Reel Reviews: Man of Steel

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Reel Reviews

Movie: Man of Steel

Release Date: June 14th 2013

Director: Zack Snyder

Cast: Henry Cavill as Clark Kent/Kal-El/Superman, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Michael Shannon as General Zod, Diane Lane as Martha Kent, Laurence Fishburne as Perry White, Antje Traue as Faora, Ayelet Zurer as Lara Lor-Van, Christopher Meloni as Colonel Hardy, Harry Lennix as General Swanwick, Richard Schiff as Doctor Emil Hamilton, Dylan Sprayberry as Clark Kent (age 13), Cooper Timberline as Clark Kent (age 9) with Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent and Russell Crowe as Jor-El

Genre: Comic Book

Score: 8.7/10 (without VFX: 8.7/10)

Pros: -Splendid acting including some interesting surprises from unknown cast members

         -A Superman film with the kind of action fan boys dream of

         -Realistic implications and threats with unknown civilians/soldiers actually dying on camera

         -Mind Blowing visual effects and use of 3D

         -Develops a modern origin for Superman and establishes Clark Kent

         -Respects its source material, including even Smallville TV Show

         -Lots of fun Easter eggs that don't burden the film

Cons: -Henry Cavill as the titular lead is actually the weak link among performances

          -A bit too much of heavy violence, not a Superman movie for children

          -Underdeveloped supporting characters

          -The Narrative flow is a bit shaky in the start
          -Superman does not kill!

Best Scene: Jonathan Kent (Kevin Costner) reveals to Clark (Dylan Sprayberry) his origins and gives him a choice to be what he needs/wants or must be. An emotional moment that dissects the most important relationship in the Superman comics.

Best Performance: Russell Crowe as Jor-El

Best Dialogue: "You will give the people an ideal to strive towards. They will race behind you, they will stumble, they will fall. But in time, they will join you in the sun. In time, you will help them accomplish wonders"-Jor-El, straight out of Grant Morrison's All-Star Superman. All-Star Superman is one of the most acclaimed comics on the Man of Steel.

Coolest Comic Book Reference: Watch out for the sattelite that Zod and Superman destroy during their big fight, the satellite belongs to a certain Mr. Bruce Wayne of Wayne Industries.

Mild Spoilers Below!

 

Story

The basic core of the story is simple; Who am I? It hinges on Clark Kent/Kal-El trying to find his identity and purpose in this world. A basic premise that is an essence of countless superhero origin films and comics. What this theme does best is makes Superman more identifiable to the viewers, especially those at a certain age trying to make their way and find a place in this world. This is a Superman story with dramatic potential and one tailored to a much more mature audience in lieu of the Dark Knight Trilogy. It makes sense since it's penned by David S. Goyer (writer: Dark Knight Trilogy) alongside Christopher Nolan (director/writer: Dark Knight Trilogy). 

Some may say the film takes itself a bit to seriously, there's no wink and nod to the old fashioned style and camp from prior Superman films. But this is what makes the plot much more interesting and the first half a clear winner, we see the struggles of a man from both worlds and a son to two fathers. 

It's beyond the hour mark when finally Cavill dawns the suit and becomes the man he wants to be and was destined to be. I have to applaud the writers here, they add in sequences which honestly seen before (in the likes of Batman Begins and Spider-Man) help us understand that even Superman has to learn how to use and control his powers. 

The only gyp I have with the first half is the flow with the film going back and forth in time. Don't get me wrong, these scenes are awesome in establishing who Clark is and the values he gains from his father; Jonathan Kent. The problem arises in the shaky flow between scenes, Batman Begins had a similar back and forth to Bruce's origins but there were lead ins that verbally as well as visually moved towards memories of the past.

The narrative takes a certain nose dive in the second half, it's due to the double edged sword of requiring action to satisfy the fans left disappointed by 2006's Superman Returns. With Zod and his army preparing to destroy Earth while Lois and Superman work to save it, a lot of the story falters. 

The biggest problem it creates is the characterization of the supporting cast. The story is eventually revealed to be bare bones, as while Clark is clearly established everyone else seems a bit too two dimensional. Why am I supposed to particularly care if Jenny Olsen dies? 

