Man of Steel: A Review

We all want this one to be good. Even if you're not a huge fan of Superman, there has been so much anticipation, hype, and build toward this movie that it has to be good. With names like Christopher Nolan and Zack Synder behind the project, how could it not? Well, I'm here to give you my take on the film. There is a lot to like here: the action sequences are a feast for the eyes, the special effects are suitably destructive and firmly establish how high the stakes are, and the set pieces are quite good. Zack Snyder is clearly a director that excels in directing action and massive set-pieces. With all of this said, you would think we would have a hit here, right?


I'm sorry to say, but it's a little more complicated than that. On one hand I have some sympathy toward the creators of the film. They had the monumental task of re-introducing Superman and his world to a new generation. This means building the world of Krypton from the ground up, explaining General Zod and The Phantom Zone, how his powers work, why his upbringing by a kindly couple helped define who he is, and accurately portray the initial conflict of Clark Kent having to define himself. Is he a Kryptonian that is stranded on Earth? Is he an Earthling who happens to have been born on Krypton?

The crisis of the immigrant with regards to heritage have always been important to what makes Superman compelling. The movie tries to solve this particular aspect of the character through a series of flashbacks. Some of them are fairly well-done, particularly on the visual scale. The issue is their placement throughout the movie. Flashbacks are peppered throughout the entire film with little sense of structure or order. While some of them go a decent way into displaying one of The Man of Tomorrow's central conflicts, others just seem completely insane.

Speaking of completely insane, the execution of Martha and Jonathan Kent is completely off the mark. You don't see nearly as much of the 'kindly' in the 'kindly couple,' and it all culminates in a death that is pointless. The reason for why the character was put in the situation, as well as his 'sacrifice' is completely ridiculous. Another major flaw with the movie lies in the sheer amount of exposition in it. The movie is driven by countless McGuffins and plot devices, all of which need to be explained in agonizing detail. Some of this exposition is delivered by Russell Crowe's Jor-El. This version of the character repeats the same speech several times, as if explaining to the audience why we should care about Superman.

In fact, it's partially the over-use of Jor-El which makes me dislike some aspects of the plot so much. We shouldn't need to be told why Superman is a figure of good and inspiration. We shouldn't need to be told how Superman motivates people around him to be better by being himself. Instead, we should watch how he acts, the magnificent feats he accomplishes, and how he makes time for everyone and feel inspired. Not to go too off-rail, but it is this aspect of Superman that I think Grant Morrison's, “All-Star Superman” really nails.

With all of this said I feel like I have to discuss what I did like about the film. I can summarize it in one character: General Zod. I am not kidding when I say that Zod steals the show. This isn't to suggest that other actors are mailing it in. Harry Lennix, Richard Schiff, and Christopher Meloni all do bang-up jobs in taking roles that would be considered boring, stock roles and make something memorable. An honorable mention has to go to Antje Traue as Faora-Ul. Her performance will go largely dismissed, but it was quite a treat. Henry Cavill does serviceably as Superman and Amy Adams delivers a completely forgettable Lois Lane.

Outside of the acting, there are some truly solid moments in this piece that really hit the mark. The action feels epic and Earth-shaking in scale. When the movie can breathe and take time away from plot and exposition, it is a treat for the eyes. However, Man of Steel is an average offering at best.

Better luck, next time.

Final Score: 3 and ½ out of 5