Man of Steel Review

More than any other super hero in comic book history, Superman may be the one filled with the most contradictions and paradoxes. He is an alien that grew up as a human; he is also a common citizen and a godly superhero. He has two fathers and two mothers, but has never met his biological parents. He grew up on earth but strives for his homeland. The idea of the double identity not only dominates the narrative thrust of Zack Snyder's "Man of Steel," but also illuminates the movie's form.

As the film commences, the viewer is taken to Krypton where the birth of Kal-El (later known as Clark Kent and Superman) is taking place. His father Jor-El (Russell Crowe) sends him to earth to avoid the destruction of his home planet. The opening prologue also introduces the viewer to the film's principal antagonist Zod (Michael Shannon). The general hopes to utilize a special code to recreate the Kryptonian species. Unfortunately his military coup goes awry and the code is stored away in the shuttle with Kal-El. Continue Reading