Lives up to the hype, but contains its flaws like any movie

Rating: 8/10 (21 June 2013)

'Man of Steel' is truly one of the better superhero movies out there. I was significantly disappointed in Iron Man 3. Marvel, in that movie, failed to give the conflict a serious tone. Perhaps that is simply Marvel's style, but 'Man of Steel' did well to create a compelling conflict that was well built. Not just the 'save the world external conflict but the inward conflict for Cal in the film. Therefore, it seems I am beginning my review with my praises of 'Man of Steel'.
The movie is flat-out gorgeous. Snyder does well to light up the screen with beautiful shots. The cinematography and CGI is brilliant eye-candy. I fell in love with all of the close-up detailed, transitional shots. From red wagons to fluttering butterflies, Snyder's cinematic shots and overall decisions when it comes to visual display was completely appropriate and added to the 'rising of a hero' story.
The themes and messages behind the movie are well-built. My favorite sequence of shots is when Cal first gets his suit and is testing it out in the Arctic with Russel Crowe is narrating about being a "hope for humanity...waiting for them to join you in the sun". I love that theme, and it was a great motive for Cal. You can truly feel the responsibility, integrity, self-sacrifice, and courage behind it all. There is a multitude of purpose and direction behind this movie; much can be learned from this film.
Additionally, the musical scores were amazing and kept the movie flowing, injecting emotion. Hans Zimmer did it...what else needs to be said!
Henry Cavill is excellent. Wow, simply awe-inspiring truly. He is the 'Man of Steel'. It was a great casting decision. He embodied the innocent man searching for purpose.
The action was dynamic, not cheesy or dumb, but a fast-paced series of fighting scenes that kept your attention. The antagonists provided a viable, domineering threat.
The exposition seemed long, but necessary. If any introductory superhero movie is the best, it is this one. The rising action gives a clear image of the protagonist. If you are concerned about wasting your money to see it, you are silly. See it, but the following are a few criticisms.
Most of the lines were deep and good. The writing was alright due to the expected cheesy 'superhero-movie' lines that minimized the overall tone of the movie.
I think that the actor playing the villain was adequate. He did okay; however, i believe the role could have been cast better. He did not always provide that villain feel.
Throughout the movie, I felt as if it became very flashback and dream heavy. All of them were awesome and positive but it got a bit ridiculous.
The supporting characters were not developed very well. I agree with the casting there and I understand the maximized focus on Superman. They just felt as if they were detracting from the conflict at times. Even Amy Adams' character became awkward toward the end.
A few flaws, but nothing that gives this movie a rating of anything lower than an 8 out of 10