L'Homme d'acier

"Man of Steel" is a bold and visually stunning take on Superman's origin. Henry Cavill delivers a strong and emotional performance as Clark Kent, giving the character real depth and humanity. The action scenes are massive and intense, and Zack Snyder's direction brings an epic, cinematic tone. While the pacing can feel uneven at times, and the destruction in the final act is over the top, the movie successfully reimagines Superman for a modern era - darker, more grounded, and emotionally driven.

Man of Steel is a solid and more grounded take on Superman. I like how it explores Clark's struggle to find his place in the world instead of just jumping straight into the hero stuff. Henry Cavill fits the role really well, and the movie's visuals are stunning, especially during the big fight scenes. The tone is darker than most Superman stories, but it works for what it's trying to do. The action can get a bit over-the-top, and the pacing feels uneven at times, but overall it's a strong, emotional, and fresh take on the character.

This movie was dishonestly mauled by critics and reviewers simply because it was directed by Snyder. Watching this again in 2020, I have to say this will go down as a classic in years to come. It's an absolute blast from start to finish and is one of the most loyal adaptations and faithful to the Superman lore found in DC comics. One of its greatest achievements was the magnificent depiction of Krypton and giving Zod the gravitas and motivation that he lacked in Superman II. You felt empathy for him. Shannon was outstanding in his portrayal of Zod; up there with Ledger's Joker.

I remember people actually complained about the level of destruction in this movie and the excessive use of special effects, but for me this is what makes a Superman movie. Take off your nostalgia tinted glasses and watch this with an open mind. This is the greatest Superman movie bar none.

Man of Steel is Superman reintroduced for a world that's more suspicious than star-struck. Instead of the classic confident hero who already knows how to be a symbol, this movie gives us Clark Kent still figuring out who he's supposed to be - and whether humanity even wants him around. Henry Cavill plays him with this quiet heaviness, like a guy who has to shrink himself so he doesn't break the world. The parts of the movie feel almost like a sci-fi drama - he's an alien first, a superhero second. That angle makes his struggle feel more personal, not just another origin story checklist. ... It's huge. You can feel the impact whenever Kryptonians hit each other. It looks amazing, but it also makes you nervous because the movie doesn't pretend there wouldn't be consequences. When the fights tear through Smallville and Metropolis, the destruction is intense enough that you can't ignore it or pretend it's harmless comic-book chaos. That leads to the most talked-about part- the way Superman finishes the fight with Zod. Some fans hated that choice, because they see Superman as someone who always finds another way. Others appreciated that this moment is what pushes him to become the hero with stronger boundaries later on. The film ends with him still learning, not already perfect - and that makes him feel more real. And Hans Zimmer's score? It carries the whole thing. It's big and hopeful, but also kind of anxious, like the music knows Superman is one bad day from being seen as a threat. So yeah, Man of Steel isn't a warm, feel-good take on Superman. It's messy and serious and not trying to please everyone. But that's also what makes it memorable. It leaves you thinking about the weight of being Superman instead of just the cool moments of being him.

Man of Steel is just one star below the original Superman, and that is the highest score I have ever given a superhero film. I also gave Iron Man a 7, as well as Joker a 7. I have always thought Joker was more interesting than Batman, which I gave a 6.

Crowe's Jor-El is better than Brando for one thing, but I prefer the original Superman, Christopher Reeves over Henry Cavill by a fairly large margin. The original Lois Lane was better, as well, since Margot Kidder was more vulnerable. Perry Black is amusing, however. There was no Jimmy Olsen, which was a bit of a drawback; or if there was, he wasn't noticeable. And I believed Glenn Ford more than Kevin Costner as dad, although Costner did a good job.

The CGI is outstanding in the new one, as well it should be after forty years. The cinematography is very good as well. The pacing was a bit slow, and, of course, I am being sarcastic. Fitting two Superman films in one film requires almost the speed of light.

The writing is first-rate, as well as the Hans Zimmer music.

General Zod is done very well, and is superior to the original Zod. All in all, a very nice production.