Man of Steel: Not Your Father’s Superman Movie
by Contributing Writer, Michael Coleman
If you’re looking for kryptonite, cats rescued from trees, or Lex Luther, pop in the Blu Ray of 1978’s “Superman: The Movie” and take a stroll down memory lane. Director Zack Snyder’s new “Man Of Steel” excellently updates the mythology for a new generation.
From the opening credits, you realize youʼre in for something completely new. Not a note of John Williamsʼ iconic score is here, replaced by Hans Zimmer’s haunting new masterpiece. Man Of Steel’s Krypton owes much more to Avatar’s Pandora than to any Krypton weʼve seen on screen. Once the action takes off (after about 5 minutes), it rarely slows and never disappoints.
By the movieʼs stunning (and somewhat controversial) climax, youʼll be as fatigued as our hero is.
Snyder wisely presents Kal-El’s Kansas upbringing sparingly, as today’s younger moviegoers enjoyed 10 seasons of that story on televisionʼs “Smallville”. This incarnation delivers a stellar cast including Russell Crowe, Kevin Costner, and Diane Lane. With Costner (as Pa Kent) delivering one of his best performances, these three help give the movie an emotional center thatʼs absent from many comic book movies. Michael Shannon, as the evil General Zod, gives a chilling performance while also portraying a complex bad guy whoʼs almost likable in some scenes and quite nuanced and understood throughout.
Henry Cavill is excellent as Clark Kent/Superman, as are Amy Adams as a smart, feisty Lois Lane and Lawrence Fishburne as Daily Planet editor Perry White. The latter casting was of note (along with Harry Lennix as General Swanwick), as both actors have significant roles in “Man Of Steel”. This is quite a departure from 1978ʼs “Superman: The Movie”, in which the only african american character is a pimp outside the Daily Planet.
Now a black man’s running that place, with another running the military. Times have changed.
The casting’s not the only highlight of “Man Of Steel”. The special effects are absolutely breathtaking. In 1978, we were made to believe a man could fly. In Man Of Steel, we get to fly along with Superman, and it’s even more thrilling in IMAX.
Some of the film’s action scenes are rather intense, so get a sitter for the pre-teens and buckle up. You’re in for a great ride.
In theatres now. See more about Man of Steel posted at: manofsteel.warnerbros.com
PHOTO: AP/Warner Bros. Pictures