This characterization especially falters with the villains. One major issue with origin stories is that the villain is secondary to the hero in a major way, even Ra's Al Ghul (Liam Neeson) felt underdeveloped in Batman Begins. While Zod's motives are clearly stated, enough for us to even slightly sympathize for him. He isn't given enough screen time to become a major threat, but considering the amount of destruction he causes more time might have just made him nigh invincible.

Still I have to commend the writers on creating some really interesting, varied and powerful female characters especially establishing Lois as a pillar for Clark while not giving much of the relationship away. While on the other hand there is the powerful, loyal and truly menacing Faora who is established enough to warrant a return in future films. 

Unlike her they don't leave Zod open for a return but rather make Superman kill him. It shows how far Superman can go to protect the people of Earth and equally establishes another area for the character to explore and grow from in sequels. This character motive will be interesting to explore in a Justice League film alongside the stubbornly disciplined Batman.

Coming to Batman or Bruce Wayne. There are a ton of fun references that mostly seem to establish stories for sequels with the acknowledged presence of Wayne and a certain Lex Luthor. 

One of the plot's best and worst bits is that it explores a bunch of themes prevalent with Superman. With its release close to Father's day, their is a deep exploration of the father-son dichotomy that actually is the base for Superman's existence. There are small allusions to both evolution that Superman and his people provide as a stronger form of species than humanity and also Superman's Christ like imagery. Unfortunately those are a bit half baked.   

The dialogues at points sound cheesy but overall lend a gravitas to the character of Superman and suit perfectly with the film.  

It's not a completely plot hole free story and neither is it very complex. The science is established realistic, but the film does follow a superhero tone and theme. It's a bit slow and yet rushed which chews off tons of character development opportunities. 

Score: 8.1/10

Direction

 

It just seems that Zack Snyder was born to make films from prior sources. Dawn of the Dead, 300 and Watchmen just proved he does better work with films adapted from another source (even of the same medium) and Sucker Punch (an original piece) fortifies that theory.

Zack Snyder does some of his best directing work with MoS. He leaves out the more sub textual and deconstruction from his prior films and rather focuses on making an out and out superman/superhero film. That's not to say that he doesn't add pathos to this feature, Snyder hits the right bit of drama and deeper level meaning without compromising on the spectacle expected of the film. Snyder collects resources from 75 years of the titular character and establishes him into a pseudo real world scenario and works it out from there.

The best thing Snyder does is to leave out his sense of visual flair such as the excess of slow motion abundant in his prior works. He gives Superman the speed and strength required as well as enhances the scale of the film. The action set-pieces are superb and Snyder does something many blockbusters have avoided; presenting the real threat. On screen multiple deaths on innocents are visible and while it may be off putting it at least shows the implication of a large scale invasion/showdown the way neither The Avengers, Transformers or even Dark Knight Rises showed.

The cinematography is a stunner thanks in a large part to the special effects. The differences between mid-western American Kansas/Smallville and urban Metropolis are distinctly visualized in a modern setting. The camera work through the smaller and slower scenes are engaging while at times a bit brisk, the action scenes are fully realized with the speed of the camera following and the scope of presentation. 

One of Snyder's best and surprisingly most realistic piece of art amongst his filmography. He might not have been the best choice or a talented auteur but Snyder gives us a Superman film we deserved. 

The second viewing of this film was much more dull. A certain hollowness could be identified in the climatic fight scene, it was neither heroic and unfortunately couldn't stick to the realistic style of Nolan's Dark Knight Trilogy either. The biggest mistake this film possibly made was not embracing its comic book roots, how hard can it really be to accept the comic book style of the film and merge it with some serious. Comics themselves have been doing this type of escapist entertainment with depth for years. 

Score: 8.4/10

Performances

 

The performances all round are terrific and even with the shallow character development are expected from this stellar cast. The best thing is some of the surprise showstoppers in the line-up including; German actress Antje Traue as Faora and Dylan Sprayberry as Clark Kent.

