MAN OF STEEL ("SUPERMAN IS HERE....ALMOST")

June 14, 2013

Cast: Henry Cavill, Russell Crowe, Amy Adams, Kevin Costner, Michael Shannon.

Director: Zack Snyder.

When Superman Returns released in 2006 it gave nothing but disappointment to the fans worldwide. So after the failed attempt when the man who miraculously rebooted the dead Batman franchise collaborates (as producer) with the man who gave us films as different as 300 and Watchmen it is but natural to expect something over the top. With all that specialities amongst others comes Man of Steel.

In the face of the destruction of Krypton, Jor El (Crowe) sends his new born son Kal/Clark(Cavill) to earth in a pod using the codex (which is the only thing that can revive Krypton). Jor El gets killed by General Zod (Michael Shannon) who wants the codex for himself and the future of Krypton. Clark is raised by the Kents (Costner and Diane Lane) where he slowly learns about himself and the need to keep his real identity a secret. He is forced to reveal himself when General Zod threatens the whole world for the codex.

It is natural to go in expecting a Nolan touch especially when he is so much involved in the project, as are his regular mates Zimmer and Goyer. If that is the case you will be in for a disappointment because ultimately this one is a Snyder film, and so it should be viewed from purely that angle. And in that way, it is a film which almost does justice to what Snyder does best; visually appealing set pieces and some really cool action and effects.

The screenplay, which is more of an average one, keeps shifting between the present and the past trying to give us a clear picture of how the Superman came into being. Goyer is someone as unpredictable as the monsoons and this time it would not be wrong to say that he disappoints as far as the depth of the screenplay is concerned. Though it offers some really amazing action sequences what is lacking high time is the emotional depth and the chemistry between the lead characters; be it Superman and Lois, Clark and his dad, Clark and his mom or Kal and Jor.

The music by the ever reliable Hans Zimmer is amazing as usual but it might be a bit sad for the fans with extreme expectations to see his work wasted on some really “mechanical” scenes. But nonetheless the music is a big plus factor contributing to the film.

The one main reason you would want to watch this film would be the high octane action sequences. Though the hand to hand or one on one fight sequences are less in number, Snyder shows his class with the simply brilliant sequences heavy with action and effects.

This may be termed as a successful start to a fresh Superman series. Let us wait for the sequel to offer us more of what is lacking in this film.

I am giving a 3.25/5 for Man of Steel. There is plenty on offer for the fans.

IMDB Rating

Rating Scale (Out of 5)

Less than 2                   -           Unwatchable.

2    to 2.25                   -           Below average.

2.5 to 2.75                   -           Average.

       

3    to 3.25                   -           Good.

3.5 to 3.75                   -           Really Good.

4    to 4.25                   -           Great.

4.5 and above               -          Extraordinary.