Back in 2008 when the idea of a reboot was floating around, I was completely on board for a fresh new take on the character. After the atrocious
Superman III,
Superman IV:The Quest For Peace and lackluster
Superman Returns this was the only direction Warner Brothers had to go in if the franchise was to continue going forward.
So once everything went into fruition in 2010, here we are. While a majority of fans and critics weren't thrilled with this interpretation of the superhero, I thought it was great, and I enjoyed it.
The origin story was set up a little differently this time around, instead of having the Krypton portion cut short, there was a more in-depth exploration seeing the technology of the planet and more time to be introduced to Jor-El and Lara as they prepare to send their only son Kal-El to Earth. Along with the development of a young Clark Kent, I was really engaged with this part of the film, Snyder and writer David S.Goyer did the clever thing of executing these scenes with flashbacks. With great emotional character moments, and some badass action sequences that really pull you in as you feel part of it. But the part the grasped me the most, is the very end when Clark shows up with the iconic specs at the Daily Planet, which put a smile on my face and the audience cheered on. With the climatic battle where Superman ends up killing Zod, unfortunately steered up some controversy, mind you The Last Son of Krypton has killed enemies in the comics, and past films evidently
Superman II.
Henry Cavill did a brilliant job, being able to balance the Clark Kent/Kal-El persona to a tee, bringing in emotional depth along with looking the part and giving his own take. Michael Shannon as General Zod was menacing, yet he had a specific reason to be, just to establish Earth as the new Krypton. That said, when his plan failed I felt bad for him since he only decided to do what he thought was right, and Shannon was able to bring that layered performance into his character. The rest of the cast is great as well, Russel Crowe as Jor-El was a standout in every scene he had. Kevin Costner as Pa Kent was brilliant, literally had me tear up a bit with those scenes between him and a young Clark, especially the tornado scene, wow talk about emotional! Amy Adams was great as Lois Lane, bringing a different side to her character which fit well. Antje Traue was badass as Faora "A good death, has its own reward", being a sidekick for Zod, overall the cast was great, Diane Lane, Christopher Meloni and Laurence Fishburne respectively.
Hans Zimmer did a phenomenal job with the score, I've listened to the soundtrack at least 3 times, it's that good. Visually the film is great as well, very realistic cinematography from Amir Mokri. Thanks to WETA Digital and Double Negative I've witnessed some stunning visuals throughout, really cool shots to look at especially the epic flying scenes, really well done. Overall I had a fun time, and I think this is the best Superman film to date. Only tiny complaint is that there was some shaky cam involved, but it didn't throw me off to the point where I was taken out of the film.
Man of Steel brings this flaking franchise to a whole new direction, and I can't wait to see it carry out in future sequels. Highly recommended amongst people who are curious, now maybe
Justice League can finally get off the ground, who knows.
RATING: 5/5