Man of Steel (Zack Snyder, 2013) Review

No, you're eyes don't deceive you...Superman does NOT have his red undies on. Good God, it's the apocalypse. Well, since this is clearly a gritty reboot of Superman following the likes of Batman Begins (well, Christopher Nolan did produce this...and it is from the same production company) and since everyone is sick of Batman now (I'm not...still waiting on Arkham Origins) .

On the planet Krypton, General Zod (Michael Shannon) is trying to seize control of the dying planet while Jor-El (Russel Crowe) tries to stand his ground. As the planet reaches it's final hours, Zod is exiled and Jor-El's son, Kal-El, is sent to Earth in order to carry on his father's legacy. Now grown up under the name Clark Kent (Henry Cavill), Kal begins to learn of his roots and needs to control his powers to protect his adopted planet against the wrath of Zod.

Now I've set up self up as a guy who doesn't really like giant action explosion fest than rely on CGI...this is now an exception. It's so good that we have the technology to pull off action sequences that are worthy of the Superman universe (even if it did look like gameplay from Injustice at times...is Zod in that yet?) with a truly spectacular final battle (the scale, the look, the performances...OOOOHHH it's so good) however it works well this the narrative which, while people have complained is lacking, I say is good enough for a Superman film...even if the first half dragged a bit due to identity crises (it's retelling the story...in a way that's aimed at fans...who would already know the story...)

It is so rare to find a film where EVERY SINGLE ACTOR is so, so good. Henry Cavill is perfect as Kal-El (yeah, he's not referred to 'professionally' as Superman) and Amy Adams does a good job as Lois Lane but I can't look at Adams and see Lois though...she's really good in the film but he's not Lois Lane (that's more the casting director's fault). Russell Crowe was born to play Jor-El and Michael Shannon steals the show as Zod (all villains seem to steal the show...weird).

Man of Steel is a solid start to a new series of Superman films that, while it definitely has it's problems, contains some amazing acting, mind blowing action sequences and a well written narrative. It doesn't quite hit the great start that the Dark Knight Trilogy had but it's one film that I definitely want to see a sequel for as there it has a lot of potential.

Verdict:
7.5/10
A solid action blockbuster that delievers great acting and amazing visuals.

If this doesn't win or even get nominated for the Oscar for Best Visual Effects, all hope is lost.