DC Comics are as good as Marvel ones. The company was founded in 1934, known as National Allied Publications. DC Comics produce material featuring a large number of well-known characters such as: Green Arrow, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and, of course, Superman. Superman was brought onto the big screen when Ilya and Alexander Salkind and Pierre Splengler purchased the Superman film rights in 1974. Hollywood released several films: Superman (1978), Superman II (1980), Superman III (1983) and then Superman IV: The Quest for Race (1987). All these films starred the handsome and very likable actor Christopher Reeve as the protagonist. It took over 15 years before we welcomed another Superman. The new film was entitled Superman Returns (2006) starring Brandon Routh as Clark Kent/Superman. The movie itself was bad and after following a disappointing financial result Warner Bros decided to reboot the film, and commissioned Zack Snyder as the director of a new Superman: Man of Steel (2013). Produced by Christopher Nolan and his wife Emma Thomas and features Henry Cavill as Kal-El.

We all know Superman’s story well. A baby is born on a planet called Krypton and is sent to Earth by his Kryptonian parents Jor-El (Russell Crowe) and Lara Lor-Van (Ayelet Zurer), to avoid being killed by General Zod (Michael Shannon). The boy is found by The Kent family who takes the child into their farm and raises him as their own son, naming him Clark after Martha’s (Diane Lane) maiden name and Clark’s stepfather Jonathan (Kevin Costner) teaches him what’s important in life. They help him to manage his Kryptonian powers until his stepdad’s unexpected death. Clark struggles to come to terms with his father’s death and leaves the farm taking on different jobs around the country. Not far into his lonely journey he’s forced to use his abilities to save people’s lives, and it doesn’t go unnoticed. Lois Lane (Amy Adams), a journalist, is on his track trying to figure out who the mystery hero is. Her adventure begins with a big bang when she has to fight, not only for her own life, but also for others. She joins forces with Superman and bravely fights against General Zod. Of course most of the DC Comics end well, yes people die along the way, but the superhero remains untouchable.

Man of Steel was definitely a better production than Superman Returns. First of all there was a good story, good acting and it’s a fast-paced visual treat for those who love the Superhero comics. Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Clark Kent was acceptable, I would not dare to say it was first-class because it wasn’t. There was something missing about his character, something that Christopher Reeve was full of, the likability factor.

Amy Adams, meanwhile, makes a fabulous Lois Lane, she represents a fearless woman who isn’t afraid to risk her life to save others, she is a believable and adorable character. You will definitely enjoy Russell Crowe on the big screen. He is a loving father and husband, a patient and brave leader. I even appreciated Kevin Costner’s 10 minute appearance in the film. It’s was really lovely to see him back even for a short time. The gruelling fight scenes provide a great visual effect, however, Zod and Superman’s fights slightly overshadow both men’s acting skills for a while. I don’t see any point in long punching and wrestling scenes to be honest. It seems like the world’s problems and distractions of the cities were pushed aside for sake of the fight scenes, extending the film to run over 2 hours. Much too long if you asked me. However, Man of Steel is great fun to watch. You won’t be bored while watching the film.

Written by Maggie Gogler.

Edited by Roxy Simons.