I had a 4pm date with Man of Steel yesterday and while he didn’t disappoint, as I walked home alone thinking about our two and a half hours together, I wasn’t so sure I wanted to see him again if I had better options for my attention. Since this is summer, I’m pretty sure there will be many options.

I had no problem paying the $14 movie ticket price to escape into the 143 minute movie — and its easy to follow the story line. I look forward to watching Man of Steel since the first movie trailer was released. I found myself completely immersed in Zack Snyder’s adaptation of Superman. I never once thought the movie was too long. Man of Steel was different (in its take on the Superman story and in its visual effects). I didn’t mind that. I will go ahead and say I thought it was $14 well spent.

The writing by Christopher Nolan at times made me smile (“Did you think you could threaten my mother!?”) but at times cringe (the tedious launch conversation between Jor El and General Zod is one of many examples). That’s fine because I really wasn’t expecting a perfect movie. I wanted summer blockbuster fun.

And that I got. One thing I did realize was I was never in awe during Man of Steel. I wanted that Superman wonder and I wasn’t getting it throughout the movie. I should be clear and say I was not expecting or hoping for Superman a la Christopher Reeve and Richard Donner.

I was fine with the Man of Steel CGI and special effects, fine with the fight scenes (one even reminded me a bit of a scene from Thor) and even fine (albeit a bit startled for a second) of a scene that reminded me of what I saw first hand downtown on September 11th.

I recognized their attempt at humor when the Government handcuffed Superman and ignored their several attempts at 13 year old boy humor involving Lois Lane. I even ignored some huge plot holes. Why? Because I knew this was a summer blockbuster not an Academy Award winning documentary.

The symbol of Hope on the Superman suit makes me hopeful the Man of Steel sequel will be one I want to watch again and again and then buy it on DVD. If you want to see Henry Cavill as Superman fly or walk through ample scenes of destruction and warfare (sprinkled with a little history about his life on the farm in Kansas) this is the movie for you. Fanboys love this Man of Steel. I’m not a Fanboy and never will be.

Liked my review of Man of Steel? Share it with a friend. And come back soon, it’s the summer of movies so I’ll post movie reviews every Monday throughout the summer!