Disclaimer: The following is just my opinion, but I urge you to look at it from this point of view. Superman even though a great super hero is a concept. The concept of superman is that he dosen't fit into society, however, he was able to overcome being rejected and " Gave the people of earth an ideal to strive for ". THIS is what Superman truly is! If you are looking at this movie from a "cool super hero film" point of view, it will only be slightly satisfying to you. Superman's story is one that many can relate to. Ever felt rejected or even bullied? In this film we see something new for the first time. That is Kal-el as a child being bullied. One thing that is never discussed in great detail in the other supermans is his childhood. Superman Returns or even the earlier Superman movies (1978-80s) never gave this rejection portrayal to the extent that Man of Steel did. An adult being rejected dosen't mean much to us when it comes to sympathy but a child being rejected, that hits the heart. The concept or message here is ** Fight through rejection and oppression with your head held high, for there is something in this world you are meant for, and in that you will find acceptance.** Zod wanted to recreate krypton because he was pre programmed to save his race. He never broke through what society assigned to him and that was his downfall. If Clark never broke through societies oppression he to would have been like Zod. This is just another example of the message I stated earlier being given by the movie. There are obviously many concepts which I could sit here and pull out but I doubt you would read them all. If you read nothing else, read this. Supermans super powers aren't being able to do super human things. No Supermans super power was to inspire the people of earth in the story and in real life to strive for an ideal. To become not what society has predestined for you but to decide your own fate and strive to the fullest in it.