The Outsider

Rating: 7/10 (13 June 2013)

Man of Steel reinvents Superman the same way Batman Begins reinvented Batman. The success of the previous franchise might give the producers an idea that using the same direction could also transcend this mythology. The film is so ambitious, any silliness from the last edition is abandoned and replaces them with a deeper and more sophisticated storytelling. The plot mostly runs like an almost endless wheel of clashes and explosions. It is overall fun, but it would have been much fun if it also possesses the extraordinary part of the hero's character rather than just his human side. Majority craves for darker blockbusters, but a broody Superman seems too awkward to accept. Still, there are plenty of merits to mention and the film is actually decently crafted. Man of Steel is undeniably big and fun that mainstream audience would be satisfied.
Besides, there is still a good reason why Superman should get rebooted. The Donner series didn't actually flesh out much of Clark's relationship to the Kents and his motivation to become a hero is somehow shaky. Man of Steel fills them all with a down to earth sentiment and little sense of allegory. What's amazing is the first act somewhat follows the footsteps of the intro of Batman Begins. It started with the hero as an outcast then it presents various flashbacks of his downfall until he finally finds his true destiny. It seems repetitive for an origin, but it's the cleverest thing the film has ever done. The story itself is shrouded with brood and preach. There is a philosophy and depth attached to the concept. While they are deliberately compelling, the film didn't take enough time to breathe in the midst of the explosions. But really, the film is all about being big and epic. The film is just having a hard time balancing between the gravitas and the epicness.
Kal-El is probably too human in trait which is kind of an ironic idea, but theoretically it is meant to be like this: he is inherited by his experience in earth and manifested himself with humanity. It can be a smart speculation, but it could have also shown his alien side when he is less whiny and more slick and curious to his powers. I've already stated Henry Cavill is the most good looking actor to play Superman(no homo). The actor has natural charisma. Here, there is a sense of swagger beneath his performance, but the script didn't allow him to do much of that and aims more to his character's drama. Cavill is still excellently enthusiastic to the role. At least we get to see him punch amazingly. In other cast, Amy Adams' Lois Lane is an improvement. She gets to be smarter than just a damsel for Superman to rescue. Adams tend to make all of that credible. Kevin Costner brings genuine gravity inside the hero's pathos. Michael Shannon has the menace that General Zod needs.
Zack Snyder thankfully abandons his slow-mo fetishism and created a new style that works even better. Two hours of the film is all speed and action. The explosions get out of hand sometimes. It's all big and heavy, but real thrills and fortitude are definitely there to overpower what could have been an excess. It's a magnificent surprise from Snyder. However, the vision to Krypton slightly becomes uninspired compared to the original one. The world has a strange generic turn. To be fair, the CGI effects made it look grand and eye candy enough.
Man of Steel has improvements and missteps. We see more of Clark's love for his Kent family, Superman finally knows how to wear his underpants, and the damsel in distress is now designed to be more than to be in distress. Although it's unevenly trippy, and it's more preachy than powerful. I understand it is ought to be as serious as Christopher Nolan's Batman because seriousness and darkness made The Dark Knight trilogy a knockout. As much as it tries to be a superior version of the story, the film still lack something. It probably needs more spark of light, or it needs to be more adventurous, or it needs to ease down the use of explosions, or maybe Superman here needs more swag. What I could guarantee is it's a great entertainment pleasure. The craft's and performances' heart to the hero pretty much made the film more than only okay. Man of Steel is just an origin by the way. If it gets it right in the sequel, then everything in this film would be forgivable.