1. Henry Cavill as Superman
Something about the casting of Henry Cavill in the title role of
Man of Steel has always felt right. Perhaps it is how much he naturally resembles the character. In any event, it is Henry Cavills performance that will carry him forward as the definitive Superman for an entire generation. In all facetsClark Kent, Kal-El, and SupermanHenry Cavills presence is undeniable. He is the quintessential good guy, but very much a man. He is warm and kind, but not corny. He is isolated and lonely, but not mopey. He is honest and direct, but not callous. Physically, emotionally, and intellectually, Henry Cavill fully embodies the character, bringing Clark Kent to life in a way we have never seen before. His desire to always do what is right is an inspiration. Even if the audience cannot quite relate to Clark, theyll wish they could. The purity of Supermans intentions makes the aforementioned moral complexity so powerful, as Cavill shows his characters confusion in certain instances as to what exactly the right thing to do is. Even for Superman, right and wrong can seem like relative terms when viewed through a greyed out lens. As Superman sorts out the physical dangers and ethical conundrums thrust upon him, the audience roots for him all the way. With their emotional investment earned, Clark Kents journey in the film pays huge, wonderfully heroic dividends. As Superman, Henry Cavill reminds moviegoers of all ages why they fell in love with the very idea superheroes in the first place. Superman is not like us, but we dont care. We want to be like him.