By Renee’ Collins
Rating: 4 (Out of 5 Reels)
I have seen every modern version of Superman starting with Christopher Reeve in 1978. So, when yet again, Hollywood decides to make another remake of this story I was not holding out for much that is until I saw the trailer for Man of Steel. Zach Snyder directs this latest installment whose past work I have enjoyed in 300 (2006) and Watchmen (2009).
A young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers and is not of this Earth. As a young man, he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. But the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind (Warner Bros. Pictures).
To say this film spared no expense on the special effects is an understatement. It is stunningly made on all levels from the costumes to the computer generated effects; it is visually spectacular. Throughout the film I kept asking myself where I had seen the actor portraying Superman, before. Then it finally hit me, it was Henry Cavill who has portrayed Charles Brandon in the British television series The Tudors and Albert Mondego in The Count of Monte Cristo among many other things. Cavill exudes a more reserved and thoughtful Superman which in my opinion is much better than previous roles. I admit I didn’t think the choice of Amy Adams as Lois Lane is wise but she is actually better as the feisty reporter than I thought she would be. That being said, I still think a grittier actress should have been chosen. Mention should also be made of Michael Shannon’s role as General Zod because he is absolutely fantastic in this role. He adds a depth to this character that his counterpart Terence Stamp in the 1978 version could never begin to touch.
As a whole, this film is extremely entertaining. However, I thought, as usual, it could have been shorter. There are several flash backs that explain Superman’s childhood and origins. Also, the fight sequence at the end of the film is way too long. We get the point; they can and do destroy pretty much everything that is in their path. I do see the need for some of it but I thought it was a bit too much for me in the end. With all that said, it is still very entertaining and I would recommend it to anyone. It is a must see as part of the summer blockbuster films.