Film review: Man of Steel (12A)

It’s 35 years since Christopher Reeve first took flight in Superman and Man Of Steel removes any traces of campness or charm that distinguished the 1970s and 1980s big screen incarnations.
By Damon Smith
Published 14th Jun 2013, 10:58 BST
Henry Cavill as SupermanHenry Cavill as Superman
Henry Cavill as Superman

What remains is a bombastic and bruising reboot, punctuated by overblown set pieces, which traces the central character’s journey from his war-ravaged home planet to the sun-kissed fields of Kansas. It’s a thrilling opening salvo that frequently quickens the pulse, but seldom touches the heart.

In a protracted prologue, Kryptonian General Zod (Michael Shannon) and right-hand woman Faora-Ul (Antje Traue) stage a coup on their doomed world. Leading scientist Jor-El (Russell Crowe) escapes the melee and despatches his only son Kal-El to Earth. Farmers Jonathan and Martha Kent (Kevin Costner, Diane Lane) raise the crash-landed infant and christen him Clark.

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He eventually leaves home to seek his destiny and many years later, Clark (Henry Cavill) is tracked down by plucky Daily Planet reporter, Lois Lane (Amy Adams).

Man Of Steel spares no expense with the pyrotechnics, including a breathless final showdown, Cavill has the rugged good looks and impressive physique but his performance lacks emotion. Thankfully, co-stars Shannon, Adams and Costner are in fine form.