This movie was the beginning of the fall of live-action DC superhero films.

Rating: 4/10 (4 October 2019)

"Man of Steel" (2013), wow, the film makers didn't even have the dignity to call this "movie" "Superman". That's embracing their brand with pride! Maybe they knew that this "film" was going to blow. So, they just called it "Man of Steel" instead! This "movie" was the beginning of the downfall of the live-action DC films. I would still honestly watch "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace" (1987) over any other DC films made after "The Dark Knight" trilogy. This "movie" is also somehow worse than "Superman Returns" (2006)! How in the world did that happen? This "movie" has a boring story, overall terrible acting, and dull sets/locations. The story could have been somewhat decent if it wasn't jumbled with too many subplots that don't add up! Don't get me wrong, flashbacks in movies can be good when utilized properly and can actually be pretty effective. But in this "film", they happen constantly and they just keep getting in the way from any "real story" to develop. What, does Zack Snyder this "film" director have OCD? Just stick to one premise, and the story that you're trying to express to the screen will actually have an impact! The acting in this "movie" is overall lackluster, especially from Henry Cavill and Russell Crowe. Henry Cavill is supposed to be portraying Superman. However, the "super" part is what I'm questioning! Where is the "super"? All I see in this "film" is nothing but moping monotone man wearing a poorly made Superman costume. Seriously, the Superman costume in this "movie" is the worst one I've ever seen. Did none of the costume designers look at a comic book, or any other images of a real Superman outfit? I guess they didn't know that bright bold colors were a must on a costume for a portrayal of a hero who is bold and is supposed to stand for truth, justice and the American way. Henry Cavill is, without a shadow of a doubt, the worst Superman actor, so far. Russell Crowe is also a boring monotone actor as well (like father, like son?). What a terrible casting choice he was for Jor-El! The sad thing is, outside of this "film" Russell Crowe is actually a very good actor. But in "Man of Steel", it sounds like he's about to fall asleep or he has just woken up whenever he speaks. As for his voice, what kind of direction was he given? Did Zack Snyder say: "okay Russell, talk like you've just rolled out of bed and are just waking up after guzzling down a pack of sodas." Seriously, whenever he speaks it sounds like one long continuous burp! Most of the other actors are bad to average, but there are a few good ones though. Amy Adams is an upgrade over Kate Bosworth from the travesty known as "Superman Returns" and is a fairly good choice for Lois Lane. Laurence Fishburne is good as Mr. White, but the problem with that casting is obvious. Don't get me wrong, I still think that Laurence Fishburne is a brilliant actor overall and I respect the fact that they were trying something different for the character portrayal. But, his character's name is Perry White, not Perry Black! Michael Shannon is good, but a little too over the top to be enjoyable. Diane Lane and Kevin Costner do a great job as Clark's Earth parents. As for the rest of the actors, they are just not sufficient. The sets/locations are very dull, boring and once again they lack bright bold colors. Yeah, because Heaven forbid a DC superhero movie be any fun for anybody! The only good elements in this "movie" are the special effects, and the soundtrack. Being made in 2013, the special effects are of course first-rate. The soundtrack is well done, Han Zimmer is one of my top 10 favorite music composers in cinema. I still wish that John Williams would have scored this "movie", but I don't think that even his music could have saved this "film" though. Overall, "Man of Steel" is just a dull, boring and unpleasant viewing experience. I give this "movie" 2 out of 5 stars on my scale, which equates to 4 out of 10 IMDB stars. Little did everyone know, that this "movie" was just the beginning of a long line of cinematic failures in the world of DC superheroes.