Is The 'Man Of Steel' Really The Superhero Movie We've Been Waiting For?

The Man of Steel is the latest foray onto the big screen from arguably the comic book-world's biggest star; Superman. There is often a sense of anticipation surrounding a new Superman adaptation whenever one is made, but now it seems as though anticipation levels are in over-drive, and with good reason too, as the latest big screen take on the man who wears his underwear on the outside of his trousers has the potential to be one of the biggest comic book movies to date. However that doesn't necessarily mean that the film will be a hit, as this overview will try to explain why the film could be as big a disappointment as Superman Returns.

Watch The Man Of Steel Trailer

There are two names hanging above Man of Steel that seem to indicate big things for the movie: Zack Snyder and Christopher Nolan. Snyder has been lauded since his take on Frank Miller's 300 graphic novel and his work with Supermna is the first time he has had the chance to work with a proper superhero, and he now has the chance to bring something new to the Superman tale, a chance he is sure to take. As tempting as Snyder's name is, the real excitement is surrounding Christopher Nolan, the man who remade Batman and turned comic book movie-making into what it is today, and with the Brit filmaker on hand to write the story for the film, the chance to see a Superman film that retains the dark, seriousness of The Dark Knight shouldn't be one that you would want to pass up too easily. What usually happens when two greats come together though is usually a little underwhelming,a nd with Man of Steel this might be the case again - and the critical reception the film has so far received seems to indicate just that.

After a day in the cinema, and a week or so of advanced screenings, there has already been much said about the new film that should indicate whether it is worth going to see or not. Most reviewers were impressed by the casting, special effects and action scenes - and it has to be said that Henry Cavill does seem to make the perfect Clark Kent/Superman and Michael Shannon's casting as General Zod is something of a masterstroke - but many were cautious of effects and action too, saying that too much effort had been placed on the spectacel of the film, and not enough on the story and the development of the characters. Audiences so far have been much more positive in their feedback though, and as it stands on movie aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film stands with an impressive score of 82% in terms of audience satisfaction. As for the critical response, that is currently at a lees-than-impressive 57%.

Staring Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne and Russell Crowe, Man of Steel is in cinemas everywhere as of Friday 14 June.

Director Zack Snyder and Amy Adams have potentially made a Superman worth remembering

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