Traumatized by his emerging super senses of hearing and x-ray vision, 9-year-old Clark Kent (quiet Cooper Timberline) says, “The world’s too big, Mom.” His Mom Martha played by the lovingly wise Diane Lane, says, “Then make it small.” This is ironic coming from the boy, who grows into Superman. Zack Snyder’s reinvention of the Superman mythology in “Man of Steel” is awesome. It is and not necessarily for the obvious. Yes, the movie is infused with visually striking images, in the epic struggle of good against evil. In the mesmerizing story and screenplay by Writer David S. Goyer and Writer/Producer Christopher Nolan (“The Dark Knight” movies), Clark’s true power sources not so much from his physical prowess, rather from the love of family.
Clark becomes the man, who changes the world, from the love of his two Fathers, Jor-El played by Russell Crowe and Jonathan Kent played by Kevin Costner in his best supporting role in years. Their gravitas and authentic belief in their son be it by blood or choice, distinguishes “Man of Steel”. Perhaps fittingly, “Man of Steel” opened on Father’s Day Weekend. For Goyer and Nolan, Clark or Kal-El is Superman, not the other way around, and that is the profound difference. They also construct a hysterical joke about the title Superman. In a flashback on the Kansas Farm, Costner’s Jonathan tells teenage Clark (sensitive Dylan Sprayberry), “You have to decide what kind of man you are going to be.” Destiny lies in choice.
Henry Cavill is amazing as Clark and Kal-El. He is ridiculously handsome with high cheekbones and heroic jawline. His rock hard body is chiseled and shredded with or without the suit. He is charismatic without many lines. I had read reviews that label Cavill and the movie as overly dour. Perhaps overstated. Cavill has a genuinely commanding presence, and displays touching doubt and humor. He is wryly funny as he explains to Amy Adams’s Lois Lane that the symbol on his chest means Hope on his planet. He and Costner are deeply moving in Clark’s defining moment in the Smallville storm.
It is surprising when Cavill finally dons the iconic and in this case also recreated Suit in “Man of Steel”. In this story bearded Clark (Cavill) is a wanderer, kind of like John Rambo, helping people and discovering his destiny. This is not your Father’s Superman. This narrative affinity is distinctly Nolan as with Christian Bale in “Batman Begins”. Cavill is poignantly enrolling as Clark struggles to harness and disguise his power.
I have to digress. But how does Superman shave? Kryptonite Fusion blade? No Kryptonite in “Man of Steel”. The choice by Snyder and company is the right one. “Man of Steel” is really about the power of love and cost of sacrifice. That element would have been a narrative distraction. This streamlined retelling is puzzling at first, though ultimately sublime.
Much of the prelude resumes on the dying home world Krypton that orbits its Red Sun which has a “Matrix” and “Star Trek” like visual vibe. Benevolent Scientist Jor-El (Crowe at his noble best) warns the Council of Krypton’s demise—the aftermath of their own brazen irresponsibility. Simultaneously, evil General Zod (menacing Michael Shannon) and his warriors mount a coup to restore Krypton’s greatness. Refreshingly, Crowe’s Jor-El is a kick-ass hero-warrior as well. His son Kal-El is the first natural birth in centuries, having his own choice in uncovering his destiny. Jor-El and Lara scheme to send Kal-El to Earth for salvation. With the Yellow Sun, and other attributes Kal-El would be a god among Men or rather a Messiah. This was always a captivating metaphor of the Superman story. However, tragedy befalls the House of El. Zod and his Minions are banished to the Phantom Zone for centuries, not before declaring his vengeance.
Amy Adams is perfection as Lois Lane, brilliantly cast. This time around she is the determined Pulitzer Prize Winning Report, searching for the enigmatic Good Samaritan Clark. The twist works, because being fooled by the mild-mannered glasses is utterly moronic. As Lois, Adams is strong and beautiful yet vulnerable. She and Cavill have a visceral chemistry, whimsically touching.
The last 45 minutes of “Man of Steel” is riveting, visually unrelenting chaos, with Hans Zimmer’s hammering score. Explosions startle and rubble rains everywhere. You can practically feel the Dolby impact as Kal-El and Zod exchange punishing blows. Along the way, we encounter some weird story glitches. Zod was bred and trained to be the deadly warrior; however, Kal-El predictably holds his own. Gorgeous and scary Antje Traue really schools Kal-El with some Kryptonian martial arts. Snyder is often baffling in the coherent strength scale of his hero and villains, but oh well. He does make the flying look cool. The rest of the supporting cast is stellar particularly, Laurence Fishburne as scene-stealing Perry White and Chris Meloni as brave Col. Hardy.
“Man of Steel” soars in this hero’s journey, wondrous re-visioning by Snyder, Goyer, and Nolan. Henry Cavill is amazing. Kevin Costner and Russell Crowe are awesome in the story of Fathers’ love for their son. “Man of Steel” is awesome as well.
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Photo credit: Shutterstock, modified
