Man of Steel will be back on the big screen! With the upcoming release of the new Superman film in July 2025, excitement is buzzing in the air.
The new Superman movie is also getting a new title. James Gunn revealed that his new Superman movie will simply be called Superman, instead of Superman: Legacy.
Anyway, lets look back to the Man of Steel. To old and new fans of Superman, I hope that this short review will give you a chance to revisit that film while also looking ahead to the exciting new chapter for the Man of Steel.
Superman Skeptic Turned Believer
Now, full disclosure: I wasn’t always a Superman fan. The whole red undies-over-tights thing? Not exactly my aesthetic for a super-powered dude (hey! heard that the red trunk will be back in the 2025 movie). But then came Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, and something shifted. Suddenly, I was all in on DC Comics. The New 52 reboot just fueled the fire, and before I knew it, I was diving into Justice League and Superman Unchained comics.
Read The Dark Knight Rises.
Finding Humanity in the Alien
So, with that newfound DC interest, I finally gave Man of Steel a shot. And wow, was I impressed! Yes, the movie takes a darker, grittier approach than the classic Superman stories. But for me, that actually worked. It grounded the character in a way I hadn’t experienced before.
The flashbacks to Clark Kent’s childhood were particularly effective. Seeing him struggle with his powers as a kid, hiding them from the world for fear of rejection – that really made me connect with him on a human level. The film effectively explores Clark’s internal struggles as he tries to balance his human life with his extraordinary abilities. Here was this alien being, all-powerful, yet yearning for belonging.
Witnessing these moments makes his eventual acceptance of the Superman mantle all the more impactful. We see him grapple with his identity, feeling like an outsider on both Earth and Krypton.
The movie also delves into the responsibility that comes with immense power and the sacrifices one might have to make.
It was a fresh take on Superman’s origin story.
Spectacular Yet Flawed
Don’t get me wrong, the movie isn’t perfect. The final act, with the epic showdown between Superman and General Zod, dragged a little for me. It felt like an endless CGI brawl, even though the visuals themselves were undeniably impressive. The fight choreography using advanced CGI made Superman’s powers feel truly believable – you could practically feel the shockwaves from his punches!
Behind the Muscles
Apparently, the hardest part of being Superman wasn’t saving the world – it was getting those washboard abs! Henry Cavill, the man behind the cape, spilled the beans that his two shirtless scenes were a total workout in themselves. For months, he’d been hitting the gym hard to get superhero-worthy, but for those shirtless moments? Dude went into beast mode.
We’re talking a crazy diet and training regimen that would make lesser mortals cry. His daily calorie intake went from a superhero-sized 5,000 all the way down to a mere 1,500 – for six weeks! The result? A body fat percentage of just 7%, which is what pro bodybuilders reach during competitions. Talk about dedication! Cavill said he did it all to achieve the ultimate Superman physique – sculpted abs and muscles so defined they’d make even Zeus jealous.
Critical Reception
Critics generally praised the film’s visuals and action sequences, with some finding the darker tone refreshing while others missed the classic Superman charm. And there are many DC fans found the CGI, heavy.
However, most agreed on Cavill’s impressive portrayal of the conflicted hero.
Clocking in at a hefty two-and-a-half hours, Man of Steel was a bold cinematic undertaking. It’s a film that delves deep into the complexities of alienation and isolation, making it one of the most personal superhero portrayals on screen.
While the initial concept of a Superman torn between two worlds might have been a departure for some fans, Henry Cavill’s performance undeniably captured the essence of the lonely, powerful alien
Recommendation
If you’re a fan of superhero action with a more grounded and character-driven approach, then Man of Steel is definitely worth checking out. It’s not your typical lighthearted Superman flick, but that’s what makes it so interesting. Cavill’s performance is excellent, and the visuals are stunning. Just be prepared for a slightly long final act.
Conclusion
Man of Steel is a beautiful reimagining of Superman nonetheless. The darker tone, the focus on Clark Kent’s inner struggles, and the incredible visuals all come together to create a compelling cinematic experience. While the film may not adhere to the traditional Superman formula, it offers a fresh perspective on the iconic character.
With the advancement in CGI, the flying and the fighting are more realistic. Superman is still faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive and able to leap a tall building in a single bound. The CGI made it real.
As we eagerly anticipate the upcoming Superman, revisiting Man of Steel serves as a reminder of the character’s enduring power and the potential for storytelling within the DC universe.
This is a movie to watch. Watch Man of Steel movie online.