Zack Snyder's 2013 Man of Steel was Warner Brothers attempt to jumpstart the Superman franchise following the lacklustre Superman Returns in 2006.
Man of Steel revisits Superman's origin and obvious comparisons may be drawn with Batman Begins, especially since Christopher Nolan was a producer and writer on Man of Steel. However, whereas Batman Begins spends significant film time examining every single aspect of the character's back story, Man of Steel gives the audience edited highlights of a well-known origin in a non-linear storyline. Perhaps as a result of Superman Returns, and in fear that the audience would lose interest in another re-telling of the origin story, Zack Snyder cleverly employs flashbacks to Clark Kent's youth to inform us of his journey thus far and give us a sense of his moral character.
Casting Henry Cavill as the lead was a masterstroke. His Clark Kent is haunted but never brooding, while his Superman is noble, confident and charismatic. Amy Adams opens brightly, as an absolutely fearless, rebellious Lois Lane,
"Look, let's get one thing straight, guys, okay? The only reason I'm here is because we're on Canadian soil and the appellate court overruled your injunction to keep me away. So, if we're done measuring dicks, can you have your people show me what you found?"
But in the second half of the film, these traits slowly dissipate and Lois Lane is relegated to a minor role, far from integral to the plot. Man of Steel is not a Clark Kent and Lois Lane love story. There is little chemistry between the two characters in this film. In fact, the more believable relationship is between Clark Kent and his parents - Jonathan Kent (Kevin Costner) and Martha Kent (Diane Lane). Kevin Costner in particular is superb. His quiet presence looms large whenever he is on-screen; an unforced portrayal from an actor comfortable in his craft. Costner brings a degree of gravitas to the proceedings, like an old-time movie star - almost as if he is revisiting the character, Ray Kinsella in Field of Dreams, some 25 years later.
Hans Zimmer has created a superb percussive, heroic score that punctuates the film without ever distracting from the action. Sent Here For A Reason and What Are You Going To Do When You Are Not Saving The Earth? are beautiful, atmospheric pieces.
Zack Synder was no stranger to comic book films - 300 and Watchmen - but Man of Steel was the director's initial foray into the much anticipated DC Extended Universe. He would later direct Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Zack Snyder's Justice League (as well as having production credits for Suicide Squad, Wonder Woman and Aquaman). The action never lets up and the film travels at a relentless pace, perhaps sometimes at the expense of character development but there is a confidence and maturity associated with Man Of Steel. Zack Snyder clearly saw the bigger picture. Man Of Steel was the film that suggested DC Comics could perhaps rival Marvel Comics.
Vastly underrated, Man Of Steel is one of the most impressive superhero origin stories of the past couple of decades.
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