He isn't the most popular superhero, but he is one of the oldest. Like him or not, everyone knows who Superman is. And not counting animation, it can be said that he hasn't had a decent adaptation since the days of Richard Donner and Christopher Reeve. Lord knows he's been deserved of one, and on paper, Christopher Nolan was the man to make it happen.
Man of Steel tells the tale of a young man named Clark Kent who has always had unique abilities, and is confused when he finally discovers that he is apparently the sole survivor of the planet Krypton. But when more of his people arrive looking for an ancient Kryptonian artifact, Clark must make a decision that will that change his life, and the world forever.
If you're going to go by the comic origin of Superman, there's not much room for creativity. There's mainly room for stylistic decisions. Another challenge is trying to bring a grounded sense of realism that Nolan films focus on. Whereas in Batman it is a much easier pill to swallow, the idea of bringing reality and creativity to a god-like alien is much more difficult.
In some respects, Man of Steel is original and possesses a unique style that stands itself out in a way that will distinguish it from the other adaptations. It has a visual distinction that can't be denied, utilizing costume and design choices that haven't really applied to the Superman mythology before.
However, as much as it attempts to be unique, it somehow loses the sense of the uplifting and signature spirit of Superman. It may be because of the enormous pressure on director Zack Snyder, or it could be because there are parts of the film that seem too complicated or not appropriate to the character, but somehow it just seems to lose its way.
There's nothing wrong with the acting however. Henry Cavill, whom you may recognize as Charles Brandon from the Showtime series The Tudors or as Theseus from the film Immortals, plays Clark Kent. While he doesn't have the same innocent charisma as the legendary Christopher Reeve, he does bring a newer sense of confidence to the character that both modernizes him and keeps him from growing stale. He grows during the film from a man lost in the world into the character we all know. I am very interested into where he takes him next.
While there's no man that could ever iconize General Zod in the way that Terrence Stamp has, Andrew's Standout for this movie is Michael Shannon who tries his damnedest to put his own (dare I say it?) stamp on the character. He never feels like an all out monster, his motives are pure, but his execution is what makes him our villain. As dastardly as he can be, Shannon's Zod is someone that you feel for. That's where the audience identification comes in. He isn't the most memorable villain, but he gives the most chilling performance in the entire film.
Amy Adams takes Lois Lane in the direction of a self-confident, assured woman who doesn't feel like a damsel in distress. It is certainly a refreshing change of pace from the Lois who always gets kidnapped to the point that villains in the comics refer to her as "the one Superman always saves." It is a brilliant character decision, and Adams is the one to pull it off.
I would certainly give this movie a look. While it never really feels like the Superman we've come to know, it is by no means a bad movie.
B-