1. Paying The Toll Of Making A Choice
Man Of Steel puts Superman in the worst position he could ever possibly face: kill one of his own, the last-of-his-kind by his own hand, or allow Zod to take more human lives in the wake of his madness. Superman chooses the lesser of two evils, if there is such a choice in this situation, and in turn he comprises everything he was raised to believe in and instilled to defend. Not only does he kill his own brethren, as tyrannical as he may have been, but Superman just flat out, intentionally kills someone...and the toll is emotionally crippling. Henry Cavill again fantastically delivers the emotional breaking point in this final scene with Shannon's General Zod, crying out after ending his life and collapsing to the ground in total, emotional ruin. It is a fitting conclusion to a monumental scene that will resonate for decades across cinematic history. The writers delivered on the risky payoff of placing Superman in such a situation, and the film stands above not only all other Superman films before it for making such a decision, but also above all other comic book films for taking the road less traveled and exploring what happens when our heroes make the ultimate, shocking choice of taking and ending a life. And so, to recap...
Zack Snyder delivers the Superman film we, as fans, have all waited a lifetime to have in cinemas. Man Of Steel is emotionally engaging and awe-inspiring, and the performances of the entire cast ring true to their iconic characters. Relative newcomer Henry Cavill absolutely owns the role of Superman now: he is the big blue boy scout. Children will grow up identifying his face with Superman, and they will go on to constantly reference this film from Snyder, Nolan, and Goyer as their defining take on the storied hero.
Man Of Steel also sets up nicely a sequel to follow as well. Left unexplored is the Clark Kent we all know, journalist for the Daily Planet and daily savior of the Metropolis masses. Superman will also be a global figure now, traveling across the world saving humanity and innocents and doing his best to remain undercover. His relationship with Lois Lane will mature, and we will also be introduced to Nolan and Snyder's version of the great Lex Luthor in the next film. To date the film has grossed over $500 million worldwide, with a US take of over $245 million dollars; and while that is highly profitable, a Justice League film is still years away, and I wouldn't doubt Warner Bros. waiting for a successful Man Of Steel sequel before they decide to move ahead with the League film. And that's fine, and also very smart. They've struck gold with this first Man Of Steel film, but divided some purists and critics alike. How many of us will return for a follow-up? I will. My friends will, too. This is, for myself and my cohorts, the best film of the year thus far, and certainly the greatest and grandest superhero film ever put on screen. I left Man Of Steel exhausted, but in a very good way. In some aspect, I felt as though I suppose Clark did: worn out, bruised and battered from enduring the fight and saving humanity, and also crushed by the defeat of compromising my morals when left with no other option. I took the Man Of Steel ride with Jor-El, Clark, and ultimately Superman, and I am nonetheless worse for wear for it. In fact, I am ready to go again. In fact, I can't wait to go again. And in fact, I can't wait to see what's next. OK fans and non-fans alike, let's have it out! Sound off in the COMMENTS section below, and then find me on Twitter so we can wax ecstatic about Man Of Steel and the legend of Superman: @davyshrader