Man of Steel (2013) Review

Man of Steel is a 2013 superhero film directed by Zack Snyder and starring Henry Cavill as Superman/Clark Kent, Amy Adams (Arrival) as Lois Lane, and Michael Shannon as General Zod. The film is a reboot of the Superman film franchise, and it attempts to present a more grounded and realistic take on the character.

The film's nonlinear narrative structure is one of its strongest elements, and it effectively explores Superman's backstory and his relationship with his adoptive parents, Martha and Jonathan Kent. The flashbacks to Clark's childhood in Smallville are particularly effective, and they provide important context for his character development.

Henry Cavill's performance as Superman is excellent, and he brings a sense of vulnerability and humanity to the character. The scenes of him in action are thrilling and well-executed, and the film's visual effects are top-notch.

The film's supporting cast is also strong, with Amy Adams bringing a sense of intelligence and wit to her portrayal of Lois Lane, and Michael Shannon delivering a menacing and complex performance as General Zod.

One of the film's weaker elements is its pacing. At almost two and a half hours, the film can feel bloated and overstuffed with action set pieces. Additionally, the film's darker tone and emphasis on destruction and violence have been criticized by some fans of the character.

Despite its flaws, Man of Steel is a strong and ambitious superhero film that successfully updates the Superman mythos for a modern audience. Its impressive visuals, strong performances, and exploration of the character's backstory make it a worthwhile addition to the superhero film genre.

The controversy over the Death of General Zod

Superman faces off against the Kryptonian General Zod, who has come to Earth with the intent of terraforming the planet to suit the needs of his fellow Kryptonians. In the climactic battle, Superman ultimately defeats Zod by breaking his neck, an action that has been controversial among fans of the character.

The decision to have Superman kill Zod was a controversial one, and it has been debated by fans and critics alike. Some argue that the action was necessary for the story and the character's development, while others feel that it goes against Superman's traditional code against killing.

Director Zack Snyder has defended the decision, stating that it was necessary for the film's story and themes. He has also pointed out that Superman has been depicted killing in other adaptations, such as in the comic book storyline "The Dark Knight Returns."

Some fans have also pointed out that the film's portrayal of Superman's struggle with the decision to kill Zod is an important part of his character arc, and it highlights the difficult choices that heroes must sometimes make in the face of extreme circumstances.

However, others argue that Superman's code against killing is a fundamental part of his character, and that having him break it undermines his status as a symbol of hope and justice.

In the end, the decision to have Superman kill Zod remains a divisive issue among fans and critics. While some argue that it was necessary for the film's story and themes, others feel that it goes against the character's traditional values and undermines his status as a hero.

Overall, Man of Steel may not please every Superman fan, but it is an engaging and exciting film that successfully reinvigorates the character for a new generation.

Trivia about Man of Steel

1. The film was directed by Zack Snyder, who had previously directed Watchmen and 300.
2. Henry Cavill was cast as Superman/Clark Kent after an extensive audition process that included over 500 actors.
3. Man of Steel was shot mostly in Illinois, with locations including Chicago, Plano, and Sugar Grove.
4. Composer Hans Zimmer created a new score for the film, which features a prominent use of drums and a unique sound for Superman's theme.
5. The film's nonlinear narrative structure was inspired by Christopher Nolan's Batman films, which Snyder and producer Nolan wanted to emulate.
6. The iconic suit worn by Superman underwent a redesign for the film, with a new texture and the removal of the character's red trunks.
7. The film was a box office success, grossing over $668 million worldwide, and it launched a new shared universe of films known as the DC Extended Universe.
8. Henry Cavill had to go through an intense workout and diet regime to get in shape for the role of Superman. He trained for six months and gained 20 pounds of muscle for the part.
9. The film features a brief cameo from original Superman actor Christopher Reeve, who appears on a TV screen during a scene in which Clark Kent is in a bar.
10. The Kryptonian language featured in the film was created by linguist Christine Schreyer, who developed a complete language and writing system for the fictional alien race.
11. The film features numerous Easter eggs and references to other Superman and DC Comics stories, including nods to the character's history in the comics and previous films.
12. The film's opening scene on Krypton features a cameo from actor and musician Harry Lennix as General Swanwick, a character who would later play a larger role in subsequent DC Extended Universe films.
13. The film's production design and visual effects were heavily influenced by the works of science fiction artists such as Moebius and Syd Mead.
14. The film's costume designer, James Acheson, created over 15 different versions of the Superman suit before settling on the final design.

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