An excellent movie, but not impressive.

Rating: 7/10 (12 June 2013)

I don't like to review Man of Steel because I hate what I have to say about the movie, yet I am about to.
First of all, I went to see this movie in its first opening day (which I don't usually do because I don't like bumping into the crowd who are as eager as I am to see each movie in its first day) because it is produced by one of the greatest filmmakers in Hollywood- Christopher Nolan and written by one of the greatest writers in Hollywood- David S. Goyer. When you see a movie associated with those names, you will not have any second thoughts that that movie will blow you away. So why am I so disappointed with Man of Steel? There are a couple of flaws I've seen with the movie including the unexplained whereabouts of Clark Kent, how and why he got to such places and all that. There is too much flashbacks that didn't really significantly explain everything, except for the part where General Zod is talking to Clark Kent about the planet Krypton in Clark's subconscious state. The fighting stunts are superb but they make you wonder why would a superhero allow too much destruction in the city when he could have certainly minimized it by, say shoving the enemy into space (or maybe into the cornfields) rather than throwing the enemy around the city that trampled hundreds of skyscrapers to pieces. On the good side, the movie proved to be very entertaining and thrilling, typical of a Christopher Nolan production.
The main aspect that bothered me the most is the acting and casting of characters save for Russell Crowe's prominent appearances in the film. Henry Cavill undeniably is the perfect choice for the Man of Steel. He's got the perfect physique, character, look, stature- very prototype of a superhero character. (He's done a great job in The Tudors by the way.) Unfortunately, I can't say the same for his acting in the Man of Steel. It is not bad but not impressive. There is something lacking in his portrayal of the character. I can't tell what because I am not a talent coach but as a movie buff I can tell something is missing in his acting. Amy Adams is a talented and esteemed actress but I don't think she is a perfect choice for Lois Lane. Amy Adams' depiction of Lois Lane is not tough unlike the original comic character, which is actually closely portrayed by Erica Durance in Smallville. One more thing- Amy's character is blonde; Lois Lane is not. (By the way I have to admit I got used to and liked Erica Durance's strong-willed Lois Lane. She did a lot better than Amy Adams.) The movie also did not maximize the potentials of two of the veteran actors in the movie- Kevin Costner and Diane Lane whose acting prowess would have improved the dramatic theme of the film had they been utilized very well in every scene they were in.
Who should I blame for the glitches of the movie? Maybe it's the actors who did not perform well? Maybe Zack Snyder should have done better to bring out the best in the main actors of the movie? Maybe Christopher Nolan should have directed the movie instead? Or maybe I should instead blame myself for expecting too much from the film that I got so disappointed when the movie did not blow my expectations away?
Nevertheless, Man of Steel is an excellent movie that every fan of Superman and Christopher Nolan should see.