Blockbuster of titanic proportions! Action is ridiculous! You will believe a man can FLY!

Rating: 10/10 (15 June 2013)

MAN OF STEEL (2013) Review:
Directed by: Zack Snyder
Written By: David S. Goyer
Starring: Henry Cavill as Clark Kent/Kal-El, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Antje Traue, Ayelet Zurer, Christopher Meloni, Russell Crowe
Superman has had a long hard road on the big screen. After being subjected to some of the lamest moments in superhero movies ever, we've finally arrived at the first modern interpretation of the character that isn't being influenced by 30-year-old films(but not for many alike professional critics).
This is a different take on the Superman mythos, which deals with some very profound questions. What if Earth didn't want Superman? How would we feel about an outsider, an alien of godlike powers coming to our planet? How would we treat him? How would our governments react? Again, the film feels grounded and Snyder delves into some dark and uncomfortable themes. Conventional comic book movies don't make us think or question. Man of Steel demands that viewer participation.
A straightforward, character-driven story about a boy, who was not born of this world, who had the power to change the world, being taught by his protective adopted parents to limit himself, pressured to control his powers along with his emotions and use them responsibly since young - to not be so fast, not be so strong, not be so powerful, in fear that he will hurt others or even himself. As a result of that, psychologically, he's afraid of himself, feel isolated and alone, self- doubt, being ashamed of what he's truly capable of. On the other hand, his biological parents see his son's potential to be the symbol of hope for all mankind - a source of inspiration and goodness, and not fall into the same footsteps at them (Kryptonians). It's amazing to witness again the character's transformation, from a person who was unable to accept who he was...to someone who finally accepts his destiny, to accomplish things so legendary that his name in the future will be known throughout the universe.
The most interesting thing about the MAN OF STEEL is its non-linear story, which is a creative highlight to me. Well done Snyder!
Coming to the cast, Russell Crowe is fantastic as Jor-El, and gets much more screen time than I had initially thought he would. Even well after Krypton meets its fate, he still shows up as a guide for his son on Earth, and has a few surprisingly awesome moments. Even after death this guy is a formidable. Amy Adams did fine as Lois Lane. She wasn't completely vulnerable and was tough without seeming ridiculously over- written to be the quintessential damsel in distress turned super girl. She carried herself well. Michael Shannon was also great as Zod. He played all the right notes and didn't give us just a one-note villain who was bad just to be bad. Zod believe what he's doing is right, even though he knows it's cruel. Shannon gives us a Zod who feels regret at times, and we can read it all over his face.
Then we have the Man of Steel himself, Kal-El. Henry Cavill did a great job with what he was given here. He shows us a vulnerable and yet still formidable version of Superman. He looks the part and fills the suit well. When it came time to go to work, we truly get to see Superman do things we've never, and I mean NEVER seen him do in a film. All the while, Cavill keeps us grounded with him and does his best to keep us interested in Kal-El's journey of self discovery. Great choice.
The only other character who was truly a stand-out here was Faora. She was a nice contrast to Zod, because while he seems grounded and aware, she is just cold-hearted and evil. She does what Zod asks her to do and is fiercely loyal to his cause, but you can tell she enjoys it much more than he does.
The score by Hans Zimmer in this film is orgasmic. I can't put it any other way. Seriously. I had chill bumps every time a new movement started up. If you're like me and feel like a movie is enhanced ten fold by the music, you'll be more than satisfied here.
The action is larger than life, and the special effects are amazing. You will be treated to scenes that top even the famed New York action piece from The Avengers. The choreography is stunning, making for some of the best fight sequences in superhero history. Snyder has seriously raised the bar for superhero action in films. Marvel will have a hard time reclaiming the throne. Not just visually impacting, the action is adult and bone crunching. In short Superman PUNCHES!
Past Superman films never made the most powerful man in the world feel as strong, fast, godlike as the character is. If you want to see Superman fight, and I mean REALLY fight, then this movie has you covered. I'm well aware that some people don't get off on action( I AM REFERRING TO YOU CTITICS), but I eat it up like candy. I was VERY pleased with the action in this movie and I didn't feel it overstayed. Some will inevitably disagree with me, but that's the way I see it and what fan boys wanted from Superman Movie.
Bottom Line: Man of Steel is the Superman film we've all been waiting for. It reinvents Superman for a modern audience. It grounds the legend in reality. And, most importantly, Man of Steel makes us care about Superman again.
Movie scoop Rating: 9/10 Box Office Aspect: 380-410 mill $