As much as we want and wish for a definitive Superman film, maybe it’s just too hard to achieve on screen what is easier to do in the pages of DC Comics or through animation. While there are many aspects of Man Of Steel that I enjoyed immensely, there were moments that left me flat and questioning why. I want to keep this spoiler free so all that I’ll say is that there are scenes and dialogue (mainly from Jonathan Kent) in MOS that is very un-Superman like. Overall is that a bad thing? Am I not flexible enough to welcome a change to this 75 year old superhero icon?
When I left the theater it was interesting listening to the different comments that were being made. Although it was a small sampling, the comments and general feelings came down to generational lines. Those who remember George Reeves from the TV series of the 1950’s thought it was too loud, too long and questioned director Zack Synder’s decisions. Than, there are those my age who remember the Christopher Reeve years. And while they enjoyed the overall look and feel of the film (much darker in tone and presentation of any prior Superman film) there was still this attachment to the past. And finally, there are the young kids who’s only exposure is either the animated series or the 2006 Superman Returns starring Brandon Routh. For them, Man of Steel became their definitive Superman. I think I fall in between both of the last two audiences. I thought the action was awesome. It was great to see Superman not only take a beating but dish it out just as much. I haven’t seen that type of action since Superman 2. Which by the way is still the best Superman film to date.
I also liked how the costume came into play and given the overall darkness of the film, the choice of color was understandable. Could that change and appease the fan base in sure to be made sequels? Of course it could. But even if it doesn’t, don’t let this detail ruin the experience.
As for the performances, I thought everyone held their own rather nicely. I was especially impressed with Amy Adams as Lois Lane cape of Superman
As General Zod, Michael Shannon was probably more in line with his comic book counterpart than Terrence Stamp was before him. But he too does a great job of portraying the Kryptonian military leader with both conviction and literally with fire in his eyes. You believed in his passion for his people as much as you believed in Superman’s passion to protect earth from him.
Rounding off this star studded cast was Diane Lane Jor-El. Lane
This leaves Crowe and Costner as the two most influential men in Kal-El/Clark Kent’s life. While Jor-El gave him life and through technology was able to guide him as a man, it was always Jonathan Kent who historically became Clark ‘s greatest influence. Yes he protected him as any good father would but he also shaped him into the man and hero he would eventually become. I just felt that there was something missing this time around from the portrayal of Jonathan. He still protects him maybe even overly so but there is an intangible missing with the character. Maybe it’s because for the better part of 10 seasons on Smallville, John Schneider’s Jonathan was as responsible for Clark ‘s future as Jor-El if not more so. So yes, it bothered me a bit to see Jonathan be less of a moral compass for Clark then I’m use to.
So, what is the future of Superman and the DC Universe when it comes to film? A sequel as I blog this is already being green lit which of course is great news. Does this mean a Justice League film is on the horizon? No not really but this is a step in the right direction. With the exception of a couple of easter eggs that appeared in MOS including a nod to Bruce Wayne, there were no post credit nuggets about the future ala Marvel films. Was that deliberate or uncertainty on the part of the producers? Time will tell. Judging from the early box office returns, Warner Bros better not drag its feet with making more cinematic adventures of our favorite DC comic book heroes. Just sayin’.
Now, going back to my original question, am I not flexible enough to welcome a change to this 75 year old superhero icon? What I will say and admit is that at the end, I wanted more and that’s a good thing.
MAN OF STEEL **1/2 (out of 4)
MAN OF STEEL **1/2 (out of 4)
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
