Man of Steel is an EPIC introduction to the Superman we've always wanted to see!!

Rating: 9/10 (19 June 2013)

I grew up loving the Donner films. It was fantastical, quirky, comical, and Christopher Reeves embodied a contrasting yet lovable Clark Kent/Superman which made for the most memorable superman ever. As I watched the Donner films again as an adult I still loved them for their nostalgia and charm but found myself wanting more and noticing all the flaws that could be improved upon in our generation of modern cinema. Flaws such as the incredibly primitive action sequences and portrayal of his powers, the fact that Louis couldn't see Clark and Superman were obviously the same person, the lack of a wide range of villains, the underdevelopment of Krypton and it's back story, and the fact that he spent more time as Clark than Superman; he is Kal-El/Superman first and foremost. So with my love for the classic iconic character, the taste of a modern superman in Superman Returns along with the hopes for so much more in future live action Superman films and a possible DC universe franchise to counter Marvel's monopoly, I was ecstatic that Superman would be rebooted and couldn't wait for it to be released since its announcement in 2011.
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
After watching the film and going back to see it a 2nd time, I have to say Man of Steel delivers in all aspects being the Superman film fans have been waiting to see. The visual prowess of Zack Snyder makes him perfect for showing us what Superman is really capable of and how it would look in the physics of our world. Krypton is given an amazing back story which connects the audience to his birth planet. Jor-El is shown to be courageous and a man of action as well as intellect. It also shows the lengths to which he goes to ensure the survival of his son as well as the reasoning behind it all. Finally Louis isn't blind to the fact of Clark's true nature and even though the way her character was written didn't completely gel cleanly with the overall story it was fine because this is Superman's journey and origin story and they've set up a platform for their relationship to develop at the daily planet in future films. I do agree however that the kiss was a bit premature. The 'easter eggs' were brief but hint to Lex and a bigger DC universe which should make for an exciting and impactful franchise. The fact that it stuck to being an origin story and they chose to deliberately make it from Clark's point of view makes you grow with him which is the point ultimately. Even though critics are picking apart the film it delivers 100% for real superman fans. The choice of flashing back to his childhood concerned me a bit but in the end made those memories more impactful and showed how much his upbringing weighs on him and who he is as a person. Another thing the critics are bashing is the action. First of all this is superman we're talking about. Second it's not overkill filled with random explosions and destruction, it's a learning experience for Superman and as the audience has been growing with him the entire time during the first half of the film the growing continues as we watch him discover his potential and powers as well as how to use them. Even Faora says how Superman/Kal-El seems unsure of himself, and with each fight we witness how he grows more sure of himself and more confident in his power and what he can do.
Also with the controversy over the ultimatum given by Zod towards the end, it shows that every decision Superman makes is not so cut and dry and that some situations are no win situations but you have to make your decision and act in the moment and do what you have to for the greater good. For people who have seen the movie they see how regretful Superman is after he does what he does and for those who disagree think about this for a second...we praise our armed forces for what they do and consider them true heroes and if faced with that situation they would've reacted the same way so I don't see the big deal in our biggest hero doing what he has to do with the dilemma presented to him. Also the scene is meant to show a learning experience providing a reason WHY he will choose alternative ways in dealing with another situation like it in the future. His human quality of uncertainty with what he should or should not do and the consequence of regret afterward are intently expressed in the scene as well and we as the audience go through that experience with him.
We have to remember we were introduced to a young Superman who hasn't fully figured himself out and just like our experiences make us who we are his will determine the kind of hero he will be and what values and lessons shape him. In this tone you can see the Nolan influence and makes this origin story so compelling and exciting for Superman fans who truly understand him and for the first time get to see his awesomeness, struggle, and growth into the superhero we love and know so well. Somewhat like Nolan's Batman Begins, however, this is Zack Snyder's emotionally charged visual adventure and I can't wait to see what's in store for the rest of the franchise.