A Fresh Perspective: Man of Steel (2013)

Hello All,

Before we begin, I’d like to remind everyone that I have a poll up for a few more days. It’s a one question yes or no answer, so if you have five seconds feel free to contribute. Poll is here http://goo.gl/NEaJLh. Thank You.

Okay, so March Break turned out to be much more exhausting than I expected. So much so that I even didn’t get a chance to see Young Messiah, and it’s looking like I might miss it all together. So, with that in mind, I’ve decided to switch my viewpoint from one religious icon to another. In this case it’s Superman, and the film is the much divided Man of Steel.

I have to admit, I haven’t watched it since I saw it the only time in theatres back in 2013. All I could tell you at the time was that (Spoilers) Superman killed Zod, and that was the only reason I liked that movie. Truth be told, I loathe Superman. I really fucking do. But truth be told I thought the movie was good. It was only later on when I saw other reviews point out the apparently many flaws it had, that I started rethinking my decision. My conclusion, I actually didn’t remember that much of the movie, which to me I never consider a good thing.

So today I have decided to introduce a new type of post. One for films that aren’t really retro, but qualify for a complete series. So it’s time for me to gain a new perspective on: Man of Steel.

This intro was written before I saw the film, and everything after this will be written after viewing it.

Plot Summary - After being sent to earth from the dying planet of Krypton, Clark Kent (Henry Cavill) must defend his new home from the last of the Kryptonians, ruled over by General Zod (Michael Shannon.)

Pros - The film is visually cool, as it manages to have it’s own style separate from that of other Superman films. The action scenes, while a touch chaotic, are intense and thrilling and keeps you on the edge of your seat. The ideas that are here story wise have some interesting elements to them as well.

Cons - The rest of the film is a goddamn hot mess. The characters are bland and uninteresting, as you really don’t get to know anybody. It’s an exposition nightmare as most of the scenes are people talking about things instead of doing them. The plot is overstretched and makes little to no sense, and there are plot holes all over the goddamn place. It has a bloated as hell running time as the film just tends to drag itself on and on without an end in sight. Narratively it can’t focus, as large chunks of the beginning of the film just jump around all over the goddamn place. I think I now know why I haven’t watched this film in three fucking years.

Final Score - 2/10

I’m sorry, but this is the kind of filmmaking that bugs the shit out of me. All spectacle no pay off, big ideas that are horribly stretched out so thin they lose all meaning. Jesus christ why did I do this to myself? Oh yeah, I remember now……..

Next: Batman Vs. Superman Dawn of Justice - I’m seeing it tomorrow actually, god help me.

Until then, I’ll see you folks at the movies.