MAN OF STEEL

By Marcus Ayala

I grew up watching the Christopher Reeve superman films and I love them. As much
as i am a fan of those films i am a fan of the character superman. The new film by Zack
Synder tells a familiar story of superman’s origin but with a more gritty realistic look and
tone. I've always enjoyed the different TV shows and cartoons of superman and seeing
their take on the character. I enjoyed this one as well because I've always wanted to
see a realistic take on the character.

Henry Cavill is a great superman. He carries a subtle inner and outer strength that the
character needs which was one of the many things missing from the film superman
returns but don’t get me started on that one. Cavill is portraying a Clark Kent who is on
his journey to becoming superman but is thrust into action with the arrival of general
Zod. He brings a humbleness to the character that wants to save people but isn't
looking for a thank you. His new suit looks great.

It opens with a new vision of Krypton that looks like something out of Star Wars. There
are even new kinds of creatures living on this planet. This Krypton was so creative and
colorful with it’s design and technology that has an organic feel to it that I wouldn't mind
a separate movie that just took place on Krypton.

My favorite scene is early on in the story when Clark saves people on an oil rig and
after it collapses on him you see him floating in the water with whales. This scene had
an amazing blend of action and gentleness. The story goes further into Clark’s feelings
of alienation and being unsure of his destiny. Themes we can all relate to. His earth
father played by Kevin Costner is protective of his son to the point where he sees the
world as a threat to his son. Costner is great as usual, if your a fan of his you won’t be
disappointed. In his scenes he conveys so much in his performance even when he’s
not speaking. Of course Clark’s kryptonian father is there to guide him towards being
earth’s hero. Russell Crowe as Jor el is not only a scientist but a fighter and Russell
kicks butt. Crowe’s performance is both gentle and strong. A father who cares for his
family and is ready to fight for them. Michael Shannon as Zod is a much more complex
villain than i expected. He causes much destruction but doesn't see it as evil but as the
right thing to do for his people. He is protective of krypton and its people. In the middle
of all this is Amy Adams as Lois Lane, she is believable as the smart reporter helping
superman. The plot doesn't leave room for the traditional romance between her and
superman but she becomes a confidant to him on his journey.

The action sequences are insane because superman is fighting kryptonians of equal or
greater strength. The destruction these fights cause is more than I've ever seen in a
superhero movie including the avengers. These fights also move pretty fast but are
inventive and epic. Zack Synder crafted this film so meticulously that everything from
costumes to the action sequences are aesthetically pleasing. The flying sequences are
also very smooth especially when superman is saving Lois. It is a joy to see them fly
together.

There were some themes that the film didn't cover that i wish they had like superman
not being able to save everyone from death. That he is godlike but not god. Or more of
his earth parents instilling in him strong morals but this is just the beginning I hope.
Judging by some of the reactions I've heard from critics and fans this seems to be a
movie you either love or hate. I loved it.