Dylan particularly embodies the heroism and potential within the character of Clark Kent, he emits the values his father and mother have bestowed upon him through his years on Kent farm. He is particularly spectacular with his interaction alongside Kevin Costner's Jonathan Kent. Dylan far outshines his contemporary Henry Cavill in the same role.

Antje Traue is the surprise package of the film. It helps that she has a strong female character to fall on, but the actress brings as much power with her body language and presence. Her dialogue delivery is crackling with their being hint of emotion including rage but at the same time a cold detachment. Traue plays one of the few female villains in CBM history, and she pulls this off with aplomb. Hoping to see more of Traue in the future.

Laurence Fishburne is unfortunately stuck with a woefully underdeveloped character, while White isn't a major part of Superman stories he is after all a recurring character. I guess they may leave him for future films considering that now there will be Clark Kent the reporter to fall back on. Still Fishburne proves why he is such an established actor and does best with what he has.

Diane Lane gets a bunch of screen time as Martha Kent and really owns the role. She handles the typical mid-western American mother perfectly, and establishes herself for future sequels as well. Ayelet Zurer doesn't get much screen time but the change in her being alone for the destruction of Krypton with Jor-El dead, makes her character slightly more compelling. There isn't enough to indicate how good of an actress she is with this role, but from what little time on screen she has; Zurer does a good job.

Kevin Costner is stellar in his small role of Jonathan Kent, he really embodies the role of the man that goes on to changing Clark Kent as a person and makes you believe in the heroism within humanity. While his death and reasons are odd, Costner pulls the role off. Costner who is on a comeback trail, makes the iconic role of Jonathan his own. My only issue is that there was too little of the man that makes Superman who he is. 

Now onto the man I picked to steal the show and he nearly does it; Michael Shannon. Casting an imposing shadow and really heightening his intensity/craziness, Shannon produces one of the best villains of an origin film. His body language is threatening while his delivery serious and ferocious. Michael Shannon also takes the characters more sympathetic features and highlights them with an undertone of villainy. He also shines in the action scenes.

One of the best parts is portrayed by Amy Adams, like with Shannon she is close to stealing the show and makes the character very compelling. Her posture and stance present a powerful, brave and independent reporter ready to do what is necessary for the greater good. While she does slightly lack chemistry with her superhero co-star, she stands toe to toe in great scenes alongside veteran stalwarts Russell Crowe and Laurence Fishburne. 

The major disappointment though is Henry Cavill. It is a tough role to play especially for a British man, this part I can applaud since Cavill doesn't seem to slip in his accent through out. Cavill unfortunately is the films weak link, you can see his raw acting chops alongside the much bigger actors. 

One advantage or disadvantage he had was not having to portray mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent. The advantage is that Cavill doesn't have to exert himself with two distinct personalities, but the disadvantage is that is doesn't really show us the true potential of his talents. Cavill gets to play a much more serious and angst ridden Clark, who has a certain path to follow. It really hinders his acting ability and while most would say it makes it harder for the actor to perform with one emotion, there is a range available to Cavill that he doesn't utilize. 

Though I have to note that he fits the suit perfectly and looks the part if not acts the part. What I do believe is, that Cavill's true talents will be revealed with the future films in the series. 

The shining starring performance here is given by Russell Crowe. Crowe gets to embody a much more lengthier and action packed role than his predecessor; the iconic Marlon Brando. Russell Crowe shows of what he could have done with the Superman role if he were younger, and he really milks this opportunity to showcase his talents. The dialogue written for him is some of the best in the movie and allows him to utilize his crisp delivery as well as majestic presence. The films theme of father and son resonates around his role and his acting makes Jor-El a much better established character. Hopefully Warner Bros. are smart enough to retain Crowe for future appearances. 

The performances all round are stunning. Cavill as the lead falters unfortunately but eventually also gets on track especially once the action ramps up. The suit like with his character actually empowers him to deliver a good enough showing with hint of the potential for future films. It is the two father figures that really leave their mark alongside some powerful female characters. 

