One of Hollywood’s strongest superheroes for box office revenue (no pun intended) gets a reboot to the 1978 original, “Superman.” This time we have our third Superman played by British actor, Henry Cavill (previously Brandon Routh and Christopher Reeve). Fortunately for Hollywood, they have found their new Superman. Sadly, they should have reconsidered hiring screenwriter, David S. Goyer, for this project. Cavill is unable to hold this film’s overly violent and inhibiting plot on the weight of his broad shoulders.

 

“Man of Steel” centers around Clark Kent and his struggles to prevent General Zod (Michael Shannon) from inhabiting planet Earth with his Kryptonian race. Oh and I forgot that in order to achieve this he needs to destroy all life on Earth...Original? The film introduces three of the many major characters (and actors) in its visually striking opening act: Baby Kal-El (Superman), his father Jar-El (Russell Crowe), and General Zod. Both Crowe and Shannon do an exceptional job in their roles. Portraying villains is one of Shannon’s specialty. As expected, he absolutely brings the heat and will either give you shivers or make you jump in one scene.

 

As the film progresses, we are introduced to Lois Lane played by none other than the lovely Amy Adams. She portrays a dedicated don’t-get-in-my-way-or-I’ll-kick-you type of woman who becomes committed in uncovering the truth about Superman.

 

Along with Cavill, Crowe, Shannon, and Adams, the film features Kevin Costner and Diane Lane, as Clark Kent’s non-biological parents, and Laurence Fishburne, as the editor-in-chief of the Daily Planet and boss of Lois Lane.

 

All the characters in “Steel” play their part to the best of their abilities. The problem with the film is that it was not interesting. I wanted something that would make me care for the characters, make me laugh, and fill me with suspense. None of this was accomplished. Did we really need an almost eleven minute fight scene? No. Was it a visual treat? Yes, but that and other prolonged fight scenes could have been spent with Cavill and Adams sharing more time together on screen and connecting with the audience. There are plenty of other occasions where visual effects supervisor, John 'D.J.' Des Jardin, was able to flaunt his abilities.

 

I expected more from director Zack Snyder (“300,” “Watchmen”) and reliable producer Christopher Nolan (the Dark Knight trilogy, “Inception”). Unfortunately I was dissatisfied. But for all it’s worth, “Steel” does boast strong performances from its all-star cast and exhibits some very impressive visuals, but is ultimately held down by redundant violence and a lack of emotion.

 

There was talent and there was opportunity... let’s just hope Snyder and Nolan are able to figure the next one out.

C+

Directed by: Zack Snyder

Screenplay by: David S. Goyer

Cast: Henry Cavill, Michael Shannon, Amy Adams, Russell Crowe, Kevin Costner

Running time: 143 minutesMPAA

Rating: PG-13 (for intense sequences of sci-fi violence, action and destruction, and for some language)