Movie Review: Man of Steel

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's... The Man of Steel? Yes boys and girls a new Superman is gracing the movie screens across the nation but you won't hear him referred to as Superman this time. While someone asks him what the "S" stands for, the response is different than previous incarnations.

Whether or not you know anything about the mythology surrounding Superman, Man of Steel starts from the beginning. After learning about Krypton, the viewer will see how and why Kal-El, aka Clark Kent, crash lands on Earth. Jump forward to the current time, we then learn more of his history with well placed flashbacks throughout the film.

Henry Cavill did a great job as Clark Kent. Although he is not American, this Brit did a wonderful job playing a character that grew up in Kansas. Following a mockable performance in Les Mis, Russell Crowe redeemed himself with his performance of Jor-El, father to Kal-El during his many scenes. He reminded us that although he is now older, he can still play a warrior. The rest of the actors were well casted and did a wonderful job in their specific roles.

The sets, costumes, and special effects were well done. I liked the more modern spin on Superman's outfit and how it matched with the warriors from Krypton. The Krypton sets were designed in a way that showed us a foreign, yet habitable planet. The sets on Earth were designed in a why that felt current without being old fashion or futuristic.

My only major complaint about this film was Lois Lane. Amy Adams did a wonderful job with the role but I wasn't impressed with the character and how she learned information. It greatly differed from other timelines of their relationship. Granted, this new relationship played a key role in many of the situations the characters found themselves in so I can understand the writer's direction. My minor complaint is that the action scenes when slightly long. I understand that this is an action/superhero movie but the rest of the movie seemed so well paced that I just felt they played it out longer than necessary.

My personal opinion of Man of Steel is that it not only lived up to the hype, it surpassed it. The screening I attended was in IMAX 3D and I must say that I loved it. I'm not sure how much it will differ in 2D or regular 3D but I can honestly say this is the movie that might be worth spending a few extra dollars.

Man of Steel will be released nation wide on June 14, 2013. Check out my weekly post, Making Cents with Cori, on Cinemit for weekly specials on tickets and concessions.

Movie Rating for Man of Steel

The passes for this pre-screening were won through Cinemit. Follow their Facebook page to attend free screenings near you. Check out my information post for more information about free movie screenings.