Man of Steel Soars to greatness
"Snyder achieves with Man of Steel what Nolan did with Batman Begins"
From start to finish this is the superman we've always wanted. Beginning with a lengthy exposition to show Kal-el's birth on Krypton, we gain a sense of his world and where he comes from. Many superman films fail to showcase why he was sent to earth but this much needed exposition clearly showcases the circumstances surrounding his arrival on earth. Clark growing up faces painful x-ray vision, heat vision and is afraid of himself and whats wrong with him. Not only does this make superman more relatable but explains his God-like power's which often have been the source of criticism. Perhaps that's the greatest thing about this film. Superman isn't a God he has limits. It takes him effort in performing his powers. There are reasons for his power's as well as his source of energy. This makes superman much much more vulnerable and not overpowered. Furthermore David Goyer's decision to remove Kryptonite as superman's weakness ensures that this movie doesn't suffer from unrealistic weaknesses of such a super being. Superman is as much human as he is an alien, vulnerable to his emotions.
By far the most notable scene are of young Clark Kent. Afraid to express his abilities fearing the world would reject him. As such he is forced to live a life of shadows despite always only intending to use his powers for good. It's in this that superman's humanity shines drawing in the audiences sympathy. Young Clark only wishes to be a normal human and belong. Having lost his original parents and questioning the purpose of his existence Jonathan Kent is as much a father to him as his biological father Jor-El. While Jor-El may have given Kal-El his krypton blood, Jonathan Kent gives Clark his humanity. Superman is as much a child of Krypton as he is of earth. Likewise Amy Adam's delivers as Lois Lane providing a love interest for the young superman. Writer David Goyer cuts out the heavy romance featured in previous superman movies only to deliver am adequate amount of it in Man of Steel. This is just what was needed. Although superman and Lois share only brief moments on screen together, their chemistry resonates. Forget the critics saying there isn't enough romance, there is enough Lois and Superman in this movie that it will leave you satisfied and smiling.
The main antagonist General Zod played by Michael Shannon is powerful, and brilliant. Whenever present on screen he draws in all of the attention and much of the action of the movie. It is his motive which makes him one of the most effective superhero villain's we've seen yet. Not fuelled by world domination, or any other 2-dimensional motive but rather the survival of his race. This makes the viewer feel for the antagonist since he is merely looking out for this people as would anyone look out for his family. Throughout the movie many would even consider General Zod not a villain but rather someone that's a victim of unfortunate circumstances.
Man of Steel beautifully addresses the circumstances that would result if we were to find alien life let alone have such a powerful being living amongst us. Clark faces this dilemma throughout the movie, unsure whether to reveal himself to the world and face the consequences or remain hidden. When revealed the world responds appropriately afraid of him and casting him as an outcast, which is how society would respond in real life. Often we forget if such super being were to exist in society, we wouldn't welcome them with open arms. The film showcases this reality and this features in Superman's struggle to find his place in this world. Not only does he have to decide whether to let his Kryptonian's go extinct but he also has to face the blowback from his home world, earth.
Writer David Goyer, and producer Christopher Nolan bring out a story that is rich with detail and emotions while Snyder drill to the core of the metaphor to find an emotional entrance and an excuse to explode the screen with jaw-dropping set pieces. Rest assured although the movie borrows heavily from Nolan's universe “Man of Steel” is not simply "Batman Begins" with a different director. Snyder delivers a blockbuster of titanic proportions that swings back and forth between human existentialism and clobbering action deserving of the biggest screen imaginable. Snyder defines the world epic in Man of Steel delivering some of the best action of this summer's blockbusters. Snyder brings his own touch and achieves with Man of Steel what Nolan did with Batman Begins. If this is the start to DC's Justice League of America than Marvel is about to get a run for their money.
