4. Depth
Man of Steel is a relentless, action-packed summer blockbuster that while possessing enough emotional depth and punch through its 140-odd minutes run-time, it certainly does them at the same pace as the rest of the film. Told in flashbacks similar to Batman Begins (all the flashbacks come from events happening in present day), it can be said that Kal-El's rise to prominence and his true discovery of his powers are as fulfilling as much as in previous incarnations, they lack a true resonance, as indeed does Lois and Clark's relationship (more on that later). With Goyer's script more bombastic than subtle, it does restrict the character development somewhat: Jonathan Kent (Kevin Costner) is perhaps worse affected, as is his parentage is skated over in brief scenes with young Clark. He does get his emotional scene (and a choker it is) but his short performance, as good as anything on how here, deserved so much more than just interludes. Even Cavill himself as the titular hero is given very few true moments of true characterisation, as once the suit is acquired, he is simply entrusted to turn up and look Superman-y. Sure that's the point, but it's the emotional core that truly makes the hero. But his performance is excellent also, and as with many of the things on show here, this is simply the teaser to a much fuller, deeper experience in the sequel.