Superman for the Transformers Generation!

Rating: Null/10 (23 June 2013)

Let's be honest. This movie is terrible. The problem with Man of Steel isn't the laughable script or the Michael Bay-style action sequences, it is the utter lack of love and appreciation for Superman by everyone involved. In 1976, when Richard Donner accepted the job of directing TWO Superman movies at the same time, he said great movies had to be made because Superman is as American as apple pie. Comics books, like Jazz music, was born and bred in this country and Superman was the first to leap off the pages and into our hearts. Donner's passion is on every frame of his 1978 adaptation.
Now compare that to Man of Steel. The set-designs and costumes are ugly. I can understand the dying planet of Krypton looking like crap, but did the entire film have to look so hideous? Secondly, the cinematography is the worst I've seen in a major Hollywood production. Zack Snyder shoots everything like if he's 50-feet away on his cellphone. Thirdly, can we please, for the love of God, get rid of Hans Zimmer and his team of "additional composers"? John Williams is rolling in his grave and he's not even dead yet. And finally, let's get to the root of the problems. There is no heart. This is Superman. He represents hope. He represents truth, justice, and the American way. He's the ray of sunshine. So why is this movie so downbeat, moody, and depressing? Superman kills Zod. That's how messed up it is. Oh, and let's not get started on Metropolis turning into ashes. I can understanding heading there in the second installment of a trilogy or even in a movie featuring Darkseid but starting a Superman series in that direction is absolutely ridiculous. Especially when there's nothing light-hearted to balance it. Man of Steel is just dreadful.
On the positive side Henry Cavill is a good Superman. Does he lack charisma? Yes, but what did you expect from a film that has no charm whatsoever? He fits right in with everything else. The rest of the cast is decent as well. And the action scenes and visual effects were impressive. So, the movie works from a shallow perspective.