Kal Finally Flies (and fights)

Rating: 9/10 (21 June 2013)

Man of Steel: Exceeded my expectations despite low ratings by critics on movie sites. I stopped reading critics' reviews because they were discouraging me. As it turns out, most of these 'experienced' critics, apparently, were looking for either a comic reel or an Oscar performance. What you get, instead, is a revolutionary piece of superhero cinema that the die-hard fan, and average movie-watcher, alike, will thoroughly enjoy.
Every movie has a certain level of due complaint. You could examine this movie and come up with a number of them if you looked deeply enough. Some dialogue might come out as cheesy, or certain scenes might have you scratching your head. I can attest that these occurrences are very few. This movie is mature, and well thought out. However, you're a little overwhelmed by all the moving parts and speed (action) at times. There were about two too many inspiring parables spewed by his real and adoptive parents. He saves the girl multiple times, kisses her -very cliché, but it is Superman, after all.
The \S/ stands for hope, it's an alien invasion movie, it's drenched with tender story and exciting sequence, all at once. People are dying, and it's up to Kal, House of El, to save an entire race from what's, effectively, his fault. Powerful imagery, strong script, moving characters, and compassion transcend this film. The landscape, scope that Snyder creates for Krypton is mesmerizing, intriguing, and left you wanting (in a good way). At first, you think this is a science fiction movie, and less a comic book superhero flick. It's loaded with the highest quality CGI and action, all the characters are believable, the story is well organized, and not rushed, much to my surprise. Unlike Singer's Superman Returns, Kal gets to fight!
Russell Crowe had a lot of well-placed screen time that amplified every scene. Despite his antagonistic role on Premium Rush, Michael Shannon was incredibly impressive. We find a very talented, non-irritating, Lois Lane in Amy Adams. Faora, played by Antje Traue, nearly steals Zod's excuse me, General Zod's fire, and Henry Cavill dominated his new role. You feel for Kevin Costner and Diane Lane's characters as they have to endure raising the savior of the world.
All these compliments were my biggest fears, but those fears where mercilessly extinguished.