Man of Steel

Cast: Amy Adams, Henry Cavill, Diane Lane, Russell Crowe, Michael Shannon, Kevin Costner and Richard Schiff.

Director: Zack Synder

Release Date: 2013

Running Time: 2hrs 23 minutes

Genre: Action

Rating: 12

Format: Blu-Ray

Synopsis:

Clark Kent is the last of his race, now living on Earth he must disguise himself as one of them, despite his remarkable abilities. However he is forced to reveal his identity when Earth is threatened by General Zod and his army, who hope to bring the planet to destruction. 

Planet Krypton is doomed for destruction, Jor-El's (Crowe) only son Kal-El is the last of his kind, his father must send him to Earth, so that he can survive. Brought up on Earth as Clark Kent, he must disguise himself as one of them. Keeping his abilities a secret. Kal-El however is forced to reveal his identity when General Zod escapes prison and heads straight for Earth to get revenge on him. Revealing himself as Superman he must be the one to save Earth.

If I am correct this is now the third film adaption of the comic book Superman? Is Henry Cavill a match for the late Christopher Reeves? Yes and no. Cavill however, certainly delivers a far better performance then Brandon Routh did in "Superman Returns", this film essentially goes right back to Clark Kent's routes, showing him as a child. Kent realises he can fly, almost as if by mistake. Coming to terms with the fact that he is Earth's answer to hope. Understanding that his powers can no longer remain a secret.

Henry Cavill is excellent as Clark Kent/Kal-El, he really looks the part with a remarkable looking physique. A man of steel. Amy Adams delivers a very good performance as the ever so curious Lois Lane. It doesn't, however take long for her to find herself in deep water. General Zod did make an appearance in the original "Superman" film. Essentially the two films do overlap one another, director Zack Synder has adjusted the storyline, allowing audiences to see more into Clark Kent's childhood that was not shown in the original film and the reason behind General Zod invading Earth.

General Zod is played magnificently by Michael Shannon. Although a little type cast, he is perfect for the role. Dark and sinister with a deadpan expression. An alien like quality.  Kevin Costner has a small role as Kent's father, his performance is very good, as is Diane Lane's performance as Kent's mother. Very protective of his mother, Kal-El seeks justice for General Zod when his mother is threatened.

Although messy in places, the storyline for the most part is very good. The fact that more of Clark Kent's childhood is shown makes it all the more enjoyable, something that was never shown in the original films. The action sequences are fantastic and for the most part is coherently shot. The special effects are incredible, scenes involving Superman learning that he can fly for the first time are superb, breaking the sound barrier, meaning Superman travels at approximately 700mph at a speed of about 300 metre's per second. It looks very authentic and genuine. Superbly shot.

Stunning cinematography by cinematographer Amir Mokri. Visually, the nicest looking "Superman" film to date. The aerial shots are out of this world, no pun intended! At the end of the day, this should not be compared directly to the original films or the comic book. It's an adaption. Sometimes it's better to see a film for what it is, then what it should be. Composer Hans Zimmer explains the film beautifully through a stunning score. Action packed and full of emotion, it brings the story together wonderfully.

A film worth being a little bit open minded about. Superb.

4/5 stars