Non-Spoiler Man of Steel Review

Zack Snyder and Christopher Nolan brings us THE ultimate Superman movie which is worthy of following the footsteps of Richard Donner's original Superman movie in MAN OF STEEL.

If there's anything that sets the movie apart from it's predecessors is the cool visual effects, something that Snyder brings into the table. The movie never skips a beat in telling us the origins of Superman from his parents' sacrifice to send the infant Kal-El to Earth all the way to the climatic and slam-bang finale where we see Superman unleash his full anger on a not-so-helpless General Zod (Michael Shannon).

Thanks to the great writing done by writer David S. Goyer,we're treated not just to a really satisfying Superman movie but also a movie that tackles topics such as alienation and isolation and destiny and family.

I advice you to catch MAN OF STEEL on IMAX as it fully does justice to the movie. As an artform, the film is exceptional in terms of pacing and eye popping visuals. You might want to keep your eyes peeled for awesome moments in the movie such as the Kryptonian battle scene at the beginning, the Smallville fight and the big key scene where everything just crumbles apart.

While Snyder took his sweet time in developing a really likeable Superman/ Clark Kent, it was all worth it as it provides us with a grounding and likeability for the Clark persona. Those earlier scenes of Superman's childhood also gives us a chance to see Kevin Costner as Clark's father Jonathan Kent, the man who made a huge impact in the young Superman's life. During these moments, I can't just help but think about the already-ended SMALLVILLE TV series starring Tom Welling.

Other cast members also held up their roles fine. Laurence Fishburne's Perry White is smart and smug and looks wiser for his years. Russell Crowe also OWNED his role as Superman's biological father; it's as if he's already asking for forgiveness for his take as Javert in Les Miserables [although I never disliked his take on the classic villain].He also kicks ass as never before, betcha Marlon Brando's Jor-El wouldn't have fought the way he did.

After seeing the movie, I'm still not sure whether or not I like Amy Adams as Lois Lane. There's like a half dozen actresses who played Lois Lane in both TV and movie adaptations but it's still Margot Kidder who's doing running in my head as the definitive Lois Lane. But Adams is definitely part of the upper bracket. She's lacking on sass department but she is spunky once in awhile. She's also an active participant and a source of a couple of quips.

The villains were also impeccable. Antje Traue is a beautiful, cold, hard bitch as Faora. She's merciless and full of hatred but at the drop of the hat she turns into this loyal fanatic in General Zod's insane quest. The armor design for Zod and the rest of his crew is also something to behold. It's also got a lot of nods to Nolan's last foray into the DC Universe [The Dark Knight trilogy].

If you're paying to see Superman fly, crash, punch, kick and heat vision his opponents, then you'll definitely go home with a smile plastered in your face as Snyder made it possible to do so. There's a lot of scenes in the film that showcases just how powerful the Man of Steel really is and it's done in a variety of ways. In costume, off costume, with his shirt on and with his shirt off. That in itself is worth the admission for the ladies in the audience.

Keep your eyes peeled for a couple of easter eggs here and there. It's not really much at the moment but you'll be pleased with all the stuff that's hidden and tucked away neatly behind, in front or even above the characters.Then there's also the fabulous world of Krpyton where there are a lot of fantastic beasts roaming around. 

Snyder took a couple of liberties in delivering the story, I really don't want to spoil what they are but I can predict that you'll go from, 'what the' to 'ohhhh good one'. 

I'll probably cut this review short in order to pave the way for a more spoilerific review. If you want my rating for this one, here's the verdict:

10/10

Special thanks to Warner Bros. Pictures Philippines for the invitation by the way. MAN OF STEEL opens June 12, 2013. 

P.S. i find it cool that I got to watch a Superman movie with Batman and Catwoman sans costume beside me and a very inquisitive Pam on the other side.