It means, Hope.

Rating: 9/10 (15 June 2013)

So with the latest re-boot of Superman, we see a more serious take than perhaps other versions, the emotional connection created between the obvious protagonist, Superman (Clark Kent), is stunning and is so involved that moments invoke tear-jerking. Although, this is an action movie and so for many, a crying fest is not what they have in mind, however Man of Steel delivers from all avenues.
Starting with the birth of Kal-El (Superman) then leading onto the racy desolation of Krypton. One thing that is obviously apparent is the stunning look of the film, it is visually tremendous and the action kept the audience on edge. It was however, during this battle sequence that Zack Snyder's love of the zoom effect became apparent, and this did deter from the action a little, not enough to spoil it though. As Kal-El is sent of in hi pod to earth, we see one of the many heart-breaking moments as Kal-El's parents are forced to send off their son so that he can live and preserve the Kryptonian race. We can feel a real connection as we can sympathise for them.
As Kal-El takes on his new persona of Clark Kent, we see his struggle to cope with human and earthly life. The most incredible part, perhaps, about the life of Clark Kent is his past, the moment in question, his fathers death. Now this is the moment when you'll find yourself tearing up as Clark is torn between ignoring his fathers ideals to save him, or honor his beliefs and leave him to die, as his dad requests. In the end, we watch as his father is swept away, putting his life on the line. This moment provides the push for Clark to remain silent about his identity until such a time when he will have to put his life on the line to save innocent lives, like his father. From this moment on-wards, there is a lasting emotional connection as we understand him so much better from his past experiences which are shown. Another things that should be noted, is that Henry Cavill lays him wonderfully and also looks perfect to the part. The whole cast in fact played their parts well with Amy Adams doing a great job of Lois Lane, who is more than just a damsel in distress which makes for a nice change, even although she is in many occasions placed in danger needing to be saved.
Zod. Zod, was made out to be an iconic villain, almost as incredibly characterised as DC's most famous villain, The Joker, as portrayed by Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight. Well I felt under-whelmed, while there is the obvious hint at his inner mania and the terrorist-like qualities to him, he falls short of the mark. The audience get that he is doing what he sees as right, hinting at a more complex character, but this point seems forced at times, especially as it leads up to his and Superman's final encounter. His stone cold expressions are daunting but he would not be placed in the ranks of complexity as The Joker.
Finally, the action. Now, while it was done well, visually and choreographically, at points it dragged on. Mixed with the amazing Hans Zimmer soundtrack, you were on the edge of your seat in awe although after a while you find yourself slumping back wondering how much longer it will last, I am primarily talking about the final fight with Zod, but when it ended, it ended on a high with the audience tensed up as Zod taunts Superman while about to murder a human family, wondering if Superman, will kill Zod or not. Again, during these fight scenes the zoom effect is used but after a while you forget it is even being used.
To sum up, the film was a tremendous success which leaves hope for the next installment. Even though at points the film seems to slip, it always bounces back in fabulous fashion making up for any short-comings, of which there were few. The film is the possible start of another great film franchise for DC, leaving hope for the future,