In 1978, the Superman movie lived up to its movie poster tagline: “You’ll believe a man can fly.” And he did. We had never seen a movie like that before, with its groundbreaking special effects, wonderful talent, and an amazing theme that still to this day gives fans chills. Soon after, the Superman franchise became somewhat of a joke (Superman III, IV and Superman Returns), becoming campy and messy. One would think Superman would never find himself in a good movie ever again. Man of Steel is that movie. Once more we as fans can believe a man can fly even higher and better than ever thought possible.
Directed by Zack Snyder, with a screenplay by David Goyer and a story by Batman’s Christopher Nolan, Man of Steel is not your Superman of red tights, phone booth changes, and saving cats from trees, but one of Krypton politics, fierce warriors, and spaceships. All heart and all action, this is the Superman of today.
Man of Steel begins with Krypton being on the brink of destruction, with the ruling council ignoring the pleas of scientist Jor-El (Russell Crowe). One time friend General Zod (Michael Shannon) picks this moment to stage a coup. Failing, Zod and his army are placed into the Phantom Zone in exile as punishment for their treason. Leaving the planet to be destroyed, baby Kal-El rockets his way to Earth to begin his journey into the man we know he’ll become.
Clark Kent (Henry Cavill) grows up with loving parents Martha and Jonathan Kent (Diane Lane and Kevin Costner). They help him hone is skills and keep his secret from the world. As he grows up, he walks the earth looking for anything to help him discover who and what he is. He learns of an Antarctic expedition that interests him, and also provides him to come face to face with Daily Planet reporter Lois Lane (Amy Adams), who has been researching strange occurrences around the world.
Learning of Kal-El’s survival General Zod soon descends upon Earth with force. Leaving Kal-El to be the only one who can stop Zod from his ultimate plan of destruction. Kal-El must become who he is meant to be. He must become Superman and save us all.
Zack Snyder is no stranger to the comic book movie. He has had some great success in his career, but with his last few films not being the biggest hits, I went in with much trepidation. I, for one, didn’t want to see anymore of the Snyder slow-motion gimmick he has become known for. I was pleasantly surprised. This is a new Snyder. He has learned from his past films and it shows here. The movie feels fresh and free from his clichés. But he is still tone-deaf with his movie pacing. It’s all action and more action, and then slow for way too long. The movie bounces between the past and present, which works in certain areas but falls short in others. He clearly has respect for the source material from the past decades and brings in new themes that enrich the movie, but sometimes his personal style feels at odds with the movie.
We have a new star ladies and gentlemen, and his name is Henry Cavill. Already well known for The Tudors and Immortals, by the end of the weekend he will be a household name. He is Superman. He makes you feel for him. Many complaints of the older Superman films are that Superman just isn’t that interesting of a character. That is not the case here. Henry’s acting and the great writing he’s given pave the way for a new era in Superman. He makes you feel so much emotion with just one look. He makes you believe in Superman.
Not to be left out is the rest of this amazing cast of talented actors. Amy Adams brings a whole new level to the characterization of Lois Lane that has never been seen before. She is no longer the damsel in distress; she is smart, self-reliant and a great female role model. She is Superman’s equal from the moment she’s on screen. Diane Lane and Kevin Coster are both wonderful as the Kents. They show love and support for the adopted son in every scene they’re in. Laurence Fishburne is great as Perry White, bringing in a nice mix of reality and humor. All work well in their roles.
Michael Shannon as Zod is pure evil. He’s one of those classic film villains that sees everything he’s doing as right. Never once does he waver and he will stop at nothing until he gets want he wants. Shannon is a great actor and he’s good in the role. I personally felt he never got into the character until the very end, but that also could have been done purposely for the climax to have more impact. Who stood out more as a villain was the beautiful German actress Antje Traue as Zod’s second in command Faroa, a lesser known Superman villain given a huge boost in the film. She is an awesome villain and standing next to Zod you have a fearsome duo that is more than a match to cause Superman some series drama.
The special effects are amazing. The filmmakers brought in the A-Team for this. Each effect looks great, plenty of time and effort went into making sure everything looks and feels real in the world we’re watching. Especially on Krypton, they make one beautiful planet with great technology and skill. Every little thing has been thought out from the fighting to the destruction and the flying. The flying is done so well. If I were to ever fly, I’d want to do it like Superman does here. He has such a gracefulness to him, it’s like he’s walking on air. Never once do feel he’s on a wire. As far as I was concerned, Henry Cavill can fly.
Even the new costume works. Still looks odd with the changes they made to it, but in the story they give us it makes sense so you make peace with it pretty fast. Thank goodness Superman has never had to hear the “No Capes!” rule from Edna Mode in the movie The Incredibles, because here, his cape is his co-star. It looks great in flight and when he doing his Superman thing, floating in space or just looking like a badass. Everything looks so great!
Most of the credit has to be given to the actors though. Without an amazing cast, this would have just been mediocre. Their believability is why this movie works. The movie has some minor changes to the Superman lore that some people would have issues with, but I think the general audience will see that with such an iconic character like Superman that has been around for 75 years, you have to mix-it-up now and then. Their choices work and never feel forced. The movie is so much more emotional than you’re expecting. Also some people feel that the trailers have been showing way too much of the movie. Trust me when I say it’s not. You have seen just a small fraction of what is to come. This is how you start a new franchise for the world’s first superhero.