Faster than a speeding bullet, faster than a locomotive train

Rating: Null/10 (17 June 2013)

A baby is sent to Earth to escape the destruction of his own planet, as an adult his super powers have become stuff of legend but when humanity is threatened he must make a choice that will change his and our fate forever.
What's clear from the outset is that Henry Cavill is a perfect Superman, also a fine actor, probably to the benefit of the viewer and like the late Reeves he is a little over qualified to play a comic book character. The oddity about Cavill's and David S. Goyer's Clark Kent is that he's far more interesting when he hasn't got the suit on, Superman while looking the part really hasn't much to say.
Goyer and Christopher Nolan's story smartly avoids rehashing (within limit and where possible) previous incarnations, the alter ego mystery and relationship build up with Louise Lane and the working for the Daily Planet is mainly omitted here with interesting fleetingly dynamics in their place.
The grim atmosphere and serious tone is welcomed, fitting the themes within the story. Gone is the glossy Marvel style pallet of the previous film incarnations and it is debatably more true to the tone of the later DC comics, sitting in the Dark Knight 'universe' possibly thanks to Nolan's writing/producing input.
While Zack Snyder's fight scenes are a little too frantic comparable to the Spiderman trilogy (corrected in The Amazing Spiderman (2012)) they are wonderfully and superiorly put together even if somewhat repetitive. It's a shame Snyder's own Watchmen (2009) slow-motion effect wasn't used. Thankfully, this is counter balanced by some visual and interesting additions notably those featuring Jor-El perfectly played by Russell Crowe. That said, Laurence Fishburne is sorely underused. Both Diane Lane and Kevin Costner give weight and emotion to the proceedings. Michael Shannon while lacking the simmering subtlety of Terence Stamp's Zod is more fittingly menacing and physically imposing as the General.
Amy Adams is solid as Lois Lane but while not underused like Fishburne is not given much substantial dialogue. Surprisingly it's not Cavill with his acting and physic who steals every scene, it's Antje Traue as Faora-Ul with her screen presence, piercing eyes, steely looks and accent to match. Credit needs to go to both Russell Crowe and the writers with bringing Jor-El to life, and the characters clever utilisation throughout.
There's lot of new aspects to Man of Steel. While the opening is reminiscent of Star Wars (1977), John Carter (2012) and later The Thing (2011), AVP (2004) to name a few it is finely realised and is successful in expanding the alien races history, the planet Krypton's topography and outpost ship aspect. Sadly the third act is less satisfying containing so much obliteration and destruction that becomes numbing - possibly less would have be more.
The first half is certainly when Man of Steel is at its strongest, with Snyder exceeding the character drama of Dawn of the Dead (2004) and this Superman outing works best when the alien invasion aspect of the antagonists are not focal.
With great costumes, amazing effects and a powerful score from Han Zimmer, overall a great foundation even if a lacking a little meat and rushing the other main players introduction - namely Lois Lane.