Man of Steel (2013)
Director: Zack Snyder
Starring: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Russel Crowe, Kevin Costner, Antje Traue, Diane Lane
Primary genre: Superhero
Secondary genre: Fantasy
Despite a semi-decent effort with "Superman returns" at 2006 by Bryan Singer, most of the fans and the rest of the not so familiar with the content audience craved more action, bigger stakes and a story they could related to. With “Man of Steel“, Zach Snyder and mostly David S. Goyer (writer) studied “Transfomers” (2007) and "The Avengers" (2012) for spectacle and applied the Christopher Nolan grounded to realism approach to Superman’s myth.
The plot itself is easy to follow containing enough sentimental moments that enable the viewers to participate in the spiritual journey of Kal-el. The film does not focus on how Superman became Superman but in the internal conflict of who Superman really is: the adopted (and wounded) son of the Kent family or the powerful offspring of a doomed world (Krypton)? There are clever takes on this matter, handled with care and enough emotional value that transcend the film in the pantheon of excellent comic book adaptations. The display of various important flashbacks during Clark’s childhood gives us an intriguing insight into Superman’s psychosynthesis, something that most movies today lack or reveal with an emphasis on melodrama. Goyer and co have actually done nice homework by taking out (temporarily) the kryptonite stuff focusing instead on a 21st century take on the titular Man of Steel that features an ambitious, perhaps controversial and more serious take on the iconic character (which might rub off some the wrong way). Yet, the long length could tire some, particularly the last hour which is really an over-extended action scene while some cuts in the several flashbacks could have provided a faster pace.
In terms of casting, Henry Cavill is reliable as the newly founded man of steel with his convincingly imposing physique and introverted stoicism. Cavill injects nice little touches to his hero to create a memorable and sympathetic character struggling to identify himself with the human race. He is supported by the excellent Russell Crowe and Kevin Conster as the two father figures influencing his hero’s journey. However, it is Michael Shannon as General Zod who is a revelation. An equal of Superman and a supreme warrior, he does not lack logic and he is not seeking to wipe out or enslave the world; an interesting take if you will, that does not follow the stereotypical psycho attributes that an antagonist usually shares. The weakest link of the bunch though remains Amy Adams as Lois Lane. A very capable actress, she does not have much to do and despite her removal from the stereotypical damsel in distress role initially, she later on becomes exactly that, serving no purpose to the story.
Containing perhaps the biggest set pieces of Snyder’s career at that point, “Man Of Steel” embraces the sweeping mayhem that is generated by numerous Kryptonian clashes in rich visual detail. Relying more on hand held camera work, a far cry of his excessive usage of slow motion that dominated the first half of his filmography suggests a more personal take on the proceedings and a willingness to evolve as a filmmaker. The one-on-one between Kal-El and Faora is explosive enough with a nice touch on Faora’s pitch perfect fighting style while the much anticipated final face off with Zod requires multiple viewings to appreciate the level of behemothic destruction. Nevertheless, amidst all this chaos, you can help but feel a bit helpless but the de-saturated colours and a bit distant from a film that is trying really hard to be taken seriously forgetting at the same time to have fun.
“Man of Steel“ is one of the best comic movies out there, crafted care, oozing with style. It offers beyond this world spectacle and a terrific set of villains to keep you occupied. There is a lot of heart beneath the blockbuster's shiny surface. This isn't a film about Superman. This is a film about Kal-el and his place in our world.
A thrilling reboot
+Great cast
+Solid script
+Fantastic villain
+Terrific action sequences
+Special effects are top notch
+Incredible costume design
+Michael Shannon
-Amy Adams' role
-Not enough Faora
-Distracting flashback sequences