Man of Steel (2013)

The critic’s opening verdict dismisses claims that comic-book films are ‘real’ and ‘psychological’ as clichéd and tiresome. The available text singles out those claims as the complaint, but does not reveal the review’s overall verdict.

The review calls the film a bracing, accomplished reboot that could launch something special, though it lacks warmth and charm. It praises the striking visual design while criticizing the repetitive exposition and overlong action.

The critic finds the film bold and heartfelt, though its action excesses and underwritten female characters weaken it. They praise Henry Cavill’s compelling portrayal of Clark Kent’s journey into Superman.

Jolin finds the film overly serious and lacking warmth, but ultimately a spectacular, operatic Superman origin story. He particularly praises the scale and ambition of its sci-fi spectacle.

McCarthy finds the film an overwhelmingly forceful, entertaining spectacle, despite its relentless action and an over-the-top ending. He praises the spirited rapport between Henry Cavill and Amy Adams, as well as the intimate quality of some flying shots.

The page identifies this as Tim Grierson’s review, but the review text is hidden behind a registration wall. Its verdict and specific points of praise or criticism cannot be established from the accessible text.

The critic finds the film visually fascinating but argues it leaves Superman without depth or agency. He singles out its striking imagery while criticizing Henry Cavill’s performance as posing rather than acting.

Seitz gives the film a mixed verdict. He criticizes its grim tone and overlong action sequences.

Crocker finds the film overblown and emotionally underdeveloped despite its ambition. He praises the cast’s restrained performances, especially Kevin Costner’s quiet, powerful moments.

Aspinall gives the reboot a lukewarm three-star assessment. He contrasts Snyder’s approach with the earlier Superman films, but the available review text cuts off before identifying a specific strength or weakness.

Bradshaw finds the film a grand, meaty superhero adventure that broadly succeeds, though it runs too long. He praises Michael Shannon’s menacing General Zod but misses the original Superman’s gentle, everyday pleasures.

Foundas finds the film’s humorless, relentlessly noisy approach undermines its ambitious Superman reinvention. He praises Kevin Costner’s touching performance but objects to the overwhelming action and visual bombast.

The critic finds the reboot respectful and spectacular, but says its prolonged fights eventually become numbing. Henry Cavill is singled out as a fetching, convincing star despite some wooden stiffness.

The review finds the film dull, bombastic, and burdened by faux-patriotism. It praises the action sequences as thrilling, while criticizing the film’s manipulative nationalism and destruction-heavy approach.

Turan finds the film ambitious but only partially satisfying, with its drama unable to match its scope. He praises Henry Cavill’s casting and the broad science-fiction conception, but says the relentless action becomes numbing.

The critic finds the film portentous and overblown. They single out its endless declamation and violence as major faults.

Edelstein finds the film noisy, cluttered, and largely pleasure-free. He singles out Amy Adams’s spirited Lois Lane and the grounded scenes with Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as its most affecting elements.

The critic calls the film phenomenal and says it successfully reboots Superman. He especially praises the enormous, thrilling action and Henry Cavill’s confident performance.

The review finds the film exhilarating and a strong foundation for future Superman adventures, despite some flaws. It especially praises the energetic action and the physicality of Henry Cavill’s performance.

The review praises Snyder’s reboot as an exhilarating blockbuster with unexpected depth and melancholy. It singles out the effective humanisation of Clark through his childhood and adoptive parents.

The critic finds the film successful and provocative, though it does not quite soar. They praise Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Superman as powerful yet uncertain and bewildered.

The critic finds it reasonable entertainment, with a strong origin story and impressive technical execution, but little humor or joy. They praise the performances and visual craft while criticizing the gender politics and the shift toward destructive action.

The critic finds the film entertaining but overburdened by spectacle and short on heart. Henry Cavill’s confident, charismatic Superman is singled out as a major strength.

Burgin finds the film a poorly told, frustrating start for the DC universe. He praises Snyder’s richly designed Krypton sequences but criticizes the sluggish pacing, destructive action, and heavy-handed allegory.

Roffman finds the film ambitious but ultimately frustrated by a chaotic, incoherent story. He praises the cast, particularly Michael Shannon’s unsettling General Zod, while faulting the screenplay for leaving characters and action without emotional investment.