With the planet Krypton on the brink of destruction, Jor-El (Russell Crowe) has compiled a plan that will preserve the future of the Kryptonian race. By stealing the codex, a skull that holds the genetic code of Kryptonians, he infuses it with his new-born son Kal-El. Meanwhile the revolutionary General Zod (Michael Shannon) has become enraged of the imminent destruction and blames it on the ruling council. Zod then begins to attack the council, thereafter becomes aware that Jor-El has taken the codex. Before Zod can reach him, Jor-El has sent a spacecraft containing his son Kal-El to Earth. Moments after the departure of the ship, Zod is captured and sentenced to the Phantom Zone. Kal-El (Henry Cavill) is then raised and adopted by the Kents( Kevin Costner and Diane Lane) on earth taking the name Clark Kent. As Clark grows, it is apparent that he has development superhuman powers which results in confusion and alienation from others. As an adult he becomes a drifter in search for answers. Later he finds a buried Kryptonian ship where he discovers why he was sent to earth. Now with an understanding of who he is Clark must face General Zod, who is now free and knows the location of Kal-El, and save the world from doom.
The cast in this film was phenomenal. Henry Cavill, who portayed Superman/Clark Kent, was an excellent choice. Not only did he look and sound like Superman, but also displayed the emotions of confusion, ostracization, and longing for answers of who he was. As the film progressed, character development was definitely evident. Once he found his sense of belonging, Clark was more content with his life, compared to the prelude of the film. Jonathan Kent, played by Kevin Costner, is a compelling father that sets a foundation of moral choice for Clark. Some of the most touching scenes are between Pa Kent and Clark. Other pleasant scenes were between Martha Kent, portrayed by Diane Lane, and Clark. These two separate interactions are crucial to the film, for it explains how Clark controls his abilities. Michael Shannon also does a superb portrayal of General Zod. Not only does he depict a man determined to revive his race and world, but also the insanity and chaos that Zod brings. Overall, all cast members did an outstanding job with composing a believable story.
The most admired aspect of the film is the decision to be based in reality. Although the story of superman is uncanny, Zach Snyder and crew made it conceivable. Other than some banal humor, a downside of the film is the lack of the creativity, possibly due to the producers and Warner brothers, that Zach Snyder has proven to have with "300" and "Watchmen". The only unique Snyder scene was the dream sequence between Superman and General Zod, where Superman is slowly sinking into the skeletal remains of the human race. That scene was beautifully shot and my personal favorite. The film would have been improved if Snyder could have showcased his own creativity in the film. Hopefully in sequel, this will not be the case.
The special effects in Man of Steel are one of the best to ever projected on screen. The CGI did what was physically impossible. Viewers will feel like they were hurled into a comic book with front row seats to the spectacular action sequences that "Man of Steel" has to offer. Never before have we seen superman fight as showcased in this film. Besides the amiable special effects, Easter eggs were also present in the film. These subtle elements were a special treat for comic book fans.
In the end, Man of Steel was successful with its goals: making a realistic and believable, making superman relevant and a fan favorite again, and kick starting the Justice league franchise in film. I never really liked superman, but after watching this film I consider myself a fan.
4.5/5