Superman returns... a lot better this time.

Rating: 8/10 (13 July 2013)

It's been seven years since the last time we saw Superman on the big screen in Superman Returns, which didn't even have too bad of reviews. But as years went on, the hate began. I didn't think it was that bad, though it was way too long, Brandon Routh was sort of dull, and I myself have just never really been big on the character.
Now he's back in Man of Steel. And he's gotten a makeover. Metropolis, Superman's city, is glum. Why? Because Christopher Nolan, easily the finest filmmaker in the business, co-wrote the script with David S. Goyer. Both of them penned The Dark Knight Trilogy, arguably one of the finest trilogies of them all. In the director's chair is Zack Snyder, a director I've never been too fond of.
Now, the question is, is it any good? Does it live up to it's cast and crew? I'm not sure if I'm quite the right person to ask, considering all I know about Superman are the basic things (his name, kryptonite, Lois Lane, Lex Luthor, Metropolis, works as a journalist). I'm just not that crazy about Superman. Typically, if Christopher Nolan has a movie coming out, I have a seizure due to excitement (joking obviously). But since he's not directing it but is still involved, I felt it wouldn't hurt to try it. Now, some people hate this movie, and others don't exactly love it. So, it's my turn.
Let's begin with the plot. Consider this movie "Superman: The Beginning." It shows how Kal-El a.k.a. Clark Kent a.k.a. Superman (Henry Cavill, looking confident in the role) came to Earth from Krypton, grew up with Ma and Pa Kent (Diane Lane and Kevin Costner, who are just too right for this movie), and was forced to live a low profile. You know, cause he's Superman. A half hour into the movie, we meet journalist Lois Lane (Amy Adams, who better?), who is rescued by Superman and is quickly fascinated. But Clark's quiet life is about to come to a halt. General Zod (Michael Shannon, who is just too good at being bad), has a vendetta out for Superman, and plans on bringing Krypton to Earth. But there isn't enough room for Kryptonians and humans too.
I think what works about Man of Steel is just how deep the writers dig into Superman. Also, the mood of it is also right. Everyone here is well casted. Yes, they did a bit of tampering with the story line (out with the kryptonite and the fact that Clark's a journalist), but they did it with good reason. Also, the movie is a tad too long and some of the action sequences, though spectacular, drag on.
But everyone here seems to be having a good time and everyone is good at what they do, so let them do it. Is it on par with The Dark Knight Trilogy? Uh, no. Snyder and Nolan are two very different people. Man of Steel isn't the best movie of the summer, but it is a good one. I'm sure many will disagree with me, and let them. I don't care. I thought it was really good. Iron Man 3 is better, but this is still the Superman movie we've been waiting for.
B+