Image Source: IMDB
Grade: B-
I think I’m more disappointed by the movies that are almost wonderful rather than the ones that are just plain bad from start to finish. The ones that have hints of greatness. Such was the case with Man of Steel – and before I go on, disclaimer: there may be some minor spoilers in this review, but I try to avoid major ones for those of you trying to avoid them (though if you’ve seen anything Superman related, you’re already 85% in the know).
The first third of Man of Steel is where most of what I hoped for exists – the effort to make Superman, a character who always struggled to succeed with audiences simply because he’s so damn UNRELATEABLE (so pure!) – conflicted, humanized. Truth be told, I wish that the whole plot had revolved the first third of the film. I’ll even let the weird egregious cuts of doorknobs slide (we really needed more than one?). After the necessary backstory, we’re thrust into Krypton refugee Kal-El’s (Henry Cavill) nomad lifestyle. Never staying in one place for long, he wanders, unable to shed his desire to help people but running away from his true nature all the same. This is where we should focus our attention – knowing you are the last one of your race, knowing that you are supposed to be a savior but wanting your own free will, rebelling against “destiny” – why wouldn’t Superman pick up these emotions growing up as a human child? After all, isn’t that what Jor-El (Russell Crowe, with little to do) wanted for his natural-born son?
Apparently not, because this is the point at which Man of Steel devolves back into your formulaic Superman movie. Where Superman becomes that Christ-like God with the unshakeable sense of morality. I get that that is what Superman is supposed to be, but I want to know how does he get there?! There’s no explanation, no character development there.
The same can be said for Amy Adam’s Lois Lane, who starts off fairly strong only to weaken at the knees at the sight of the (surprisingly JACKED, hey-oh) Clark Kent. This is another one of my biggest gripes with Man of Steel. Would it kill Zach Snyder to have a female character more concerned with the plot than the man-meat (besides Superman foster mother Diane Lane)?! I literally rolled my eyes when Lois neglects to tell Superman how to stop General Zod (Michael Shannon, clearly enjoying himself) IMMEDIATELY when they are initially reunited. Instead, she stares longingly into his eyes until he flies away, and then suddenly remembers what she was supposed to say. Not to mention the smitten officer at the end of the film – don’t even get me started. Of course, once he leaves Lois is able to continue saving the damn world.
The action too seems as heavy-handed as the major plot points – it’s fine to (kind of ) draw Superman as young and inexperienced, but you can’t tell me that he would time and time again choose to fight his enemy (I’m referring to the final battle) in a city filled with innocent people who are undeniably collateral damage. It just doesn’t work with the God metaphor.
Overall, the film just felt disjointed – as if it was trying to decide whether to be The Dark Knight or Iron-Man 3. This isn’t to say that there isn’t anything redeemable about the last two thirds of the film, or that I didn’t enjoy myself (this seems like such a rant, but I totally did!). In particular, there is a beautiful flashback scene near the end involving young Clark and his observant father (Kevin Kline – like most of the supporting cast, not much to work with but whatevs). Additionally, the resolution of the final battle was halfway there, but could have used some dialogue to make it a more 3-dimensional plot point (finding you’re not alone only to choose to remain so? That’s the most I’ll say). There was so much more to work with there.
The Bottom Line: Man of Steel gets 30% of the way towards greatness (alternatively, it’s 40% Christopher Nolan) – while entertaining, the lack of character development and focus leaves one leaving wistful rather than satisfied by the time the credits roll.
How did you feel about Man of Steel? Loved it, hated it?
Who’s your favorite Superhero?
Cavill is VERY attractive, but I’ll never give you up Thor.
