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Created Jun 15, 2013 01:45PM PST • Edited Jun 15, 2013 01:45PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Perfect 5.0

   So, before I get into this review I feel that I have to first make something clear – this is not the Superman that you know. The team of Nolan, Goyer, and Snyder have taken a different viewpoint on the most iconic comic character in existence. They have done exactly what needed to be done and brought him into the world of today.

   When you look at Superman, the things that make him who he is and defines him as a character comes down to how he was raised and the morals instilled in him by his adoptive parents, the Kents. That has not changed. That is still very much at the core of the character and the movie. The perspective that has changed, though, is a focus on the biggest thing that makes him different from us. Superman is an alien. Biologically he is not of this world and that sets him apart. Taking that view point, the creative team behind the flick decided to take that basic fact and create a sci-fi movie around it. That may not sound like a big deal, but if you look at all previous Superman movies, the sci-fi aspects were always minimalized or done very poorly. This is a Superman movie for today’s audience.

   Visually, the movie was stunning. The acting was solid and the story was top notch. If you have complaints about Nolan’s Batman trilogy being a bit mechanical, you may have those same feelings at times during this movie. If you are not open to the idea of Superman being looked at in a new light, you might not like this. If you think that there is no room for darkness in this world, you might be disappointed. If, however, you are open to a new perspective on a classic character, you will be rewarded. The things that happen in this world would not necessarily happen in the comic, but that is okay. The character remains in tact and the movie is all the more enjoyable for it.

   Now, moving forward I’m going to talk about some specifics of the movie that worked really well for me. THERE ARE SPOILERS AHEAD. If you have not seen the movie, stop reading and come back. If you have, then read on and see if you think I miss the mark or if you are on the same page.

   Okay . . . . ready? Thank you for sticking with me.

   First, I have to call out that I LOVE what they did with Lois Lane. Amy Adams was solid as Lane, and while there was room for more character development (which I hope we’ll see in the next one), the story around her was what really shined. One of the biggest complaints about the Superman mythos is that no one knows Clark Kent is Superman. How does no one put it together? Well, one of the first things Lois does is in the movie is follow a trail that leads her right back to Ma Kent’s front porch in Smallville. She puts it together and figures out who he is because that’s what a good reporter does and in this day and age, there is no way she would not figure it out. Very well played.

   I also thought the xenophobia approach was excellently handled. Pa Kent wanting Clark to stay hidden because the world is not ready to find out that they are not alone in the universe is a valid fear and you understand it. You are empathetic to the cause and you believe. People would not know what to do. When Clark saves the bus full of his classmates Pa pushes Clark to challenge those actions because of the devastating effects his discovery could have on the entire world beyond that one bus full of kids. Eventually, it is that dilemma that he is forced to face when Zod shows up.

   The approach to Krypton was one of the best I have ever seen – in or out of the comics. There is an explanation of why Krypton is on the verge of destruction as well as a look at the politics that lead Zod to take the actions he did and they both make sense. From the beginning you are sympathetic to the idea of him saving Krypton and doing whatever it takes to meet that end. You can also see why that puts him at odds with Jor El (who is a complete badass in this movie, skillfully played by Crowe) and ultimately with Clark.

   Finally, I will comment on the other divisive part of the movie that I have already heard bad things about. The ending. The fight with Zod and his crew wrecks not only Metropolis, but also Smallville. Both are pretty well torn down. It is hard to think that Superman would let that kind of collateral damage take place. I understand this and the Superman I know would not let that happen. His final act to end Zod’s rampage is also something that the Superman I know would not let happen. As I said at the very beginning, however, this is not the Superman we know. And in this movie, it works. Clark has never faced something like this and his focus is purely on ending Zod’s rampage. In my opinion, all of this will define this version of Superman. He has to carry that weight forever. I also think it will help drive more xenophobia in the next movie and maybe lead to a certain bald villain stepping up against our hero.

   Go see it. Go see it twice. Enjoy the action and sci-fi madness. Immerse yourself into a new perspective. Beyond all of that, though, think about what you see. Think about what it all means to this character and how it will define him and his actions in the future. Enjoy what is hopefully the start of great new run of Superman movies.

4. Acting

   Great 4.0

5. Male Stars Really Great 4.5

   Henry Cavill was great as Superman. He carries a lot of weight on his face and in his mannerisms. Not perfect, but really close.

6. Female Stars Great 4.0

   Give Amy Adams more meat in terms of character development and she will soar. As it stands, she was still the best Lois Lane we’ve seen.

7. Female Costars Very Good 3.5

8. Male Costars Perfect 5.0

   Michael Shannon as Zod and Russel Crowe as Jor-El were perfectly cast. I could not imagine those roles being better played.

10. Film

    Perfect 5.0

11. Direction Perfect 5.0

12. Play Perfect 5.0

13. Music Perfect 5.0

14. Visuals Perfect 5.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 1.8

17. Sex Innocent 1.0

18. Violence Fierce 2.5

19. Rudeness Salty 2.0

21. Reality

    Fantasy 5.0

22. Circumstantial Fantasy 5.0

23. Biological Fantasy 5.0

24. Physical Fantasy 5.0