Man of Steel is a movie adaptation of the DC Comics superhero character, Superman. This film could be considered the opening series in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) created by Warner Bros Pictures and DC Entertainment. Christopher Nolan, the creator of the Dark Knight trilogy and Interstellar, was also involved in the making of the film as a producer and co-screenwriter, along with David S. Goyer. Man of Steel is starred by Henry Cavill, who plays Superman/Kal-El or Clark Kent and Amy Adams as his love interest Lois Lane.
Synopsis
Release Year: 2013
Genre: Action, Adventure, Superhero
Production House: Warner Bros. Pictures, Legendary Pictures, and DC Entertainment
Director: Zack Snyder
Cast: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane
Planet Krypton is on the brink of destruction due to the instability of the energy at its core. Just before it explodes, a scientist and Chief Advisor of the Kryptonian Council, Jor-El, inserts genetic codes into his infant son named Kal-El. Jor-El then succeeds in sending his son in a space pod towards Earth as he is killed by a rebel group leader, General Zod. Kal-El lands on Earth and is adopted by a couple, Jonathan and Martha Kent, who name him Clark Kent.
As Clark grows up, his superpowers become stronger, although he is advised by Jonathan not to use them in front of others. Even when he is caught in a tornado, Jonathan refuses Clark’s help and tragically loses his life. Stricken with guilt over his foster father’s death, Clark searches for his purpose in life by traveling to different places. Meanwhile, Daily Planet journalist Lois Lane is investigating the discovery of a Kryptonian spacecraft in the Arctic. Clark, who is already there, manages to enter the ship and meets an AI that resembles his father, Jor-El. Through the AI, Clark learns a lot about his origin and knows that he was sent to Earth to guide human beings.
While following Clark on the spacecraft, Lois accidentally triggers its security system. However, Clark uses his powers to save Lois from an attack. He puts on a Kryptonian suit provided by the AI inside the ship and starts to practice flying with his new costume. Meanwhile, Lois discovers Clark’s true identity and goes to Smallville to expose his existence to the public. However, after hearing the story of Jonathan Kent’s sacrificial death, she abandons her plan to write an article about Clark.
Meanwhile, in space, General Zod and his followers have escaped from the Phantom Zone, where they were imprisoned for betraying Krypton and travel to Earth to turn it into a new Krypton. They also try to find Kal-El who is now on the planet. Upon arriving on Earth, Zod demands that the people of Earth hand over Kal-El and threatens to attack them if his demands are not met. Upon hearing the news, Clark confronts Zod, escorted by the United States military. Zod’s envoy, Faora, then asks Lois Lane and Clark to be brought together.
Zod then reveals to Kal-El that his mission now is to use his genetic codes to eradicate the human population and populate Earth with Kryptonians via genetic engineering.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Man of Steel brings a new perspective and storyline to the classic superhero character, Superman. This film takes the audience to a journey of how Clark Kent discovers about his origin, the usage of his superpowers, and his purpose in life. The plotline is well-executed, and the visuals and action sequences are magnificent. The cast’s performances are impressive, with Henry Cavill solidifying himself as a formidable Superman/Kal-El/Clark Kent. Man of Steel is undoubtedly a must-see for both comic book enthusiasts and general moviegoers alike.
