Man of Steel (2013) Review

Whether you're 10 or 100-years-old then you know of the sci-fi action/adventure phenomenon, Superman. But, do you really know Superman? Director, Zack Snyder put his best foot forward in capturing the man that wears the red velvet cape in his 2013 rendition, Man of Steel. Starring Henry Cavill as Clark Kent/ Kel-El and Michael Shannon as Master of Destruction, the Fallen Angel of Planet Krypton, General Zod. Snyder takes his audience on a 2 hour and 23-minute journey into bridging the gap between Planet Krypton and Planet Earth.

Historical Context of the Man with the Red Cape 101:

Superman originated in 19th century by German Philosopher, Frederich Nietzsche. Nietzsche's interpretation of this superhuman we know as Superman was translated from the German word Ubermenslch meaning overman or beyondman. In creating Ubermenslch, Nietzsche's philosophical vision is to create an ideal man of integrity who would rise above evil and represent the good in human evolution.

It's not until the 20th century (1938 to be exact) that the first Superman comic strip is published. DC Comics takes a chance on Superman and fights for it's creativity in its entirety. DC Comics takes no prisoners when filing lawsuit after lawsuit to maintain and own Superman's rights. And, in 1950 Superman joins Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lateran, Captain America, Namor the Sub-Mariner, Captain Marvel, Robin, and The Flash in the superhero populous. Finally, in 1978 the first Superman film directed by Richard Donner reaches the big screen.

Superman's Powers:

It is throughout Superman's existence that the audience learns full force just exactly what Superman's powers are: (1) Living Solar Battery, which is the ability to metabolize solar energy from stars such as Earth's sun; (2) Superhuman Strength; (3) Invulnerability (immune to all forms of harm including extreme force and excruciating temperatures); (4) Healing Factor; (5) Flight Capability; (6) Superhuman Speed; (7) X-ray Vision; (8) Superhuman Intelligence; (9) Eidetic Memory; (10) Heat Vision; (11) Superhuman Breath; (12) Superhuman Healing; (13) Superhuman Vision; (14) Superhuman Hearing; (15) Master Combat

Zack Snyder's Man of Steel:

Regardless if you're a believer of creation, evolution, or that humans exists by the pure implication of technological advancements of aliens, Man of Steel, should be right up your ally because there is a little bit of everything for everyone. Snyder does Superman justice in his visionary of re-creating a masterpiece with a loaded cast. Diane Lane, Russell Crowe, Amy Adams, Christopher Meloni and Kevin Costner are few of the A-Lister's that appear in this film.

Snyder fairs well with capturing his audience's attention from the birth of Kel-El, his birth right on Planet Krypton through his transcendence to Clark Kent on Planet Earth while transforming into Superman as a vigilante whom wins the respect of the militia and Lois Lane, an award-winning journalist for the Daily Planet.

The underlying message in Man of Steel lies through the symbolism of the letter S branded on the chests of scientist, Jor-El the biological father of Clark Kent/ Kel-El. The letter S from Planet Krypton is representation of Hope. There is hope for change. Hope for two universes working together as one. A hope that one day that this solar power escalate will in fact become a reality in creating something extraordinary.

Jor-El is not only a scientific genius, but a man of wisdom as he tells Kel that he must, "keep testing his limits [for strength]." It is necessary for him to understand what it is like to be human in order to bridge the gap between two universes. This lesson is a lesson that humanity can resonate with. For instance, life is messy so it is essential that we humans look inside ourselves and discover the true essence of mental, emotional, and physical strength in order to conquer whatever DEMON ails us at the time.

Kudos to Snyder for his clarity in conveying an important message of superhero strength and superiority. However, Man of Steel could eliminate at least 10 to 15 minutes of the KABOOM factor. I lost count of how many battles Superman had with General Zod before the Dark Angel met his death and Planet Earth is saved by a vigilante whom is ubiquitous and can be compared to James Bond in saving a damsel in distress.

Man of Steel is quite entertaining in grasping the enormous amounts of information about the have's and have-not's of Superman. To be able to capture one man's journey in a historical context from birth to his manhood in a feature length screenplay is commendable. The epic battles of destruction isn't necessary in telling a story of strength and superiority. As with the majority superhero cliches there lies a love story. However, one of Superman's weaknesses is his dire love for Lois Lane considering he is always rescuing her from everyday reporting hazards for the Daily Planet. Perhaps a journalist’s quandary, one in which viewers experience with Dean Cain and Teri Hatcher in the (1993-1997) television series, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.