Original and exciting

Rating: 7/10 (3 August 2014)

I was really (and pleasantly) surprised by just how much I enjoyed this. I'm not naturally a huge fan of modern superhero re- tellings (with notable exceptions like Nolan's batman) although I can happily watch them to wile away an evening. I was expecting this to be in the same vein.
But it wasn't. It was a completely different take on the superman myth, focusing less on his heroism on Earth than on his origins in space. As a result, large portions of Man of Steel have the feel of a space epic, and a decent one at that. Fortunately, these scenes are very well-knitted with the scenes on Earth involving mankind and superman's development as a child, adolescent and man. All in all it was a breath of fresh air.
The action scenes also work extremely well. The sheer power of superman and his extraterrestrial foes is brought to life as vehicles are tossed around, buildings ripped through and the ground cratered. I loved it.
The only major let down was the acting. All the characters put in serviceable performances but nothing exceptional, and certainly nowhere near Dark Knight levels. As a result this isn't a top class movie, but it is very very enjoyable and original and I would recommend.