An enthralling blockbuster to begin a massive franchise.

Rating: 8/10 (27 June 2013)

After Bryan Singer's Superman Returns failed to ignite thanks to a misguided tone that harked back to Richard Donner's campy original films, the superhero clad in red undies was ripe for a modern update. In this current post-Dark Knight cinematic landscape, and with Christopher Nolan on board as producer, some feared it would be too dark and too macabre; losing the innocent playfulness and wish-fulfilment excitement that has always been at its heart. This incarnation of Supes is undeniably a brooding one – backed up by a story that is firmly set in the present day and includes omissions of traditional Superman lore that audiences of today just wouldn't swallow – however it never loses sight of its number one priority: to entertain the whole family. Those red undies are gone though.
Director Zack Snyder has his fair share of fans and critics alike. Detractors bemoan his hyper- stylised visual aesthetics and unfocused characterisation, which ironically is exactly what his followers enjoy. MOS won't turn opinion one way or the other, it will only reinforce it. The action set pieces are full-throttle and grand in scope; the breathtaking fights extend from atop buildings to ground level to outer space, with fists, tanker trucks and even satellites orbiting Earth used as weapons. Snyder achieves the difficult task of portraying how quick these aliens move without making it too hard to see what is going on, and the plethora of scenes with Kal-el (Superman for those not in the know) flying are exhilarating and believable. As always the 3D won't be for everyone's tastes, but coupled with unsurprisingly high-quality CGI it added to my overall experience.
Famously, next big thing Brandon Routh went nowhere after his turn as the Krypton native in Singer's 2006 flop, a fate that British actor Henry Cavill won't have to worry about sharing. As Clark Kent he is relatable and likable (but devoid of humour thanks to a huge chip on his shoulder), however when wearing the cape he truly excels, embodying Superman wonderfully both physically and emotionally. Michael Shannon is a commanding presence as the indefatigable General Zod, who is given depth and meaning beyond your typical villainous motivations, and Russell Crowe's Jor-el (Supes' biological father) is more compelling, involved and bad-ass than Marlon Brando's version. As wholesome Kansas folk and adoptive parents Jonathon and Martha Kent, Kevin Costner and Diane Lane are reliable without being memorable, whilst Amy Adams isn't convincing enough as Lois Lane and Laurence Fishburne is horribly miscast as Daily Planet boss Perry White.
An enthralling blockbuster that kicks off what is sure to be a massive franchise, MOS returns Superman to its rightful place in the top echelon of cinematic superheroes.