Man of Steel is short on depth but big on excitement

Rating: 7/10 (6 January 2015)

Since long before Christopher Reeves first donned the cape, Superman has been one of Hollywood's oldest icons and most reliable draws, though there have been some bumps along the way. The most recent incarnation, Superman Returns, had a generally positive reception from audiences and critics, but did take some criticism for its lack of action and somewhat overly emotional feel. Man of Steel has fixed most of its predecessor's flaws, though not without introducing some of its own.
As a full on reboot, Man of Steel takes us all the way back to the beginning, to the birth of Kal-EL, General Zod's rebellion, and the destruction of Krypton. Then we flash forward to meet the adult Clark Kent, fully powered and saving lives when no one else can, but not yet ready to reveal himself to the world. But he may not have a choice when General Zod and followers arrive on earth, bent on capturing him and building a new Krypton, no matter the cost to humanity.
Man of Steel certainly delivers on the action. The super powered brawls are fast paced, intense, and literally high flying, with the massive devastation they leave behind driving home the sheer power of the combatants. The effects are also quite impressive, especially the gravity weapon at the end.
The movie does a very good job developing the title character. Instead of making us sit through his life story before the action starts, Man of Steel presents his life on earth in a series of flashbacks, taking us back to key moments when they're most relevant. Unfortunately the other characters, particularly Lois and Zod, weren't developed as much as they could or should have been. I would also have liked to know more about Zod and his followers' philosophy. At one point his second in command tells Superman that their lack of morality gives them an 'evolutionary advantage', but this idea isn't pursued any further.
The casting is generally very good. Russell Crowe and Kevin Costner bring dignity and down to earth wisdom in their roles as Superman's Kryptonian and human fathers. Henry Cavill makes a passable Superman. He's not the most expressive actor, and at times his relative inexperience shows, but he mostly carries his lines well and avoids coming off as wooden. And he's certainly got the right physique for the role. Michael Shannon is suitably menacing and extremely hate-able as Zod. And the choice of Amy Adams as Lois Lane is almost inspired, her irrepressible energy making her perfect as a hard nosed, won't take no for an answer reporter. My only qualm is that it might have been nice if they'd taken the effort to dye her hair black.
Man of Steel is no masterpiece, but it is a solid summer blockbuster. It delivers on the action, and has improved on the pacing and tone Superman Returns, even if it's sacrificed a fair amount of depth and humor in the process. It may not be a great movie, but it's a good one.