Man of Steel

OVERALL GRADE: C

AUDIENCE: No small children

BIG or SMALL SCREEN: Big

RATED: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence, action and destruction, and for some language.

"It's not an 'S'; on my world it means 'Hope'."
 

Hope is exactly what most fans of this classic franchise had walking into 'Man of Steel'. An excellent cast, a classic story, and the producing-genius that is Christopher Nolan should've added up to a blockbuster the likes of Spider Man or Batman. Although 'Man of Steel' had the potential of being one of the summer's best, it fell quite short.

Doomed to a death on the combusting planet of Krypton, Jor-El (the always incredible Russell Crow) decides to send his son Kal-El (aka Superman, the gorgeous Henry Cavill) to Earth in order to survive. However, General Zod (the constant sneerer, Michael Shannon) is determined to save Krypton and its race, therefore the only way he could do so is if he gets his hands on Kal-El. The plot is simple: find and ultimately, battle, Superman. But the film itself does not seem to understand that.

Zack Snyder, director of '300', shot what Kanye West would call a "dark twisted fantasy". Sadly, there is no beautiful involved. The number of flashbacks is ridiculous, as is the order in which they appear. Once the film seems to be reaching the end, Snyder decides that he cannot go out without a truly big bang. Taking a cue from the third Transformers film, the last half an hour is simply General Zod and Superman beating the crap out of each other. One spends this time praying that the outcome will be worth it, but said prayers are never answered.

Despite all of its faults, 'Man of Steel' does have one incredible Superman. Cavill, once labeled Hollywood's "unluckiest man", has shed that image and taken well to the iconic suit. He is believable, honest, and has the bone structure to match. Sparks fly when he and Lois Lane (the charming Amy Adams) are together, and one can't help but root for the dynamic duo as obstacle after obstacle gets in their way. Fortunately, Cavill makes the film more than bearable, as every woman (including Adams) impatiently waits for him to appear time after time.

Overall, 'Man of Steel' is not good, but it's not terrible either. There's enough of a story to keep the film going, but the actors are the ones who continue to draw the audience in. Snyder does well when it comes to getting this reboot to its feet, but can't seem to get it off the ground. Now that the sequel has been green-lit, perhaps Christopher Nolan will decide to take the camera into his own hands.

Man of Steel Trailer:

Want another review? Check out the phenomenal Peter Travers of Rolling Stone Magazine-

Peter Travers Reviews 'Man of Steel'