The pressure was on for this film to not only be good but to be one of the best movies of the year. Well, is it? I think so, definitely in the top 2 films of seen already this year. This film has had mixed reception from various different people but this review is going to be a very positive one. This is mainly because I enjoyed it just as much as I have any other movie.
Man of Steel is more like 2 different movies; 1 half is the origin story and the other half a battle against General Zod and the Kryptonians. Being an origin story we are delightfully treated to an exciting and interesting opening 15 minutes on Superman's home world Krypton. Krypton itself is visually stunning, the special effects here (and in other parts) are incredibly impressive and look absolutely beautiful. Krypton is also interesting as it has it's own culture and social systems, which is very interesting to watch immersing you within the film. I didn't think it dragged on Krypton, I wanted to see the planet and I got what I came for.
The next part is the most fascinating of the entire film. Superman (Clark Kent/Kal El) dealing with his current life. He lives a nomadic lifestyle, jumping from job to job every time someone would suspect anything of his supernatural powers. These are also some of the funniest parts of the film. When a man in a bar tries to push him over and he doesn't budge, I laughed out loud!
What makes a good origin story is being able to relate to the character. His childhood and all of the relevant events are shown to us in flashbacks. This is generally quite a risky thing to do but if it is executed well then it's not a problem. Thankfully, it is executed to perfection. All credit has to go to the editors, directors and producers for making this section of the film the most fascinating and engaging.
In terms of character development, the entirety of it centres around Kal El, as it should be in an origin story like this. As for Cavill as Superman, he owns the role! He looks the part, you really get the sense that although his genetic code is Kryptonian, he is still very much a human being. He is literally all I could have wanted Superman to be. He's genuinely a good guy, but because of his powers he has the right amount of cockiness to go with it, which again provides much needed comic relief in a film like this.
The rest of the cast all do solid jobs. Apart from Cavill, the other stand out performers were Kevin Costner as Jonathon Kent and Russell Crowe as Jor El. Both of these actor's contributions help add to Cavill's character which again add to, what I feel, is the best part of the movie.
As for Amy Adams as Lois Lane, she was good in the role but did not own the role like the 3 above. The romance between her and Superman was believable, but I can't help but feel it to be slightly rushed. There was potential for a romance to blossom in future films but they jumped straight into it. Diane Lane as Martha Kent also did a sound job.
Now we move on to part 2 of the movie, the showdown. The adversary in this film is General Zod, played by Michael Shannon. He did not own the role. Having said that, he was intense when he needed to be and was evil when required also which is what you need from a Superhero movie villain. I can't help but think that Zod seemed less of a great villain because of Faora, played by Antje Traue. She kicked ass, she was evil yet had that efficiency which just made her more of a threat. Faora was great.
I have touched on the characters, acting, the special effects, Romance, Cavill as Superman and editing thus far.
Now I have to talk about part 2, the crazy battle/action sequences. The special effects and audio really bring you into the action and give you thrills and excitement. However, shaky cameras seem to take you out of the experience when you notice it. Also, with the amount of action sequences there was I can't help but feel it was way too much. Too much action devalues the currency of it, making it less enjoyable.
That is my only major gripe. As for the humour I'm split half and half. Some parts were genuinely funny, others seemed to be quite cheesy. However, I liked some of the Easter Eggs in the film, I want to see more from this franchise (which we are getting).
As for the soundtrack, incredible. Zimmer does a good job at accompanying all of the varied scenes and emotions in the film with a varied and pulsating soundtrack.
To summarise, the first half was a well written, well edited and well acted origin story which relates you to Cavill's character and sucks you into the story. The soundtrack, also breath-taking. One of Hans Zimmer's best pieces of work. The second half had enjoyable action scenes, audio and special effects that immerse and excite you into the story but shaky cam and too much action do bring the film down.
I enjoyed the hell out of this movie, I went to see it twice! Go and see it for yourself.
Rating - A
1 sentence summary - The Superman movie we deserve and finally have!
So, have I been too generous? Did you enjoy Man of Steel or did you not? Whatever you may think, please leave a comment.
Thanks for reading,
Matt
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