Man Of Steel

As much as DC Comics might try and deny it, Man of Steel is a first tentative step toward a wider cinematic universe to rival Marvel’s box office behemoth. Bringing Christopher Nolan onboard, the mastermind of the hugely successful Dark Knight trilogy, is a demonstration of intent – Warner Bros and DC Comics are determined to see Man of Steel rival become a success. Nolan’s involvement as Producer has drawn unfair critical comparisons to the Dark Knight trilogy, with criticism of Man of Steel’s abandonment of the former’s gritty tone and of the lack of humour familiar to fans of the Superman films of old.

However, such criticisms are unfair, given that Zack Snyder’s intention, as director, seems to be to make a believable world, rather than a realistic one, which through sleek direction and production is pulled off with ease. The gorgeous opening visuals of Krypton rival anything Marvel has produced in its recent films, and the scope of the fight sequences in Metropolis give a grander scale to the film. The scripting is intense and fast-paced, astutely utilising carefully chosen flashbacks to give character depth, rather than dwelling upon Clark’s childhood. Moreover, I didn’t notice a lack of comedy – there wasn’t a place for it in the film, and it would have detracted from the tone that Snyder had worked to achieve.

Henry Cavill fits the super suit far more comfortably than his predecessor Brandon Routh. His impressive stature lends Superman a sense of gravity and raw strength, whilst his steely delivery conveys the enormous burden of protecting the world. As a foil, Amy Adams works surprisingly well as Lois Lane. Peeling back the tough investigative journalist exterior, Adams’s interpretation focuses upon a more emotive portrayal that achieves loving, if brief chemistry with Cavill. Michael Shannon chillingly conveys General Zod’s warped conception of duty and offers a marvellous, if unconventional choice of enemy for Cavill’s Superman. The cast at large are fabulous, notably Russel Crowe and Kevin Costner, who make the most of their more limited roles.

David S. Goyer’s screenplay is thrilling and combined with Zack Snyder’s direction represents a distinct change in identity from both The Dark Knight trilogy and DC’s standalone films Superman Returns and Green Lantern. The cast are all on form and Henry Cavill carries the film superbly as the eponymous Man of Steel. With a sequel rumoured to already be in the works, it seems Warner Bros are determined to launch a wider DC Cinematic Universe, and with Man of Steel as its first output, Marvel have a lot to worry about.

Rating: 4/5