The Birth of a Superhero

Rating: 9/10 (16 June 2013)

Man of Steel takes from Superman lore the aspects that fans of the original films have been dreaming about for over 3 decades.
Superman II is the film I really remember from my youth. It excited me like nothing had before. It was the battle film, The Wrath of Khan for the Superman franchise. Despite the Lester/Donnar pollution, the film is iconic. Not least for Terrance Stamps role as General Zod and the Ã¼ber-sexy Sarah Douglas as Ursa.
This retelling of the franchise, grounded in the Zod story arc is just an incredible proposition for fans like me.
To open on the visualisation of the birth of the Man of Steel is brilliant story telling. The film gives us enough on screen, and, coupled with some catalogue knowledge, the story can romp along without treading to closely on old worn ground and risk growing stale whilst stumbling over a back-story most of the audience will know. What we do need to see that is already known from the original film is shot from such an angle that everything feels fresh.
All grown up and Superman is unsure of himself, new, or initially without,knowledge of his past. He appears vulnerable and hell, he does not know if the things he does will actually kill him. How could he, it's a case of step up and see. The oil rig scene shows this fact off incredibly well.
Michael Shannon's portrayal of General Zod is nothing short of sensational. His character is not the 'Bad' guy in the usual sense of the word. He is a creation of a society who's morals are questionable 'even' by our human standards and he is all the more dangerous for it. This gives the film a depth that has been missing from the franchise, since, well, forever.
Henry Cavill is brilliant. The character is written so well you can identify with this vision of Superman like never before. With Cavill you feel that we are all along for the same ride and we like where it is going.
Amy Adams is perfectly cast as Lois Lane. She is a remarkable actress and this role seems naturally made for her. The relationship between Lois and Superman is fresh and uncertain. I enjoyed the story arc but missed a little chemistry between the two and the last kiss didn't impact on me and, looking back, I thought it should have. Teed up nicely for the sequel though I have no doubt.
I did have a couple of winces and he first was the 'Jesus Christ' shot of Superman departing the spacecraft following a final farewell to his father, Jor-El. I am not a massive follower of every Superman comic in print. I have a collection but would not consider myself an expert. So I cannot say whether this is integral for the die hard comic fans'. For me, it is not needed, the symbolism of religious connotation is obvious if you want look for it, without it being rammed down our throats so crassly.
Another wince came from the military subordinates' question regarding terraforming. In order to better explain the situation (spoonfeed the audience) a soldier/officer pipes up and asks "What's Terraforming". I truly believe that the majority of fans and people in general have heard of the word terraforming and have a grasp on, essentially, what it is. A better put 'explain please' question would have been, in response to "They're terraforming" would be "How are they doing it". The spoon-feeding could have been avoided right there.
Good eyes also, on fearless reporter Lois Lane, to spot a shadowy figure on her digital camera preview screen!?!
The pace of the film is relentless and I thought that the 3rd act needed to take breath before the final showdown to prepare the audience a little more for the upcoming clash. But what a clash. What a battle. Nothing was spared and the ride was the better for it.
The main sell of this film is that I immediately wanted to see it again. I knew I had missed things as the detail is so good, especially the scenes on Krypton, and the film moves along so quick, it is a lot to take in. It has been a long while since I have wanted to turn straight back round and sit back for another viewing. For me, this speaks volumes.
Man of Steel is visually stunning with an incredible soundtrack. The 3D aspect is good. I thought that the effect worked best during close up shots especially between Jor-El and his wife Lara before launching the capsule. I am not a fan of the art at all so I would have preferred a 2D viewing (not possible at our local cinema) So I look forward to that fresh viewing on a beautiful Steel-book Blu-Ray with a flawless transfer...I hope.
I would generally knock off a mark or two for the issues I have found after my first roller-coaster viewing alone, but, it was so damned good and, more importantly, what this film means and will do for the DC Universe. I have to cry !TEN!
Suffice it to say that Man of Steel is a benchmark Summer Blockbuster.