MAN OF STEEL

Jor-El the leading scientist of the planet Krypton launches his infant son Kal-El towards the planet Earth. He does this in order to save his only child from the impending collapse of their home world. The son reaches Earth and is rescued and adopted my Jonathan and Martha Kent. And there in Smallville, Kansas the child now known as Clark Kent will grow up to become a saviour for mankind.

Superman is still probably the most well known comic book character in the world. He is the flagship superhero of DC Comics and this popularity has spawned a stage play, television shows, video games and seven full-length motion pictures, Man of Steel being the seventh. Firstly I must admit that I am a big comic book fan but I am a bigger movie fan. So I have no problems when filmmakers take source materials and tweak it in order to make a great movie, and that’s exactly what they’ve done for Man of Steel. The film begins on Krypton with the birth of Kal-El and then a miniature but epic battle scene in which Jor-El performs death defying feats in order to extract an object that will preserve his people. Although Krypton has been shown in past films albeit momentarily, this is the first time the geography, the architecture and the politics have been revealed. It also introduces us to the villain General Zod and his megalomaniacal vision for Krypton. Since this is a retelling of Superman’s origin story the filmmakers have been cautious not to repeat scenes from Superman: The Movie (1978) or the sequel Superman II (1980), which first featured General Zod as the villain. This story is fresh and the changes they’ve made especially in regards to the relationship of Lois Lane and Clark Kent are commendable. It’s a grand story of saving the world combined with a personal story of finding one’s purpose in life.

When making a movie, casting the right actors for the roles is half the battle and these filmmakers won that half from the start. Amy Adams’ Lois Lane is driven yet vulnerable and certainly the heart of the film. Michael Shannon’s General Zod is gripping in his pursuit of what he thinks is right. Henry Cavill is a perfect choice for Superman. He brings a much needed sense of seriousness and inner conflict to the character. The supporting cast consists of an exceptional bunch of actors as well. Lead by Russell Crowe, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane and Laurence Fishburne, these actors enhance the entire film.

The Superman films in the past had a comical ‘look’ to it, but this film’s look is very much based in actuality. This can be scene in the subdued and natural colour palette of the film. The editing varies seamlessly from action scenes to the scenes without action. The sound is brilliant especially the scenes in which Zod’s machines are at work and also the sonic booms created by Superman during flight. Hans Zimmer’s score is recognizable and adds a distinctive layer to the ‘feel’ of the film. The special effects are breathtaking particularly the scenes on Krypton and the impressive destruction of Metropolis. The action scenes are well placed, relentless and simply awesome. Having kept his anger in control for thirty three years it’s superb watching Superman unleash on Zod’s soldiers.

Undoubtedly movie nitpickers of today will focus on insignificant details such as the tone of the film being too serious, too much action, no chemistry between Lois and Clark and no physics between the fighting and flying scenes. But in my opinion this is the most enjoyable movie of the summer season and unquestionably the best Superman movie made thus far. Man of Steel is a perfect mixture of Comic-Book Movie and Sci-Fi Flick. The creative team of David S. Goyer (Screenwriter), Christopher Nolan (Producer) and Zack Snyder (Director) has given us a new version of an old beloved story. This film cannot be compared to the dreadful Superman Returns (2006) which turned Superman into an absentee father and Lex Luthor into a glorified property developer. This stands alone as a unique vision and a departure from the corny style of Superman movies of the past. The Superman franchise has successfully been ‘Nolanized’ which is my way of saying that it has been brought from the comic book world into the real world. This is what Nolan did for Batman and together with Snyder who directed the unforgettable 300 (2006); they’ve breathed new life into Superman. Man of Steel is simply solid!

Rating: 9/10

S. V. Fernando