Last year we had Avengers and Batman storming the summer box office, and now in 2013 it's fair to say that the boy scout in tights is back in Man of Steel. This time around, Henry Cavill stars as the big guy, with Amy Adams as heartthrob Louis Lane, Michael Shannon as General Zod, and both Russell Crowe and Kevin Costner as Clark's parents.
With a perfect cast, and a stupendous budget cost, you would think Zack Snyder's Man of Steel would live up to its height. Zack Snyder is the man behind 300 & Watchman and has proven his talent in making movies look spectacular and cutting edge.
Despite Man of Steel being spectacular and amazing CGI special effects throughout most of the movie, overall its more of a disappointment compared to other Superman films and television shows.
The Good:
There are some advantages of the film, as Zack Snyder's Man of Steel puts a more 'human' side to the big guy in tights. Superman doesn't even put on his cape until around halfway through the movie. One gets a more in depth look into Superman's humanity, and how he's feeling lonely and extremely secluded because of his powers. One of the better moments of the film is when Jonathan Kent gets snatched up by a tornado, proving a harsh lesson for Clark who could have saved him but didn't.
Amazing CGI offers an entire new look for Superman while flying and in combat. There's also advanced and spectacular views of Krypton the first few screen shots of the film that's very impressive to say the least.
The Bad:
Now for the Bad...
While the storyline of Superman is always a fascinating one, this one feels a bit stretched and warn out with plenty of spot holes in between.
Many of the other characters, including Louis Lane's Amy Adams and Perry White has minor rolls that should have been increased. Even Jimmy Olsen is nowhere to be found in this film.
The lack of character development (Except for Clark's), is only one of the disadvantages of this film that unfortunately out way the pluses.
Perhaps the biggest thing Man of Steel is lacking compared to other Superman Films, even Superman Returns, is comedy. Zack Snyder wanted to give the world a more serious look into Superman, but its important to not underestimate comedy, especially in Super hero films. Sometimes with the storylines being so out there like Superman's is, its essential to throw in some humor lines. The first two Superman films with Christopher Reeves are no doubt the finest films ever made based on the big guy. This is because these films had everything-comedy, emotion, action, sci fi, adventure and characters that we came to love.
It's hard to love any of the characters in Man of Steel, and even the villain, Michael Shannon as General Zod, maybe a forgetful one in the next dozen or so years where as Batman's Bane will still be talked about. Zod was much more powerful done and acted in Superman II, and before watching Man of Steel, fans should watch the first two films.
Man of Steel could have been a lot worse. However, it could have been done a lot better.
The lack of character development, spotty script and over extended battle scene that becomes a little sluggish and boring towards the end (there is a 45 minute battle scene!) makes this version of Superman insignificant to other films.
Another disadvantage to Superman isn't even this film's fault. Man of Steel is an end of the World film, but because there's been so many of these even in the last few weeks being released, the sub category feels a bit warn out by now. And didn't we see New York City get destroyed in The Dark Knight Rises & Avengers? So to have these things repeated is a bit of a 'come on, already'.
In Man of Steel, Superman flies again, although this time, it's a bit shaky ride.
Perhaps Zack Snyder may need to watch the first two films in order for Superman vs Batman to be a success and an improvement over Man of Steel.
Grade:
C
No comments:
Post a Comment