Truth and Justice...in the 21st Century

Rating: 10/10 (22 June 2013)

At some point, probably in the mid to late 1980's, Batman suddenly became DC Comics' most popular character, and arguably, the most popular superhero character PERIOD, leaving the true 'granddaddy of all superheroes', Superman, far behind. The reasons for this were never difficult to discern. Batman, with his cool Gothic-noir styled world, his psychologically fascinating rogue's gallery, and the overall dark and cynical themes of his franchise (which resonated with the true state of contemporary society only too well) was understandably galaxies ahead in the zeitgeist than Superman with his old-timey ideals of 'Truth, Justice and the American Way'. The fact that Christopher Nolan gave the world the 'Dark Knight' trilogy of the most critically acclaimed comic- book films EVER, while all Superman fans got was a nostalgic look-back at the Christopher Reeves/Richard Donner days, sure didn't do the Big Blue Boy Scout any favors!
Indeed, the greatest triumph of director Zack Snyder and screenwriter David Goyer, is undoubtedly the fact that, for the first time in a long while, Superman seems as grounded, emotionally intense, and dare I say 'cool' as the Dark Knight!
The story is one which everyone is familiar with, yet the details have changed a bit, and its those little changed details which have imparted 'Man of Steel' with greater depth than the previous live-action adaptations of the character. From Krypton, to the Kents, to Clark's developing powers, to his emergence as Superman, his first meeting with Lois Lane; we see all the familiar beats of an often told story, and yet THIS time round, we're far more emotionally involved in this tale than we ever were before. Jor-El and Lara, Jonathan and Martha Kent, Lois, Perry et. all are no longer just supporting characters playing their part in the myth and bowing out from the stage-they truly are full- fledged characters whose actions and fates we are as investing in as we are those of Superman's.
Speaking of the titular Man of Steel, special credit is due to the lead actor Henry Cavill for his very relatable portrayal of a character many have complained is completely unrelatable. In stark contrast to Reeves' somewhat one-dimensional, corny, paragon of selfless heroism, Cavill's Clark Kent is a far more conflicted character, demonstrating a few grey areas that will not fail to shock audiences. This is most vehemently NOT a Superman who spends his days saving kittens from trees.
Amy Adams does a great job as Lois Lane, making her more than just a damsel-in-distress or a standard movie love interest. Russell Crowe and Kevin Costner both stand out as Superman's kryptonian and human fathers respectively. And Michael Shannon truly steals the show as the violent, genocidal, yet oddly sympathetic General Zod.
On the whole, 'Man of Steel' succeeds not only at reinventing a seemingly antiquated hero for the 21st century, but also as the pivotal film that sets the stage for a further realization of the DC Universe on the big screen...