Superman is Back, and He Soars High

Rating: 9/10 (28 June 2013)

Who doesn't know Superman? He's undoubtedly among the most popular superheroes and arguably the most popular one. With his trademark red cape, "S" emblem emblazoned on his chest, and trademark red underwear (worn underneath this time), Superman's become a cultural icon and universally beloved.
His films started arriving in 1978. An excellent film, it was followed by the equally superb sequel. The subsequent installments failed to match the impressiveness of the first two installments, especially the fourth one, so disastrous that it killed the franchise for 19 years before they tried to bring it back to life in 2006 with the release of "Superman Returns", which was still a disappointment. Now, we finally have another Superman film: "Man of Steel". And I'm happy to say that it is excellent.
You've seen the previews and trailers and they're excellent. "Man of Steel" does live up to the expectations set by its brilliant previews. And while critics are bashing it for the super- serious Superman, lack of Clark-Lois chemistry and too much action, I'm sure that the general audience and fans will enjoy this adventure.
The 148-minute journey starts off with the destruction of Krypton. I loved the beginning because we are able to explore Krypton, their people, their culture, just how it looks like. Krypton's core is growing unstable and its destruction is soon and inevitable. Jor-El and General Zod acknowledge this fact but the Council won't buy it. Zod attempts a rebellion but fails and is sentenced to the Phantom Zone, Jor-El died in a battle with Zod, and Krypton is destroyed. But baby Kal-El is able to escape in a spaceship and arrives on a farm in Kansas on Earth. He is taken care of by Jonathan and Martha Kent.
We then see Clark take on several jobs under false identities, with his childhood portrayed in occasional flashbacks. We see times where he used his superhuman abilities and receives lecture from his Jonathan Kent telling him to keep this side of himself a secret. Finally, Clark discovers a Kryptonian spaceship and sparks a conversation with a hologram of Jor-El. He then receives his Superman suit (no underwear outside) and becomes the Man of Steel as we know it. And then he flies...
When he flies, he laughs in joy. (Earth's gravity is weaker than Krypton's) I loved this scene because he really feels human, after living most of his life here. He's so happy when he flies, just like any other human would if they could. It's such a special moment for him and this scene is just "Wow"!
And then Zod makes a grand appearance with his henchmen (including the ruthless Faora-Ul), and we soon know Superman's identity is soon going to be known worldwide. After several conversations, Superman (along with the military soon after) engage in a battle against Zod's forces...
...and we then witness some of the most spectacular action sequences ever crafted. Any worries that "Man of Steel" would be action-less (like "Superman Returns") should be put to rest because this film delivers mind-blowing intense sequences of battles. Superpowered Kryptons battling each other is just plenty of fun to watch. So much wreckage, and explosions too (but not as much as the obnoxious "Transformers"). Critics are bashing it for having too much action. From my perspective, it's not too much. It's just a crazy action sequence followed by another crazy action sequence and so on. By the end of it, you'll say "I'm satisfied" instead of "I want more".
Superman is far more serious this time around. Another area where some critics are criticizing on, but I don't find that bad. In fact, I feel that having a serious Superman is pretty cool. He's serious, calm, humble, and super! Henry Cavill, the star who fills in the shoes once used by Christopher Reeve and Brandon Routh, does a terrific job of portraying this latest incarnation of Superman. He's able to blend all this seriousness, humility, serenity, tranquility into one and is able to create a Superman that's really human.
The rest of the cast is superb too. Amy Adams is Lois Lane, a reporter Clark meets in an encounter in the spaceship where Clark discovers his identity. Amy Adams portrays a Lois Lane that's curious and not a damsel in distress, someone who can act. Kevin Costner and Russell Crowe play their roles as Clark's adopted and biological father, respectively. They play their fatherly roles so leisurely, so easily, with ease that they're splendid to watch. Diane Lane and Ayelet Zurer also play their mother roles skillfully. Michael Shannon delivers a terrific performance as the merciless General Zod. He delivers his lines so powerfully that you can feel the anger.
I loved the chemistry between Clark and Jonathan Kent. Their meaningful conversations, reflections on situations, thoughts on the possibilities of life, I enjoyed all that and it gives this movie enough heart to make it a heartwarming experience. Clark's relationship with Martha Kent is also impressive, especially when Martha tries to calm Clark after he is overwhelmed with his super-senses.
Many critics comment on the lack of interaction between Superman and Lois. Their interaction is a bit limited but it's more of an origin story this time around. The love storyline could perhaps be more focused in the follow-up.
All in all, "Man of Steel" is an impressive reboot and mostly successful one for the Superman franchise. It may not be perfect, some elements can be improved and some plot points contain minor problems and inconsistencies. But if you let that go away, this movie will blow you away. And I dare say that this is better than "Iron Man 3".
Rating: 9/10
Final Verdict: It's not perfect but "Man of Steel" is a superhero film that will amaze you with its impressive action sequences, amazing performances, and surprising heart.