Man of Steel

Super-spoilers!

Man of Steel is brought to us by director, Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen) and co-writer/producer, Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight trilogy) - a formidable pairing if ever there was one. Joining these two is chief ideas-man (and writer of Man of Steel), David S. Goyer (Batman Begins). Collectively they have chosen to ground Superman in reality, just as they did with Batman - no easy task when you consider his alien origins and super powers. Despite the trappings of the character, each fantastic element has been reworked to fit the modern age and our ever fearful society. Inventive alternatives to the likes of the Fortress of Solitude, now form essential cogs in propelling the machinations of the character.

The film starts incredibly well! Beginning on a superbly conceived Krypton, we are firstly introduced to Jor-El (Russell Crowe, on great form). The planet is dying. Its resources have been depleted and the powers that be are ignorant to the fact that they've pillaged and poisoned their home. There are obvious comparisons to be made with our own planet here. It's a nice touch to comment on such a pertinent issue. Whether the comparisons have been made before or not is unclear - it certainly doesn't go unheard!
Just as he did with Master and Commander, Crowe exudes confidence in the role of Jor-El - an intelligent natural leader, making difficult decisions in the face of adversity. Jor-El's instincts tell him that the end is closer than the politicians and military (led by Michael Shannons Zod) would care to admit.
With time a factor, Jor-El readies his new-born - the only natural birth on Krypton, amongst the genetically engineered majority. Having convinced his wife that Kryptons time is at an end, they prepare a ship for their sons ongoing journey. Jor-El comes up against Zod of course - who plainly disagrees with his plans. Particularly as Jor-El has placed the Codex within his sons ship (an artefact which contains the Kryptonian genetic make-up).

The rest of the film takes place presently, with Clark/Kal-El (Henry Cavill) a grown man. His youth is told in flashback, as he considers the man he's become through the lessons he's learnt. Clark has yet to discover where he originally came from and is doing his very best to lead a good life - helping others whenever possible. Clarks adopted father, Jonathan (Kevin Costner - superb) was adamant that the world would fear and ostracise his son if they new of his powers. Like any sensible guardian, Jonathan has endeavoured to instil in his son a sense of responsibility - and it's clear that Clark has lived by his fathers caveat for some time. Exposing himself only when there's no alternative, Clarks super-human abilities have become folk lore to some - nothing more than an urban legend.
Of course where there's smoke, investigative reporter Lois Lane (Amy Adams - the best Lois yet) is never far away. The two meet through Clarks tales of heroism, as Lois follows his trail across America. They meet in the Antarctic, where both are investigating an anomaly reported to be buried in the ice (a Kryptonian scout-ship that arrived on Earth over 2000 years ago).
This is all great stuff - and what's more, it all makes sense. The cast are really terrific - Crowe and Costner the stand-outs.

Zod and his militant crew show up in the second half to claim back what's theirs - this includes Kal-El and the Codex. Clark is flying now - wearing the red and blue of his 2000 year old, pre-tailored suit! When Zod makes his demands, Clark must reveal himself to the world and the authorities - the American military, who are naturally running the show!
Shannon is suitably power-hungry as Zod - and makes for a terrific foil to Cavills, Kal-El. Everyone expects the two to face-off against one another - an opportunity for some truly super-powered action!
When the time comes however the fighting gets tired real soon. The special effects are good but the choreography is uninspired. In order to pin-point small figures within the action, the camera frequently zooms in. I don't know why this technique is employed, because the action is clear. All this effect does is cheapen the scope of the movie (reminding us all of Attack of the Clones once again)!

I have two distinctive problems with this movie which I believe could both have been solved by acknowledging the comics and Supermans hero mythos a little more.
Firstly is the destruction of Metropolis (at least a good portion of it). The ensuing carnage would've caused untold death and injury - something Superman is clearly against. Surely a fight in outer-space or a throw-down at the Grand Canyon would've been in keeping with Supermans moralistic codes.
Secondly is the death of Jonathan Kent. This is an intentional turning point in the movie, but completely unnecessary in my view. The Kents know their son is super and so does he. Why he didn't volunteer to save their dog from a tornadoes destructive path is beyond me. Instinctively, he would've just done it and to hell with the consequences. How was this any different to saving his friends on the bus or saving the men on the oil rig? Any onlooker would've been none the wiser - chalking the experience up to a miracle/act of god.
Just as Martin Sheen fully inhabited the role of uncle Ben in The Amazing Spider-man, Costner perfectly embodies the role of Jonathan Kent. I don't quite understand the notion of rebooting characters only to use them less efficiently than before - especially when you've got a top-class actor on board?
I have no doubt that a larger game is at play with this first entry. Perhaps we'll be rewarded for some of the lesser moments with fleshed-out explanations next time.

The first half of this movie really delivers - and is bookended by some nice moments and a great one-liner at the end! Superman is 75 years old this year. I'm all for giving a character a facelift now and again, but lets not forget what made this particular character the American icon he's become!

3/5

Poster image courtesy: http://www.mondoarchive.com/

Artwork by Martin Ansin who was also responsible for the Looper poster I chose. Check it out again here: http://alexsmith365.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/looper.html