Man of Steel Review

     Since Superman's conception in 1933, he has seen many adventures, journeys, and reincarnations. He has leaped tall buildings in a single bound, flown faster than a speeding bullet, and even turned back time to save those he loved. However, today our Man of Steel faces an even bigger challenge, rebirth. Zack Snyder's new film attempts to reinvent Superman,  and ultimately bring him into the new era, but is he successful? Find out after the jump.
     Produced by Christopher Nolan and Directed by Zack Snyder, the film's backing is rather ideal. Hints of Nolan's darker approach to a certain Caped Crusader can be seen throughout, and Superman's origins are reshaped rather interestingly in the film. 
     Probably the newest and freshest aspect of the film is it's embracing of Superman's origins. We finally have a movie about Kal-El that's not afraid to delve into his alien origins, and do so in a satisfyingly sci-fi fashion. Krypton is made refreshingly vibrant through Snyder's visual talent, and it's unique ecosystem and culture bring a new depth to the world not seen in future films.  It seems Superman films in the past have shied away from the fact that Superman at his core being isn't human, and this film introduces the concept well, and it ends up being what makes the movie truly shine. The conflict of the two worlds for Kal is done exceptionally well, and his struggle between two families is more evident and effective than it has ever been. 
     While Man of Steel delivers a more 'alien' Superman, he is surprisingly down to Earth and human. The trials and tribulations of being different in his youth and their ramifications are well thought out, and make for one of the most relatable renditions of the son of Krypton in a while. It's almost impossible not to smirk yourself when Clark smiles hugely and childishly when he takes flight for the first time. It's these little touches that give the character amazing depth and background, and make an invincible man seem mortal.
     Henry Cavill does a fantastic job as the new son of Krypton, and his performance goes beyond his Herculean musculature and chiseled jawline. Cavill's Superman is brooding and passive, providing an air of mystery to the character without feeling hollow, one of the larger problems with Brandon Routh's version of Big Blue. Cavill plays the character more mortal and less god-like, and this makes his connection to the people of Earth more believable and tangible then it has in past films.
     Kal-El's archenemy is played by Michael Shannon, who is rather chilling as the cold militaristic General Zod. While Shannon is a decent villain, he can't quite stack up to a film season packed with Tom Hiddleston's Loki, and Javier Bardem's Silva. Him and his team do prove an interesting antithesis of Superman however, and make for one extremely entertaining film. While it does seem to briefly get lost between 'The Avengers' comic-y and 'The Dark Knight' intensity, these moments are few and far between, and it seems Snyder has struck a good balance between the two, which should be perfected in the already announced sequel.
     All in all Man of Steel is a treat for both fans of Kal-El and sci-fi aficionados alike, as the film is able to dazzle with Zack Snyder's jaw-dropping visuals, and tell a darker and grittier origin of a uniquely human Superman. Snyder and co. gambled on a less campy and more serious take on the Last Son of Krypton, and it ultimately paid off in leaps and bounds. Man of Steel is a visual treat that will leave you reeling in the best way possible when you leave the theater, despite a few small inconsistencies in tone.