Man of Steel

TAKE 1: One Man’s Opinion

…because film is largely subjective

        

by Frederick William Springer III

 

Man of Steel

Release Date:  14 June 2013                                                                Runtime:  143 Minutes              

Review Date:  18 August 2013                                                             Rating:  5 (of 6)

 

     Man of Steel doesn't feel like a comic book movie--it plays like a drama--and that's probably a good thing for a franchise that needed a shot in the arm.  The only thing is that there is absolutely no reference or inference to "Man of Steel" during the entire course of the film, making it seem as though the only reason it was selected as a title was to distance itself from its predecessors.

     This take provides a more substantial backstory and motivation for enemy General Zod (well played by Michael Shannon), making him and the situation he presents more real and relevant.  They also found a likeable Clark Kent in Henry Cavill, though finding the right actor to portray Superman hasn't ever really been an issue in any of the past incarnations.

     The only thing that left me stupefied was how, when he becomes the newspaper man we all knew he was destined to be, Clark's new co-workers and boss don't recognize him when he had appeared before them as Superman earlier.  Granted, it wasn't a formal handshake meeting they had had with Superman, he had been 50 or so feet away at the time, but still.  Also, in this day and age of the cell phone camera and internet, pictures are bound to surface of Superman in the act and it's hard to believe that no one will be connecting the dots, that a pair of glasses somehow conceal his identity, especially in a newspaper office.  But perhaps this will be addressed in the sequel.

     Which provides the perfect segue:  While this was a good movie, I would like to take a moment to gripe about the disservice the planned sequel is.  For those not following along with reports, it has been announced that the follow-up movie will be Superman vs. Batman.  You've just resuscitated Superman, let the guy breathe a little!  Why not let Superman have a little fun on his own before making him share the spotlight?  I mean, Batman did just have his very own TRILOGY.  I think Superman deserves the same treatment before you start doing mash ups.  Think about it, you haven't even introduced Lex Luthor yet.  Is he, Superman's arch-nemesis, going to make his first appearance in a Batman movie?  Or the Justice League movie after that?  And, if not, then you're waiting way too long to bring him into the picture.