Man of Steel

Release Date: Jun 14, 2013  
Runtime: 2 hr. 23 min. 
Director: Zack Snyder 
Cast: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Diane Lane, Russell Crowe, Kevin Costner, Laurence Fishburne.

Superheroes come and go, but there is none quite as emblematic as the man with the letter "S." Representing a symbol of hope and morality, Superman has long been considered a hero of immeasurable standards, universally and in the comic book world. So it's with rapt anticipation that we dive into the newest chapter – in a saga that has only just begun. While this is certainly not the first storytelling of the Last Son of Krypton, it is alternately a much somber portrayal than is usually conceived. Akin to the "Dark Knight" series by Christopher Nolan, his involvement here is perceptible even as executive producer. Together with Zack Snyder as anointed director, they bring an ominous feel that's light years apart from what we've seen in the past. Krypton, in shades of gray and steel, is majestically altered to fit into a contemporary new world. Whereas Snyder's cinematic style is utilized to its fullest, it's his aptitude for action that duly precedes him. Perhaps more enthralling than the film itself is the score composed by Hans Zimmer who never ceases to amaze. The escalation of strings and percussion create a rousing energy, accompanying each scene with a force as powerful as its lead. Henry Cavill is solidly cast in the role, compassionate yet tenacious as both Clark Kent and Superman. Previously personified by the late Christopher Reeve, it's no less playing a hero than replacing an icon. Not to be discounted, Bryan Singer's "Superman Returns" was an affable attempt, but it never gained the popularity it was meant to attain. Like all superheroes, there entails some weaknesses, and "Man of Steel" begs no different in its quest for greatness. Thoroughly dark and less cheesy than before, humor is noticeably absent for the majority of the film. On the flip side, destruction takes its toll on the city of Metropolis, bordering on excessive in scene redundancy. Nevertheless, "Man of Steel" takes a large stride towards the rumored "Justice League" movie – a rumor that is this much closer to becoming a reality. As fans wait patiently with abated breath, it seems DC has proven to rise again.

Rating: 4 stars