Movie Review - Man of Steel

Man of Steel ***½ (PG-13) There’s much to like about this revised version of the Superman saga we’ve all known from comic books to TV to feature films. Not only has the classic suit been given a sleek, subdued makeover, but the heros’ backstory has also been fleshed out and revised to make Earth’s most powerful resident alien a more relatable character, complete with angst and identity issues akin to those of Batman and Spiderman.

The first update is a mix of political analogy and stunning f/x, as the demise of his home planet, Krypton, is depicted in much greater detail. The ruling elders ignored scientists like Supe’s father, Jor-El (Russell Crowe), and harvested energy from its core far beyond its tolerance, leading to global implosion. The Krypton segment of the film is spectacularly designed, especially if viewed on a 3-D screen.

We also see flashbacks to Clark Kent’s childhood in Kansas, struggling to keep his origins and abilities a secret, continuing through adolescence and beyond, as he roamed globe searching for further insights into both his roots and his destiny. The variations from what we’ve seen and read before make for an intriguing screenplay, with an effective balance of humor to its mostly dramatic tone. It also sets up a monstrous climactic battle against General Zod and other Kryptonian exiles, with Earth’s survival at stake.

Henry Cavill makes a fine Clark/Kal-El/Superman, not only in this film, but for the sequels it will surely spawn. Amy Adams contributes a post-feminist spin for the female lead, making her arguably the least annoying Lois Lane in TV/movie history. Director Zack Snyder’s work might be lauded by most fans, but I thought the last hour’s action grew tiresome, with far more devastation and repetition than needed to tell the tale. The film ran over 2:20, and that excess lowered this rating by ½ star. Even so, the elements are all in place for a first-rate series of high-octane adventures. (6/14/13)