Zack Snyder strikes again...

Rating: 7/10 (8 July 2013)

If there's one thing anyone can say about Zack Snyder, it's that he is one of the most visionary directors around. He has repeatedly amazed with his visual concepts to film and has wowed us with sheer visual wonder. Unfortunately, his dedication to visual amazement often leaves characters in the dust, and this happens again with Man of Steel.
While I do not particularly dislike any of Snyder's film, they seem to consistently lack the emotional appeal that I hope to feel that allows me to be more than a spectator, but rather a participant in the film. I do not feel engaged - mentally or emotionally - by Snyder's style; only a sense of visual admiration. Man of Steel is no different. While it provides the stunning presentation of Superman, Krypton, and an epic battle with Zod, I didn't feel enough emotional drive to really care about what was happening. Sure it looked cool, but in the end, I didn't really care.
I had hopes for this movie with Christopher Nolan producing, and unfortunately his incredibly minimal participation in this film is felt. The script has potential, but the characters are not given the time needed to really establish the relationships that sell the story. Lois (the over- rated Amy Adams) and Clark's relationship literally develops across two scenes - well, really one and a half due to the fact that one of those scenes is broken up with a flashback. We see them meet, have one conversation a while later, and then the next time we see them, they're holding hands. Wait, when did that happen? There is the relationship with Clark and Martha (an unimpressive Diane Lane) that starts with a beautifully empathetic scene that is then left hanging out to dry. And Clark's relationship with his father is effective in it's duration, we just don't get enough of it. Meanwhile, an unnecessary length of time is spent establishing the downfall of Krypton and the character of Jor-El, that while relevant is made overly important.
The pitfalls of the movie are almost redeemed by fantastic performances by Henry Cavill and Michael Shannon (Zod). Cavill brings the perfect balance of charm and power, while Shannon once again proves he is the most effective "creepy" guy in Hollywood. Unfortunately, these performances don't entirely make up for the bland and superficial performance from Amy Adams and a very underwhelming performance by Diane Lane. Kevin Costner definitely fits as Jonathan Kent, I just would have preferred more of him and less of Russell Crowe's Maximus (Sorry, I mean Jor-El. It's hard to note the difference other than wardrobe).
Altogether, Man of Steel is the visual feet of summer entertainment that it deserves to be. Just don't expect to come out of the theater feeling any sort of emotion toward the characters. That's not what Zack Snyder does, and that's not what you're going to get here.