Snyder's Reboot Sucks out Superman's Soul

Rating: 5/10 (10 March 2015)

It was indeed a long time ago that I sat down to watch 'Man of Steel' and I remained stunned throughout its runtime. Stunned at how dull, dumb and lifeless the film was! Is this truly Superman's return to form? I strongly doubt it. It was the first Superman film I saw, but now that I have watched the five other instalments I can compare them. The first two films that starred Christopher Reeve in the title role remain classics of the superhero genre that stand almost head to head with Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight Trilogy. The other two should not even be mentioned in the same paragraph. 'Superman Returns' on the other hand was a loving tribute to the late 70s and early 80s Superman that we all know and love.
It is in the great tradition of reboots to try to distance themselves from the last reiteration as much as possible. Apparently that now includes making the film as dull and dreary as can be. Superman is a character who stands for "truth, justice and the American way". There is nothing to suggest any of this in 'Man of Steel'. With Zack Snyder showing no love or appreciation for his wide and varied source material. This time around Superman faces off against Zod! Wait didn't that happen with powerful consequences in 'Superman II'? Yes it did. Why Snyder did not choose to tell another villain's mythology is actually beyond anyone's comprehension.
Let me start from the beginning. The film opens and it is literally beat for beat the same as the opening for 1978's 'Superman', albeit with a much higher budget and production values. We see Krypton, which is now a twisted darker version of Avatar's Pandora world. Then we are introduced to Jor El played with affection by Russell Crowe, God bless the man, he still tries his best even when the film surrounding him is poor. Oh dear, and Michael Shannon as General Zod hamming it all up; at least he doesn't give a damn. Baby Kal El is then sent to Earth in a thirty minute sequence which is the only glimpse of a heart in the whole film. Thirteen year old Clark Kent does not know who he wants to be and becomes feared and rejected.
Kids do not want to be seen with a freak who saves a bus load of children from drowning. He looks to his parents for love. Even Kevin Costner displays emotion as Jonathan Kent. I was actually enjoying the film up until the point where Superman dons the cape. It all goes downhill from there. We are then treated to endless talking, at this point the film feels like it has lasted a lifetime. But hey wake up the action scenes have started! Oh my, they are appalling. They go on forever and consist of Superman beating the living daylights out of Zod. Then throwing him into nearby buildings full of innocent civilians. What does old Superman stand for now eh? Lies, injustice and an American death? Well that's the lasting impression that Snyder gives us.
Cavill does a fine job in the role as Superman, but it is nothing like Reeves who effortlessly blended confidence and nerdiness when taking on the dual role and personality traits of Superman and Clark Kent. Hans Zimmer is no John Williams, but still reaches into his inner self to provide the best element of 'Man of Steel', a soaring score. Williams' theme would have been completely misplaced with all the death and destruction taking place in the background. So at least his legacy has not been destroyed, just Superman's.
The ending is atrocious and laughable at best. Does Superman have any morale whatsoever? Because Snyder does everything in his power as a director to try and show that he possesses none. In this day and age we have seen a variety of superheroes with relationships; Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy, Tony Stark and Pepper Potts, Bruce Wayne and Rachel Dawes, well briefly at least. I have found memories of Margot Kidder playing Lois Lane. Amy Adams is unfortunately an uninspired casting choice and even looks like she has no wish to be there. I kept on hoping that her character would walk off screen but to no avail. Snyder has not just destroyed my Superman, he has blown to smithereens my Grandfather's as well.
Snyder has adopted the 'Batman Begins' approach to Superman. By doing so he has ended up in losing the superhero's appeal, essence and my interest. He has stripped down old Superman to the most boring hero imaginable. The villainous Zod feels like a complete retread, especially when 'Superman II' handled him so superbly. Maybe next time Superman will soar or actually save some innocent civilians, restoring his former glory in the process. For the moment though, Superman flies no more.