Film Review: Man of Steel

     The Last Son of Krypton returns in his most solid incarnation yet that is easily THE Superman film fans have been waiting for; With breathtaking visuals, amazing fight sequences and great performances but however suffers from a weak, shallow story.

   The film begins with the birth of natural born Kal-El just upon the destruction of Krypton; his father, Jor-El, illegally obtains historical records of the planet and sends them off with his newborn son to Earth hoping he will one day be the savior for all humanity. Thirty-three years later Kal-El, now called Clark, is slowly discovering who he really is and why he was sent to Earth after many years of hiding his identity and abilities under the protection and love of his adopted parents, Jonathan and Martha Kent in Smallville, Kansas.

   Directed by Zack Snyder and written and produced by Christopher Nolan , it should be no surprise that Man of Steel is one of the most high profile, heavily anticipated films of the year. After the light-hearted borefest that was Superman Returns, this new take on the character is noticeable more darker than all the previous films, maybe even being a bit too serious at times. However this is easily the most action packed Superman filmed yet; with the character finally being able to let loose, show off his mighty abilities and actually throw more than enough punches which sadly have severely been lacking in other films. While nothing beats John Williams' iconic musical score from the original 1978 film, Hans Zimmer provides a rousing, heroically fitting soundtrack that goes hand in hand with the amazing visual effects. It should be noted that there isn't much humor throughout the movie and when there is, it seems a bit forced which can also be said for it's romantic scenes. The film also deeply explores the mythology of Krypton and how Kryptonians have been artificially bred with Kal-El being the first natural born child in centuries.

   Michael Shannon steals the show as General Zod, the former Military Commander of Krypton; portraying an insane, intimidating man driven by his determination to protect his homeworld and his people at any cost. The ridiculously cute Amy Adams finally portrays a Lois Lane that can not only hold her own in dire situations but also is the smart, feisty journalist she should be and not the comic-relief, damsel in distress. Russell Crowe and Kevin Costner each play both Clark's biological and adopted fathers in somewhat small roles but yet are very important to Clark and the decisions he makes on who he wants to be. Newcomer Henry Cavill dons the  iconic cape and red boots of Superman and does so to great effect, giving off a bold, heroic vibe that is almost perfect for the character; however his Clark Kent persona is almost a bit too serious.

   With The Dark Knight Trilogy done, it's time for DC Entertainment to focus on its other flagship character and what should be their way to catch up with Marvel Studios. Man of Steel is almost perfect in doing so; It is the Superman film fans have been waiting for and while it heavily explores the mythos of the character and it origins, it overall takes itself way too seriously; however Man of Steel is still very fun and action-packed and hopefully can finally pave the way for a Justice League film.