In 2013 the sixth big screen feature of Superman hits theaters. I don’t hide the fact that when it comes to superheroes, there is only one and that’s Batman. But I have to be fair and acknowledge the one who started it all back in 1938. One could argue that after the first two starring the late Christopher Reeve, Superman doesn’t have a great film legacy. Even the worst of the Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man films is still head and shoulders above Superman’s 3 and 4 and maybe even slightly better than the last incarnation, Superman Returns starring an under appreciated Brandon Routh.
Now we have Henry Cavill who physically may have the best look of any Superman before him not withstanding a poor choice in costume design. This version appears from the trailer to be a much darker version ala Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy. No surprise that Nolan is the films executive producer. My biggest concern after seeing the trailer and reading the early drafts, is that what worked so well for Batman won’t necessarily work well for Superman. Batman is both dark and gritty. Superman is the exact opposite of that. I don’t want to see him be reduced to a formula that worked so effortlessly for one character. It’s not fair to the icon that is Superman or to the legion of fans that, because of him try to live their lives with “truth, justice, and the American Way”. In today’s world, “humane way” would serve just as well.
Only time will tell whether or not this version/reboot can rejuvenate cinematic interest in the Kryptonian boy scout. Personally, I hope it does. If for no other reason, I want to see a Justice League film that rivals Marvel’s Avengers as much as the next dork. A lot hinges on the success of Man of Steel. It will either push the Justice League project forward or set it back and this time, maybe for good.
Nice blog James. Like the trailers.
Thank you Tim! Not completely sold on this film but always willing to give it chance.