QUICKIES SPECIAL
MAN OF STEEL
The spectre of Donner's Superman the Movie looms large over Man of Steel, as with all the subsequent Superman films preceding this film. This is not surprising given that the film has informed a number of it's successors in the superhero genre and my initial viewing of this movie. Going in, my expectation was a modern amalgamation of Superman and Superman 2. Was my expectation met? No. Whilst I immensely enjoyed this movie, I got my expectation wrong.
Man of Steel is not a superhero movie with science fiction elements. Man of Steel is a science fiction with Superman in it.
Whilst not an ideal Superman movie (there is not one, even Donner's version), Man of Steel is a blend of sci fi, action and meloncholia. The tone, whilst lacking humour and warmth, is spot on. The focus shifting from the love story between Lois and Clark to the journey of Clark Kent, with all the religious imagery that accrues, from introverted outsider to humanities saviour. Never has Kal El seemed more human. This was wonderfully summed up in the look and feel of the film.
Always a visually exciting director, Snyder has always seemed to lack a decent script to work from. This is not the case with this film, with a sharp script by Goyer, Snyder has delivered what is his most accomplished movie as a director. Snyder excels when it comes to action set pieces, but he really shines with the vision of Krypton and the quieter elements of the story.
Snyder, in my view, has also always had issues with casting his movies. This is not the case in Man of Steel. Diane Lane is not the strongest link in the cast but is by no means poor. However, she is overpowered by particularly strong performances from Cavill, Adams, Costner and the immense Shannon (who truly makes you believe he would commit genocide).
The Good: Henry Cavill... the visuals... Amy Adams... Michael Shannon... the World of Krypton... the easter eggs... the moral dilemma... the special effects... the sci fi elements... Hans Zimmer's score... the action... Antje Traue... the heat vision... Kevin Costner... Lara's characterization... the Daily Planet end scene... first flight
The Bad: the non-linear narrative... the dialogue... the lack of humour... too many set pieces... the lack of Daily Planet Clark... the seeming embarrassment at the name "Superman"
Man of Steel is an epic science fiction spectacular that, even though it is flawed, brimming with humanity. A welcome new vision of Superman for a new generation.
Man of Steel is not a superhero movie with science fiction elements. Man of Steel is a science fiction with Superman in it.
Whilst not an ideal Superman movie (there is not one, even Donner's version), Man of Steel is a blend of sci fi, action and meloncholia. The tone, whilst lacking humour and warmth, is spot on. The focus shifting from the love story between Lois and Clark to the journey of Clark Kent, with all the religious imagery that accrues, from introverted outsider to humanities saviour. Never has Kal El seemed more human. This was wonderfully summed up in the look and feel of the film.
Always a visually exciting director, Snyder has always seemed to lack a decent script to work from. This is not the case with this film, with a sharp script by Goyer, Snyder has delivered what is his most accomplished movie as a director. Snyder excels when it comes to action set pieces, but he really shines with the vision of Krypton and the quieter elements of the story.
Snyder, in my view, has also always had issues with casting his movies. This is not the case in Man of Steel. Diane Lane is not the strongest link in the cast but is by no means poor. However, she is overpowered by particularly strong performances from Cavill, Adams, Costner and the immense Shannon (who truly makes you believe he would commit genocide).
The Good: Henry Cavill... the visuals... Amy Adams... Michael Shannon... the World of Krypton... the easter eggs... the moral dilemma... the special effects... the sci fi elements... Hans Zimmer's score... the action... Antje Traue... the heat vision... Kevin Costner... Lara's characterization... the Daily Planet end scene... first flight
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