Man Of Steel 3D Review

• 13th Jun 2013

Man Of Steel kicks off as it means to go on, in an electrifying tour de force of what is essentially a great sci fi thriller. Alien invasions, dying planets and other worldly beings lay the groundwork for Zach Snyder’s reimagining of the Superman tale, one built for the current cinema audience who quite frankly wants a dark gritty film, and Snyder delivers.

It starts from the very beginning, on Krypton, the home planet of Kal-El (Clark Kent/Superman/Henry Cavill) just as the boy in question is born. Kal-El is the first naturally born Kryptonian in centuries, but this miracle doesn’t hold long as we are made quickly aware of Krypton’s ultimate demise, as the planet crumbles from environmental issues. Kal-El is sent to Earth by his father, Jor-El (Russel Crowe) before the planet implodes, much to the despair of General Zod (Michael Shannon), who wishes to save his race with a codex Jor-El used to save his only son.

Kal-El, or now Clark, lives and learns on Earth via the guidance of his foster parents Jonathan (Kevin Costner) and Martha (Diane Lane) Kent. He keeps his secret from the world, until the time is right for the world to know who he is – and this comes to a head when Zod and his followers invade Earth, having escaped from the interstellar prison they were sent to before Krypton’s demise.

The one thing that must be noted is that Man Of Steel is big. Snyder and his production team had a vision for this film, and this is seen on screen. They had a vision of what they wanted Superman to be and how he would act, and we see this too. The 3D, in fact, doesn’t take anything away from the film. It seems to add, especially during the flying sequences. If you don’t mind the glasses, you won’t mind the spectacle.

But this isn’t really a film about Superman – a guise which is only mentioned on one occasion during the 140 minute running time. This isn’t even a film about Clark Kent. No, this is a film about Kal-El.

It’s about a child feeling unwanted, uneasy about himself, like an outcast and thrown away from his biological parents. We see Kal-El’s anger and frustration at the world, a world which he only wants to do good in. Kevin Costner plays the father figure well, in a role which sees Jonathan Kent love his adopted son more than anything else in the world. It is through this relationship that Kal-El becomes the man we all know, and this factor is focussed on in this tale a great deal.

Performances throughout were what you’d expect from the actors giving them. Crowe and Shannon were outstanding as their respective Kryptonians, the latter especially. Shannon took on a role made famous decades ago by Terrence Stamp. And, instead of taking that as inspiration, he instead became a very different, much more menacing Zod – albeit, one the film required. But that is not to take away from his performance as the villain.

Amy Adams holds her own as investigative reporter Lois Lane – but she is lost in the plot and the love interest sadly between her and Clark just doesn’t seem to be there. Cavill as the hero is, like Shannon to his part, a very different Man Of Steel to what we know from before. His emotion, especially his anger, is what drives the performance and while it may be a change from the ever articulate Superman we know from before, it does make the hero more human. Which is part of the point – while not inherently, he is adopted on this earth. So he is going to adopt our traits just as the Kent’s adopted him.

Hans Zimmer’s score is as a Zimmer score is – brooding and orchestrated to near perfection. It holds the feeling and ecstasy of the film as the story is being told, which is what we’ve come to expect from his scores. David S. Goyer’s screenplay has some holes you will find, and while this reviewer doesn’t want to step to far into the plot, one should note some environmental issues in the second act. But otherwise, it is superb. The story moves at a fantastic pace, and keeps you entertained.

There were points throughout where holding your breath is your only option, and one in particular which forced my jaw to drop. Things you hope to see on screen, which are delivered upon, which you may not have expected. Ones which make you question what a superhero is, and whether Snyder and co. have re-established what that term means.

The scope of this film is what is most played with. During the final act, Metropolis (whose name is mentioned on one occasion also) is torn to shreds. Buildings are ripped to pieces, as well as in Smallville, but it is Metropolis which feels the brunt of the Kryptonian force. One has to question how many people died during the destruction, as Superman focused on the evil at hand. The needs of the many may outweigh the needs of the few, but we later see Supes unable to handle a death seen in front of his eyes, which may have something to do with his father’s demise. However you want to look at it, there is a great portion during which Man Of Steel becomes a disaster movie.

That being said, it is far from done badly. Snyder and his helpers, who include Christopher Nolan of The Dark Knight trilogy, have set a benchmark with this. While not quite perfect, a superb starting point. Planning on the sequel began before this film premiered, simply due to the hype surrounding it. But there are no post credits scenes, no glimpses at what may come in the future (apart from Lexcorp logos on moving trucks). Possibly the best thing about this film is that it is its own film. While everyone enjoys the idea of being teased, there is something refreshing about a finished story. And while there is plenty to move forward with in regards to material to work with, Man Of Steel is a closed book which makes it almost more satisfying.

This new take on the worlds greatest superhero is a modern take, one we could expect from the helmer of Watchmen, another great Comic Book flick. And while comparisons will ultimately be drawn between this and Batman Begins due to Nolan’s part in production, Man Of Steel is a film all on its own. A massive movie which will no doubt leave any movie goer, be it an all time Superfan or just a blockbuster hound, wanting more.

4 Stars

Chris Droney