Zack Snyder's (300 and Watchmen) re-imagining of arguably the most iconic superhero is much darker than audiences have ever seen before. The tone is darker, Superman's outlook is darker, even the suit is darker. With Christoper Nolan producing, it's hard not to draw comparison to his own direction in the newest Batman films, which have themselves created a more adult interpretation of the DC character, as they attempt to give Superman the same kind of media revamp.
If you ever watched Smallville, you'll undeniably see similarities between the series and this instalment. Focussing on his birth way back on Krypton leading on to the creation of "Superman" and the journalist who started of the trend of the thick-rimmed specs, much of the film is told in flashbacks, going back to Clark's upbringing by his Earth parents Jonathan and Martha Kent (Kevin Costner and Diane Lane) in Kansas. Whilst he battles with his own self-acceptance and the decision as to whether to reveal himself to the world, Clark also finds himself battling remaining members of his wiped-out race led by General Zod (Michael Shannon), driven by the want to repopulate themselves on Earth.
Zod is a seemingly perfect enemy for Superman, particularly in a film exploring who he really is. Both characters motives come from loyalty to their people, one uncaring of the destruction he causes and one endlessly burdened by it. Their similarities, yet juxtapositions make for a very interesting play-out between the two.
It's not like The Avengers this one, there's no humour, no lighter moments, not even a real background love story, it's unrelentingly, realistic (despite all the sci-fi of course!) Despite its premise being derived from a children's comic, Man Of Steel is a very serious film and a lot of its sentiment may go over the heads of younger audience members.
To look at, Henry Cavill is Clark Kent. The chiseled face, the brunette flop of hair, the awkward smile, but to just talk about his ability to mould into the Superman suit simply in a physical sense would be a detriment to his acting. He brings a sense of realism and almost broken nature to the role, which works far better gaining audience's admiration and fandom than the self-assured Superman ever did.
Despite some controversy from hardcore comic book fans, mainly arguments focused on something as trivial as her not having the right hair colour, Amy Adams does a very respectable job of making Lois Lane, well, likeable. It's no secret that throughout the years, not many fans warmed to Lois. It's no question either that in the past, Lane has been somewhat of an insipid character. A damsel in distress personified, seemingly only there to provide Superman with someone to catch mid-flight. However, Snyder (along with Adams) has successfully turned this depiction completely on its head, creating a much more savvy, independent, intelligent Lois. It seems to be a modern trend actually, that the women alongside the majority male superheroes are a little stronger nowadays. In Iron Man 3, Pepper Potts donned the metal suit and even saved Tony on a few occasions, and with a new Wonder Woman film on the cards to set up more DC legends, perhaps the dawn of the stronger female is upon us in terms of film!
On a side note, nods to Lexcorp can be spotted throughout, so keep your eyes peeled on the vehicles/buildings within the film. These hints could mean that the already confirmed sequel could focus on Superman's most famous rival, Lex Luthor. There is also a small reference to Batman, where a Wayne Enterprises space satellite can be seen, linking in to the eagerly-awaited Justice League film said to be being released in 2015.
The choreography of the combat scenes in Man Of Steel are some of the best that have been executed in any superhero film to date. There's one word to describe their style, and that is slick. Donned with spacesuits, the Kryptonians battling Superman in his ever-so-recognisable outfit was exciting and engaging, and as a viewer, it almost felt you were playing a game rather than watching a film. The characters were fast, and their movements were exaggerated by 3D and they were truly exceptionally well done sections of the film (even if Snyder did go a little heavy on the explosions, as always).
Superman has always been the "least cool" superhero. It may not be a fair statement, but it is one that has come about over the years. He has his dedicated fans, but in terms of the masses, his appeal has waned over time. In the world of comics, he is the most powerful, granted, but filmmakers can make us love Iron Man with his charisma and wit. Who doesn't like Black Widow in that skintight catsuit? Batman walks the line between good and bad, and everyone is intrigued by his darkness. Spiderman shot webs from his wrists. But Superman has always been different, he was the polished, all American, "for the greater good" figure. Minimal damage and you always knew he was going to beat the bad guy, he was safe. Snyder's interpretation is not so perfect, and this undeniably works in the icon's favour. In Man Of Steel, Cavill presents a slightly struggling Clark, a man knowing his abilities, but almost too afraid to use them. His desperation to please not only his father, but to please the world that allowed him to become one of them becomes his weakness, and it makes the superhuman, human. Many fans have argued the ending actually goes strongly against Superman's character traits, evidence that Snyder really is trying to mould Superman into perhaps a more modern superhero.
So, if you're not one of Superman's biggest fans, maybe give the reboot Man Of Steel a chance. It won't completely change your mind, but it will offer up a clean slate and might even make you intrigued to watch the inevitable follow-ups.
To look at, Henry Cavill is Clark Kent. The chiseled face, the brunette flop of hair, the awkward smile, but to just talk about his ability to mould into the Superman suit simply in a physical sense would be a detriment to his acting. He brings a sense of realism and almost broken nature to the role, which works far better gaining audience's admiration and fandom than the self-assured Superman ever did.
On a side note, nods to Lexcorp can be spotted throughout, so keep your eyes peeled on the vehicles/buildings within the film. These hints could mean that the already confirmed sequel could focus on Superman's most famous rival, Lex Luthor. There is also a small reference to Batman, where a Wayne Enterprises space satellite can be seen, linking in to the eagerly-awaited Justice League film said to be being released in 2015.
Superman has always been the "least cool" superhero. It may not be a fair statement, but it is one that has come about over the years. He has his dedicated fans, but in terms of the masses, his appeal has waned over time. In the world of comics, he is the most powerful, granted, but filmmakers can make us love Iron Man with his charisma and wit. Who doesn't like Black Widow in that skintight catsuit? Batman walks the line between good and bad, and everyone is intrigued by his darkness. Spiderman shot webs from his wrists. But Superman has always been different, he was the polished, all American, "for the greater good" figure. Minimal damage and you always knew he was going to beat the bad guy, he was safe. Snyder's interpretation is not so perfect, and this undeniably works in the icon's favour. In Man Of Steel, Cavill presents a slightly struggling Clark, a man knowing his abilities, but almost too afraid to use them. His desperation to please not only his father, but to please the world that allowed him to become one of them becomes his weakness, and it makes the superhuman, human. Many fans have argued the ending actually goes strongly against Superman's character traits, evidence that Snyder really is trying to mould Superman into perhaps a more modern superhero.
So, if you're not one of Superman's biggest fans, maybe give the reboot Man Of Steel a chance. It won't completely change your mind, but it will offer up a clean slate and might even make you intrigued to watch the inevitable follow-ups.
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