Celebrating the 75th anniversary of its first publication, Man of Steel finds Superman returning to movie theatres. After the lukewarm reaction towards 2006’s Superman Returns, much was expected of the caped wonder’s latest adventure. Its mission to restore its box office lustre has only been moderately achieved.
Sent to Earth from his doomed planet Krypton, baby Kal-El is raised by Jonathan (Kevin Costner) and Martha (Diane Lane) Kent. Naming him Clark (Henry Cavill), they discover his great powers and teach him to use them for good. While establishing himself he meets Lois Lane (Amy Adams). His new life becomes interrupted when fellow Kryptonian General Zod (Michael Shannon) enters the picture. Defending his adopted home, Clark shows the world why he earns the name ‘Superman’.
Forging its own path, Man of Steel is a movie of extremes. Whilst having tons of action, spectacle and drama, it lacks a crucial light touch. Unlike Batman, Superman isn’t a dark or brooding character and exists in a less cynical universe. Man of Steel forgets this and presents a tortured hero finding his place in a strange world. Although initially interesting, this aspect makes for less engaging viewing. It makes the mistake of front-loading the characterisation with several concluding fight scenes expanded to unwieldy length.
In its casting and grandiose scale, Man of Steel succeeds. It’s definitely an epic production with the costuming, set design and CGI suitably stunning. This glossy veneer goes some way in hiding its short-comings. Cavill fills out the Superman suit with ease, making for a convincing, if overly earnest hero. His co-stars provide able support with Michael Shannon skilfully conveying Zod’s determined zealot.
Full of noise, destruction and CGI heroics Man of Steel ultimately becomes like most other recent block-busters. Failing to truly soar, his muted return to the big screen suggests cinema remains Superman’s creative kryptonite.
Reviewed by Patrick Moore
Rating out of 10: 6
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