Man of Steel Review

I remember leaving the cinema after Superman Returns in 2006 with a sense of disappointment. With a slightly creepy Superman and a plodding story, it did nothing to prove there was a place for him in modern cinematic times.

However, after my second viewing of Man of Steel I can see that he does have a place. It just isn’t what many of us would have expected. A melding of CGI heavy action and small character scenes. He isn’t creepy, and you’ll find enough action for several films.

Opening scenes on a fully fleshed out and visually stunning Krypton are almost a short film on their own. Russell Crowe shines as Superman’s father Jor-El. Rather than merely a font of exposition, Crowe portrays a driven scientist who is willing to do what is best, and also very handy in a fight.

Kal-El is a lucky chap indeed, as both his Father’s bring strong performances. Kevin Costner is more sombre, and whilst I didn’t agree with his views, but I did understand them.

Which leads us to the Boy Scout himself. Henry Cavill exudes just the right amount of confidence, thoughtfulness and hope. From his physique to his smile he is Superman. Credit to Cooper Timberline and Dylan Sprayberry as the younger Clarks too. Both do a brilliant job accurately portrayal the loneliness and confusion he would feel.

Investigating a mysterious man travelling the word helping people, Lois Lane (Amy Adams), is a conundrum. We’re told she’s great at her job rather than being shown, which is a shame. Adam does a decent job with what she is given though. Their relationship is so subtle that it almost doesn’t exist, until the film feels that something needs to happen and jarringly shoves it along.

On the villain front, Michael Shannon’s gives a great turn as General Zod. He truly believes in what he’s doing, and has the conviction to see it through. His second in command Faora (Antje Traue) pushes Shannon close for not only her zeal in killing innocents but also the intensity of her overall performance.

For a film whose main character saves people, a hell of a lot of people die! Michael Bay would wince at the level of wanton destruction. I love seeing him cut loose, but I didn’t expect to be wondering if Superman could have done more to save lives. It’s exciting though, and bar the odd scene with less than perfect CGI it is very cool.

But sometimes a film needs to let itself breathe, and Man of Steel is so intent on giving the audience what they want, it forgets at times what they need. More time with Jonathan Kent and less time getting thrown through skyscrapers could have served the film better.

Man of Steel stumbles at times, but I believe that ultimately people will come to appreciate the choices it makes, especially once we see more of this incarnation. Those hoping for a perfect child from the Nolan/Snyder relationship won’t find that, but they will find a decent beginning.