Stephonika's Movie Review: MAN OF STEEL

Stephonika's Movie Review: "MAN OF STEEL" - (PRE-SCREENING)
Rated: PG-13, for intense action and fantasy violence throughout



Never in my career would I have thought that I would find a movie worthy of a five-star rating, and never did I think the first film to garner that honour would be a Superman film because I've never bought much into this hero.  In many films Kal-El has been too superhuman-ed and too impervious to allow for the average person to buy into his plight.  His challenges have always been high above what any of us could do, but this film approaches the character in a way that humanizes him.  He is still superhuman, but he has the heart of one of us in a way that is intangible for words and in a way becomes more human than the rest of the world.

In the days where audiences allow themselves to accept spectacle over substance, this film delivers what we have been needing since the super-energized computer generated effects era came into full swing.  The story encapsulates our hearts while the images dazzle and bewilder and make us cling to our arm rests.  This tribute to the iconic hero in blue and red has taken the step toward delivering many firsts in its franchise in the film industry.  We see a fifteen-minute prelude to show us the struggles of Kal-El's true parents, the plight of Krypton, and the attempted coup (and then trial and sentencing) of General Zod and his cohorts before we ever set foot on Earth.

From the massive amount of trailers and teasers we've been exposed to, it seemed that Man of Steel would also go the route of traditional story-(superhero)-telling as most others: showing us the details in chronological order, which meant Clark Kent as a kid and then the grown-up version as he progresses and hones his senses.  This film breaks that mold and throws us straightaway into a heroic rescue in the middle of the ocean, and only the bits of his childhood that are necessary for the story to make sense at a plot level and a character level are sprinkled in at the perfect moments.  Starting in his thirties was a good choice, as was the first (and only) appearance of a body more ripped and manly in all the right muscles than one expected from the kid who played young Albert in 2002's The Count of Monte Cristo.  Look out, Jesus (ahem, Jim Caviezel!) he really can "Do his worst" now!

With topnotch casting, this film soars.  Henry Cavill has never dazzled brighter, Russell Crowe has never shined greater, Amy Adams is the perfect yang to Cavill's superheroic yin, Michael Shannon is absolutely stellar, and Kevin Costner and Dianne Lane are the parents everyone will wish they had.  These actors and others carry the story so well that once you make it halfway and see the emotional impact, your tears will flow as rivers.  The subtext in this pivotal scene alone will be the onions on this juicy burger of a good movie, for your emotions well and tremble and break down all over your cheeks in such a painfully pleasant way that you can barely see.  You'll understand once you view this film, which threads an undercurrent of family and belonging and shows the blurred line between what is morally right and acceptable.

The production design of this film is phenomenal, bringing life not only to Kansas and the Daily Planet but also to the "Fortress of Solitude" and Krypton.  There is a seamless line between what is real and what is fantasy that it makes it all completely acceptable.  From the simple vistas of farmland and an exploding Krypton down to the very design of an underwear-less hero costume, the imagery alone will draw you in and keep you hooked.  Add stunning cinematography to that canvas and we receive something riveting.

It's surprising to think that this film packs more superhero drama than superhero action, but the time goes quickly and too soon as each and every dialogue sequence is layered with just as much emotional subtext as it is development and plot and a femme flame that gets a worthy amount of screen time and who adds deeply to the core of the story and theme.  And just when you realize that there hasn't been an action sequence in a long while, which you find you don't really care, you're hit with the slam dunk of a superheroic, high-reaching, fantasy thrill ride of action sequences that will leave you clenching your fingers and holding your breath.

Cavill and company will steel your breath away as you watch his story, the story of Kal-El, unfold like never before.  And at last when all the ash has settled, your gut will writhe as General Zod makes you feel for his pain and his cause, and perhaps even shake loose a few more tears as our hero makes his move to undo all his devotion to Krypton.  With a villain as stunning as its leading hero, Man of Steel does not disappoint at any level.  Every character adds to the story and each is interesting to watch.  You will cry, your jaw will drop, and you'll even laugh (especially at a blink-and-you'll-miss-it joke during the finale between Superman and Zod in a construction site).

And then when it's over, with names like Christopher Nolan and Zack Snyder appearing in the titles, you'll wonder why you ever had a sliver of doubt that this would be the best thing to happen to cinema in the last decade.  It's time to say a proper hello to the Man of Steel with all his killer looks (and killer abs) because as this hero blasts his way onto the screen with an amazing score and sound effects to match his iconic cape (which he should know from The Incredibles is a bad idea) and cosmic-level acting, we all understand just why Superman is the most recognizable superhero ... and wonder why it took so long for cinema to get him (and a movie) as perfectly perfect as his jawline.