and certainly a cut above what one might expect to see in an FX-heavy film.
I guess my biggest complaint about this film would be the somewhat tiresome product placements, but even that was mostly limited to one action sequence.
This is a terrific film and a great retelling of the Superman story.