Man of Steel [2013] - LetterboxD Review

Link to Original Review

There is a lot to like about Man of Steel, lets get that out there right away. As a fan of DC and the world they have created, Superman, Batman et al always rank my interest higher than their popcorn friendly Marvel cousins. I'm also a fan of Zach Snyder (although the fear levels in the run up to the release of Man of Steel suggested more that he's barely capable of directing himself out of a paper bag) with Watchmen especially ranking as one of my favourite films. Then there's Christopher Nolan who, aside from not really delivering with TDKR, has largely been one of if not the most dependable mainstream directors around at the moment. The credentials for Man of Steel look good and we haven't even seen the first reel yet... so how did it ride?

The opening scene's on Krypton are some of the films best. The visual imagination, the flare for Snyder's unique aesthetic and some fantastic "weighty" dialogue delivered impeccably by Russel Crowe (one of the films standout performances).

Then we get to earth and very soon realise that we're not quite in store for the introspective "Tree of Life warts and all coming of age boy finding himself as a man and his place in the world" story that certain trailers had suggested might be possible, but at times, its not far off. The brooding, dark tone set across the film is in complete contrast to Bryan Singers Superman Returns (a film I mostly didn't mind aside from some massive plot inconsistencies and below par performances) and largely works well. This is The Dark Knight's Mate Returns territory and Nolan's influence, though subtle, is clearly present and welcomed. But it is the moments that are clearly Snyder's that work best. The significant set piece on a freeway is probably the films best and also, at this stage, its worth adding that every scene Kevin Costner is is is magic. It would have been easy to drop a "father and adopted son playing catch" scene in there but Costner plays it straight down the middle and him and Diane Lane are perfectly realised as the surrogate parents with the weighty secret they've kept and protected most of their lives.

Then there's the other performances... Amy Adams is predictably good (when is she ever not good) as Lois Lane and then there's Henry Lennix (who I loved as Boyd in Dollhouse) making a welcome return to the visibility in a strong supporting role. And of course, there is Henry Cavill himself who perfectly captures the strength, vulnerability and the tortured nature of Clark Kent, being pulled emotionally (and physically) all over the place... Cavill pitches the performance exactly right.

So what does it all mean? Is Man of Steel good? Yes, it most definitely is but with a small rider tacked on to that. Because while it is good, it does probably outstay its welcome by a good 20-30 minutes. The set pieces are always spectacular but by the time you get to what you realise is the final act, the interest level has started to wain a little. In the context of what I hope becomes one of the next big franchises, its a very good start... Philosophers Stone compared to Prisoner of Azkaban hopefully...

So how best to sum it all up? I guess you could say whilst Man of Steel is a great start and does show some real promise, the real hope with this creative team and actors is that they find a way so that Superman Returns!

Overall, I rated this film 4 out of 5.