Sci-Fi Superman

Rating: 8/10 (22 June 2013)

Dispensing with the flamboyance of previous adaptations and instead focusing on the emotional heart of the narrative, Zack Synder has successfully brought Kal El's story up to date in this robust science- fiction film.
Although lacking in meteors, kryptonite and even Lex Luthor, Synder's version retains the fundamental features of the Superman mythos; streamlining the plot in order to really get to grips with the notion of Clark as a 'child of two worlds' and the 'ultimate immigrant.' Just as they were with Dr Manhattan in Watchmen, the right kind of audience will be drawn in emotionally as their hero deals with the existential pangs which come with his revelations and uncertainty about his place in the universe.
Critics may argue that Man of Steel falls foul of the same CGI excesses which define the recent Marvel comic book adaptations, but this film is balanced out with a greater sense of sincerity, reality and intellect. With pitch perfect performances from Russell Crowe and Kevin Costner as Clark's two father figures and a classic Hans Zimmer soundtrack, this film is irresistible.