Reviews of Movies, TV shows & metro Detroit Restaurants

Short movie & TV show reviews and metro Detroit restaurant reviews

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Movie Review: "Man of Steel" (2013)


The latest Superman movie "Man of Steel" doesn't resemble the Christopher Reeve Superman movies other than bringing back a character from my favorite Superman movie, "Superman II." And there is nothing wrong with this reboot. It is my most recent blockbuster viewing at the IMAX in my backyard (the AMC Forum 30 in Sterling Heights, Michigan). I was definitely NOT disappointed.

Kal-El (aka, Superman played mostly by Henry Cavill from a teen until the present time) was born on Krypton during a time of great peril for the planet as it is on the road to destruction due to its inhabitants exploiting its natural resources. Kal's father Jor-El (played by Russell Crowe) & mother Lara Lor-Van (played by Ayelet Zurer) take necessary measures to ensure that Kal lives and with Kal's survival, the Krypton race has a chance to eventually survive. As they are preparing for Kal's eventual departure from Krypton, they are being threatened by General Zod (played by Michael Shannon) who has taken over the planet from the ruling council. Eventually, Jor & Lara ship Kal off to Earth, Zod is taken prisoner and along with his followers & they are banished to the Phantom Zone. But Krypton does not survive and explodes, with the explosion freeing Zod & his gang. Kal ends up on Earth and is raised by Jonathan & Martha Kent (played by Kevin Costner & Diane Lane respectively) who name him Clark. Clark's powers set him apart from humans but these powers make growing up very challenging. He eventually harnesses these powers and begins to help people in as much secrecy as possible. Eventually, he is found by a reporter from the Daily Planet named Lois Lane (played by Amy Adams). And THEN Zod finds him which provides for the main focus of the movie...Superman vs. Zod.

This is a fairly dark rendering of this very familiar story about Superman. It focuses quite a bit on how he came to become Superman and less on how he saves people from peril, etc. at least until he faces off with Zod. And I liked this version of Superman. I've heard some complaints that the movie is a little too dark, there isn't any humor (I would have liked to have seen a LITTLE more humor, but I got over it quickly), the action sequences are too long, etc. Whatever. This movie is good, action-packed, well-acted, thrilling and engaging. I will complain a little bit about Lois Lane as she didn't seem to quite "fit in" with the role she plays in this movie & seems a bit out of place, but Amy Adams is such a great actress, that she made it work the best she could. I liked Cavill as Superman and Crowe is excellent as Jor-El. I think Costner's performance as Jonathan Kent was the best though. He plays this character with just the right degree of emotion without being sappy or over-dramatic. I also know that there are some people who aren't happy with how Superman deals with Zod...again, get over it. I thought this movie tied up that story nicely. Cavill is a little dry as Superman, but he does a nice job.


I don't have too many complaints about this movie and I definitely liked it...7.5/10 stars

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