A capable Superman origin held back by joyless tone and shaky pacing.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
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Critic consensus
Critical reception for Man of Steel skews moderately positive, with most reviewers finding it a competent and entertaining superhero origin story worth watching despite reservations. The ensemble cast, particularly Russell Crowe, Kevin Costner, Michael Shannon, and Henry Cavill, drew consistent praise, as did the action sequences and special effects. The most common criticisms centred on the film's relentlessly solemn tone, uneven pacing, and failure to reach the narrative ambition of comparable superhero films; several critics also noted the heavy-handed Christ imagery and excessive destruction in the finale.
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 12 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
This is an expensive movie and Snyder makes sure you leave the theatre feeling happy about investing your money in his work. The frustrations arrive in the form of 3D, which absolutely hacks the cinematography and the special effects with a scythe and murders the fun out of the film.
Top critic
Film review ·
With all its pluses and minuses, 'Man of Steel', is a fairly satisfying entertainer, complete with 3-D gimmickry. And it has sufficient star clout: Russell Crowe as Papa Superman is reliably impressive, delivering the most mundane lines of dialogue with a Shakespearean flourish. Kevin Costner is excellent. Michael Shannon oozes menace as all impactful superfoes should. And the British actor, Henry Cavill, fits the bill with his body-beautiful screen presence.
Top critic
Film review ·
'Man of Steel' leans more towards Nolan's angsty 'Dark Knight' movies than Marvel's playful 'Avengers'. Yet it doesn't have the great ideas of that Batman trilogy. What it does have - despite all its shortcomings - is genuine awe and wonder in the bits where Superman takes flight. For those portions, for the charming new leading man, and some solid special effects, it's worth a watch.
Top critic
Film review ·
It looks good and is populated by fine actors (and we get a peek at trucks belonging to a bald man this movie could have used but doesn't have), but the clunky Superman-as-Jesus imagery running through it all symptomises the problem with this narrative: too much steel, not enough man.
Top critic
Film review ·
What is the most disconcerting part about Man of Steel though is its uneven pacing, unsure of whether it wants to be a blockbuster or a film about a man finding himself, or a boy growing up with scary powers, or a man finding his feet. It achieves none of the above credibly, being too loud (in all senses of the word) when it comes to the bang and too obvious when it comes to the pangs, and being always very, very solemn, trying very, very hard.
Film review ·
This is a Superman film for today's audience. A hugely impressive and entertaining story of arguably the most powerful character in the superhero pantheon (and also one of the biggest pop culture icons), it's clear that the Man of Steel is here to stay.
Film review ·
Watch it closely and you would be in for a few treats if you know the supporting characters well. MOS won't dissapoint, it gives you the right bang for you buck, but we wish this Superman soared a bit higher.
Film review ·
The film is a fun watch. But Man Of Steel won't redefine its genre as, say, The Dark Knight did. Watch it for some amazing 3D action and the odd burst of humour.
Film review ·
Man Of Steel definitely glorifies Superman rendering a magnanimous impression! With very little words, and alluring vigorous action, this time Superman shines in his swanky new matted scaly suit and presents to us a story which effectively challenges a few prevailing mythical ideas about the character. Synder's direction is intelligent and Man Of Steel which gives wholesome entertainment despite its hitches manages to get a 3/5. Go with relaxed expectations and watch this one for sure!
Film review ·
While Snyder has succeeded in turning out a Superman that isn't silly (not a small feat) and will likely lay enough of a bedrock for further sequels, it's a missed opportunity — particularly with a bright cast of Shannon, Adams and Lane — for a more fun-loving spirit.
Film review ·
The film is gripping even in its humourless tone and persistently noisy destructive aesthetics. It connects with its audience on the emotional front. `Man Of Steel` is definitely a recommended watch.
Film review ·
The movie springs into belated flight during the ferocious finale. The body count would turn mayhem-meisters Roland Emmerich and Michael Bay green with envy. Besides some blatant product placements, there are none-too-subtle allusions to the 9/11 devastation. A curiously empty exercise in blockbuster filmmaking, Man Of Steel is full of sound and fury signifying... you know what.
Credits
Henry CavillClark Kent / Superman / Kal-El:
Amy AdamsLois Lane
Russell CroweJor-El
Michael ShannonGeneral Zod
Kevin CostnerJonathan Kent
Laurence FishburnePerry White
Diane LaneMartha Kent
Ayelet ZurerLara Lor-Van
Antje TraueFaoraEnglish films like Man of Steel
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Avengers: Infinity War
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Avengers: Age of Ultron
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