Steeling the Show? Not really to be honest...

Rating: 5/10 (15 June 2013)

Previous work lead me to believe 'Man of Steel' was a certain success with the likes of Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight Trilogy) assisting director Zach Snyder (superb architect of Watchmen). However - for me - something didn't quite fit into place.
Brit Henry Cavill took the front role as the 'Man of Steel', guiding us through how our caped superhero originated to his heroic stature. He has to step up to the plate after years of living low profile when Earth comes under attack by Michael Shannon's General Zod who plans to wipe out the human race in order to clear Earth for the Krypton race. Also cast is Amy Adams as Lois and Russell Crowe as Cavill's on screen father.
First of all, my largest gripe has to be with the storytelling and that surprises me with Christopher Nolan in the back seat. After a well built opening 45 minutes or so - which some may call slow - the remainder is mainly filled with spectacular action sequences which is fine - if you're a action nut! However, for me, all this action derailed what I would have liked to have been an engaging story. The estimated budget of 'Man of Steel' stretches over $200 million; in my opinion it would have been better for the lovers and non lovers of the comics for there have been a movie made on half the budget with a more cohesive and complex script and group of characters.
By group of characters I mean that they truly lacked in personality and complexity. They felt rather bland and felt like they were just there to make up the numbers. Only Cavill's character, and maybe Shannon's had enough justified beef behind them.
However a further problem I have is that some of the acting - from good actors - was not up to standard. To be fair, this probably wasn't the actors fault, more the fault of the screenplay however Crowe and Shannon were cringe-worthy at times. Also, Amy Adams should stick to family movies as she felt miscast in a more serious role.
The main positive which can be taken from 'Man of Steel' is a satisfying ending which implies a sequel is on the cards but also the sensational effects which were present throughout.
Unfortunately, this isn't enough to justify 'Man of Steel' being a success - its average at best - especially in comparison to Sam Raimi's first Spiderman movie and of course, Nolan's stupendous Dark Knight Trilogy.