While it doesn't quite dazzle like Nolan's Batman trilogy, it does pack enough of a punch to satisfy

Rating: 4/10 (12 June 2013)

Now, before I go off on this, I must say that I am the furthest thing from a Superman fan. Quite the contrary, I never really saw what the hype was about. However, after seeing Zack Snyder's rendition of the titular character, it definitely changed my perspective a bit. The film is a visual stunner, with action sequences that are breath taking and absolutely ingeniously shot and constructed. However, the film's true heart exists in humanizing a man that is not human at all, giving him moral dilemmas that challenge his every move. It is a tough feat to do for a seemingly invincible character but Snyder manages to pull it off quite well. Without any spoilers, there are a few touching scenes with Kevin Costner that reminds us of how great he truly he is as an actor. Henry Cavill, while he is better than the atrocious Routh, he never quite soars to the level of Christopher Reeves. Cavill's performance is good for what it is but it leaves you wondering whether or not he is just right or overacting. Now...for the best part of this film...MICHAEL SHANNON. Shannon's performance as Zod is pitch perfect. He's a villain you love to hate and he commands the screen with a villainous beat that is hard to mimic. He is the scene stealer in this film, even more so over Kevin Costner, in my opinion. Amy Adams gives a grim performance as Louis Lane and she is one of the dim parts of the film. Now, being a huge fan of Adams, I can't genuinely say that I hated her performance in this film but I can say that she has done better work and could have done way better than just playing the typical damsel in distress routine despite the character calling for just that. It just seemed that there could have been more to her performance than what was shown.
Now, the story is rather easy to understand, the set up is grand and the execution is pitch perfect but the film fails to dazzle like Nolan's Batman trilogy which serves as a huge influence on this film. The dark tone is misused in this film because the source material doesn't call for it to be as dark as Snyder wanted it which creates a sense of muddled scenes. There can be comic banter but the banter that was placed throughout the film felt as though it was confused on whether or not to take itself too seriously or too light. Either way, the tonal shifts from scene to scene periodically seemed a bit jarring for me. However, Snyder does allow for much darkness to spectacle itself around for much of the final action packed half hour or so which sends the viewer off on a good note.
Overall, I felt this film is the best Superman film since Donner's Superman II. It is loud, seldom dumb, action packed and, for the most part, competently made. Now, as for summer blockbusters go, this is definitely the definitive summer film of 2013 thus far so if you want a good CGI spectacle then this is the film for you. If you're expecting the next Batman Begins, try again. Overall, it is enjoyable, at times mindless and most of all, entertaining.