One of the best comic book films in years.

Rating: 8/10 (24 February 2015)

In 1933, two Canadian born Jewish boys from Cleveland created a fictional symbol of peace, tranquillity and hope in a time where people desperately needed it, unaware of the international icon it would grow to be, or the stereotypes of said character embedded therein. This character would be the type of man and standard comic readers could joyously envision themselves being, not only for his godly physical capabilities, but for his strong will and lofty moral standards. Within every man there is a desire for good, and Superman is the forgone peak that makes us realize we have a long way to go.
But before this, he was just a man. Zack Snyder, a director with an historically weak track record save for the passable Watchman adaptation, approaches the character in a way that's clever, and wholly appropriate upon contemplation. Understanding that audiences today can't relate to an illogically perfect right off the bat being, Man of Steel places Clark Kent right smack on the same overwhelming mountain climb, headed towards the same polished morality and idealism, but in a way that's humane and flawed. The result is a Superman that's more likable and accessible without having his core essence sacrificed.
Right smack in the face of all rules and regulations of the book of Superman Stereotypes 101, Man of Steel creates a thick palpable atmosphere that's defiant, but also wholly appropriate. Superman is very much a product of mythology, a god to many, and the film's gritty style and tone are carefully created in a way that not exemplifies this image, but is a refreshing change of pace for a franchise previously chained down by expectations of whimsy and farce.
Hanz Zimmer's heart pounding score combined with Snyder's skillful visual direction create a sort of atmosphere and aesthetic complexity that hits the audience as a much unexpected surprise. Much of this can be found in the long awaited Superman style combat scenes, which are well crafted enough to (almost) justify their excess. The camera captures the motion of the two colliding titans in a way that doubles as my mind's eye when I read Superman comics, and saw panels of shock-waves and mountains crumbling. This is Superman action exactly as this Superman fan envisioned.
Although the overarching action itself, often composed of tired Michael Bay tropes, crumbling buildings and much of what I wasn't pining for in Superman Returns is part of a flawed script from Goyer. His screenplay is let down by bits of cheesy dialogue, tiring thematic exposition that doesn't really know what is trying to say, and many underwritten ideas. The blunt of the story however, is compelling enough to keep these short-comings at bay. Zod is a compelling, well written antagonist that can make you root for both sides, and is played with an immense passion and gusto that makes him the most threatening and likable comic book villain yet, at least for the last several years. The entire cast, though sporadically let down by flaws in the material presented, fit like a glove for the roles they're playing. Cavill, a man who looks like Superman straight out of the comics, emphasizes the human, the Man in Man of Steel, and is convincingly confused and unsure of himself. There are moments however, where we see exactly the kind of ideal he'll grow to be, and it's in these moments of unbridled charisma and presence where his performance truly shines. Amy Adams may have come off as too cute and refrained to pull off the sort of hardened tough girl lines Lois Lane's character requires, but in technical terms, there are no complaints.
Man of Steel is a flawed, but visceral ambitious take on a familiar that treads a line between daring and uncompromising. One of the best comic book films and a Superman film that sores above and above all reasonable expectations.
84%