Score: 8.7/10

Score

The score is marvelous, and nothing less can be expected from Hans Zimmer who scored the sensational Dark Knight Trilogy and Inception scores. His music is rousing and really creates a unique atmosphere for Super-Man. Since being back from the theater till now, I have been humming the (correct me If I'm wrong) 'An Ideal of Hope' tune. 

It isn't as great as John Williams iconic 'Superman March' or Zimmer's own compositions for Dark Knight Trilogy, but it's something new, splendid and fresh. 

Score: 9.8/10

VFX

 

As the movie started with visuals of Krypton, one thing rang through my mind; finally technology had caught up to give us a worthy Superman film. This is some of the most stunning visual effects on display. Krypton is realized superbly and is gorgeous to look at, even in destruction.

The subtle elements such as the Earth moving during Superman's flight and his cape are marvellous to behold. Action scenes are amped up with the blazing skies and destruction.

Even Snyder's typical slow motion techniques are utilized with perfection. 

The most important aspect of the visual effects is to establish Superman's powers. Here we get his and Zod's laser vision with distinct personality, where Zod's has a certain destructive and fiery pattern to it Superman's is more linear and laser like. Superman's flight is also a vital part of the character, and the new sonic boom method looks cool as well as embodies strength.

The Krypton and its ships visual look is splendid and resembles majestic as well as historic works. The visual effects of the Phantom Zone is superbly created. 

Alongside this years Star Trek and last years Hobbit and Life of Pi, Man of Steel boasts of some of the most stunning and perfect visual effects seen on film.

Score: 8.7/10   

    

Source

I've already established that I'm neither a big superman fan or reader but still I do realize and no of many of the films source influences. 

First and foremost is Grant Morrison's All Star Superman, apart from the aforementioned dialogue some of the film's presence regarding Jor-El in particular is established from the twelve issue mini-series.

Others to look at that may have inspired the film are the Nolan influenced Superman: Earth One, which sees a Superman working in a much more realistic world. There is also clear influence from Mark Waid's Superman: Birthright.

More so the film tackles a very important Superman theme that has unfortunately been buried due to the long running nature of comics. This is the theme of Superman's relationships with his two fathers and how that forms him into the man he is. It is as mentioned the core driving nature of the plot.

Also to note is Lois Lane's role as an emotional pillar for Kal-El/Superman. We also see Clark Kent suit up as his reporter version. Coming to suits, the Superman suit is made more realistic and ties into Kryptonian and El family heritage. While the no underwear may put off fans it makes more sense in a modern context. Still it would have been better to see some splash of color to make the costume slightly classic, here it feels a bit too alien even though it's supposed to be.

Two major changes are Perry White's race and Jimmy Olsen possibly being replaced by Jenny Olsen. These changes could have been amended if we were given any reason of it through more development for the two characters, unfortunately here it just seems to be diversity for the sake of diversity and nothing else. 

A lot of Easter eggs lay around that give a nod not only to the comics but also to the ten season long Superman TV show; Smallville. The best of course is the acknowledgment of both Lex Luthor (with signs of LexCorp) and Bruce Wayne's presence.  

Overall there's a lot the source has influenced in the movie, but eventually the film is its own entity. One major blow though is a more serious Superman/Clark Kent especially a bit rebellious with his parents. One shocker from the original trailer and still effective is the Jonathan Kent 'Maybe' that causes a bit friction especially considering him as the moral fiber for the Superman, but still this is easily rectified with regarding the plot of the film and Kent's eventual heroic sacrifice. Not to mention the big climatic blow as Superman actually KILLS Zod, unfortunately there is no scene after to reconcile or repent for those actions. 

Hopefully the sequel adds on to that. 

Still Superman does not Kill and that is a major issue! 

Having read more Superman now, that Superman killing hurts much more. While in a storyline basis context it works, its still something a hero wouldn't do at any cost. The worse thing is that it could be a major plot discrepancy, as Superman's choice is not directly reflected on instead Snyder opts for a final misplaced joke. 

In new light, I have decided however not to score the Source portion, rather using it to establish the book to film differences, the certain books the film adapts from and the fun easter eggs/references to the comic book world. 

Up, Up and Away!

Aneesh Raikundalia