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UK Release Date: 6/14/2013
US Release Date: 6/14/2013

Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon

Let me get something straight from the very beginning: I like Zack Snyder. He’s one of the most visually interesting directors working today. He’s a filmmaker who embraces technology and not only loves doing what he does, but loves to share in detail why he does it. (his Maximum Movie Experiences on the Watchmen and Sucker Punch Bluray’s are mind blowing) Here’s the rub. Every movie he’s made to date is eye candy of the highest order and … very little else. I’ll admit it. Watchman was lost on me. It’s stylish and well constructed but…. Ummm? Ummm? Yeah. I need to watch it again. Sucker Punch I wanted to love. I really, really wanted to, but… Ummm? Ummm? Now, you remember I said I liked Zack, right? I stand by that. I just never really connect with his films on a level other than the visual. A good film though, is made up of story and character. (Yes, disgruntled Watchmen fans I’ve said I’ll watch it again) If only Zack could find some material to apply his visuals to.

When Warner Bothers decided it was time to reboot the Superman franchise, two things excited me. First, Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas were on board as producers. They could reinvigorate the Man of Steel from the ground up just as they had with the Caped Crusader. Second, they chose Zack Snyder to direct. If you’d put those cards down at a Black Jack table, I’d be the first to scream “Winner, winner, chicken dinner!” Over the next few months the other players fell into place. Amy Adams as Louis Lane. Russell Crowe as Jor-El. Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as Ma & Pa Kent. Lawrence Fishburne as Perry White and Michel Shannon as General Zod. Oh, and before I forget, British actor Henry Cavill as the Man of Steel. Cor, blimey Gov! Winner, winner, chicken dinner, matey! After seeing the first teaser on July 22nd 2012, June 14th 2013 could not come fast enough.

The planet Krypton is dying. Chief scientist Jor-El knows that all hope is lost. Jor-El sends a craft carrying his only son, Kal-El to Earth as he knows it is the only way to save his race. General Zod has other ideas, and murders Joel-El just as the craft leaves. For the crime, Zod and his followers are sent to the Phantom Zone but, as Krypton dies they manage to escape, heading in the same direction as Kal-El. When exposed to Earth’s sun, it gives Kal-El superhuman powers. He doesn’t know how or why, but he knows he is not one of us. Kal-El always seems to be at the scene of danger, saving lives in ways that a human could not possibly do. Daily Planet reporter Louis Lane is on to the story.  Kal-El’s adoptive parents reveal to him  that he was found in a craft that fell to earth, and urge him to keep this superhuman side a secret as the world might not be ready to accept him. When Zod arrives on Earth threatening to destroy the planet unless Kal-El surrenders` within 24 hours, there’s only one thing to do.

This month, I’ll turn 35. On December 15th, Richard Donner’s Superman: The Movie will also turn 35. You know you’re getting old when they’re remaking movies that were released when you were a kid. It also makes any critique of a newer version of a film that was a big part of your childhood unfair. Snyder has big shoes to fill, and it’s not his fault. It was the same 6 years ago when Bryan Singer had big shoes to fill with Superman Returns. As much as I try not to compare, Donner’s movie was always in the back of my head. It’s a classic, but we can talk about that another time. When Man of Steel gets it right, it does so with flare and lots of it. When it doesn’t, oh dear, it really doesn’t.

First, the good. Everybody from Cavill, right through to the supporting cast is pitch perfect. No one is trying to be a replica of something from a previous version. That’s the way it should be. There are also a lot of nice touches in the way that Snyder show’s young Kal-El’s point of view. The struggle of dealing with ultra sharp senses is great, and exploring the limits of his power set a great tone.  The chronology is interesting too. It’s not linear, and it mixes things up in an interesting way, as we go back and forth between child Kal-El and Kal-El the young man.

Here’s the bad, or to be fair, the not so good. If you remember that this is an origin the not so good may pass you by. With Nolan’s involvement, it’s easy to see it as a Superman Begins. Still, the key to making superheroes human has always been being able to relate, in some way at least. Although Clark Kent is certainly part of the story, he’s not used as a device to keep the characters wondering who Superman is. If you loose that, you loose the connection to Louis Lane. There is a love interest between the two but its not as electric as it needs to be.  There are also some questionable plot choices.  No spoilers here, you’ll see them.

For me, the biggest issue is Snyder’s urge to go for the throat every single time in every single way. Every action sequence lasts 20 minutes, to the point where I tuned out each time. These sequences, if tightened, could have left room for much needed plot and character development. Instead, we get dizzying images that are so crammed with visual effects that there is no room to breathe.  I remember when a 2 and a half hour movie meant that something was going to happen. Now it just feels like they bloat movies to choking point.

Simply put, all the individual pieces seemed right, but all in the same place amounted to a bland experience. Of course, with the weight of the hype machine in full swing, it  will be the summer’s biggest movie. There will be a sequel, and I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes. Here’s the thing about Man of Steel. It’s not a bad movie but it’s not a good one either. It’s just there.

Is this lime worth your time? Meh. 5/10

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