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Superman, as a concept and a superhero, isn't simple to adapt. We're talking about a god who has a few weaknesses and powers which exceed human capabilities. It's hard to get invested in a character like that because he has a little in common with an average earthling. I don't think that's a coincidence because his creators are two jewish cartoonists who took inspiration by the Jewish Cabala and the story of Jesus. They wanted to create a symbol of hope and good but didn't try to make it easy. Probably this is why in recent years started the deconstruction of this hero. Now we have shows like The Boys and Invincible which play with the interesting idea that Superman could be an abusive psychopath, who doesn't care about peace and human beings. Brightburn approached it like an horror story but the audience has mixed feeling about it. There's a movie which came before all of them, something which was supposed to usher a new cinematic universe, a movie that divides the Superman's fandom.
PLOT
"An alien child is evacuated from his dying world and sent to Earth to live among humans. His peace is threatened, when other survivors of his home planet invade Earth" or "The usual Superman's story but it's a bit twisted".
SCRIPT
The movie has the same writer of Batman Begins and the plots are similar. Snyder wanted to craft a more grounded iteration of Superman, to bury what came before, exactly like Batman, and explore new concepts. The problem is that most of Clark Kent's characterization doesn't relate with the comics. In fact Superman is represented as a torned, reluctant and cynical hero. Most of it happens because Snyder tried to explore how Superman would live in a relalistic worlds and the figure of Jonathan Kent is used to embody this philosophy. To the point that his death seems comical and dumb. But Clark itself is problematic because he's more angered than hopeful, a bit apathetic and distant from every human. Lois Lane and his mother, Martha Kent, who are supposed to be his moral compass and human bonds, emerges as dull and unuseful. Lois Lane is maybe the worst character of the movie because is the most passive. The supporting characters, like Perry White and others, who are there as sequel bait, don't do much.
I think that the best thing about this movie is the Villain, Zod. He has a clear goal, which makes sympathetic and interesting, and he has an imposing presence. The other villains serve their purpose but they don't add much to the movie.
I liked the fact that Snyder wanted to flesh out Krypton and its people to understand why the planet was doomed and to set up Zod's character and all the plot in motion. This thing lacked in the Christopher Reeve's movies and that feel refreshing.
There's one big issue, which could be considered a merit. The movie showcase how a clash between two superhumans would feel like in real life. That's good, a bit too much but it makes Superman seems like a careless hero, because during his battles die more peoples than he could save.
I have hard feelings about this script.
Script: 5/10
ACTING
Henry Cavill is Superman, no one can deny it. He has the physicality and the charisma to carry this character on his shoulder. This isn't Reeve's Superman, this is his own. The cast is plenty of talent, with actors like Amy Adams, Lawrence Fishburne, Russel Crow and Kevin Costner. They all do a good job but Michael Shannon steals the show. His Zod is played with such passion and dedication which makes him the MVP here. There're a lot of stars here but Cavill and Shannon are the ones who shine the most.
Acting: 8/10
PHOTOGRAPHY
Snyder instills his movie with his original style, which consists of a lower contrast and a lot of symbolic scenes, which are beautiful in itself. Maybe he's a bit self indulgent and exceeds with the symbolism about Christ. It's a good looking movie even though is a bit color blind.
Photography: 7/10
EDITING
There're a lot of slow motion and zoom ins, Snyder staples. He's good at making Superman a cool character who stands in epic scenes. It doesn't ahve something particularly original to talk about, besides one thing: the fighting scenes are marvellous. You could feel every punch, the speed, the mayhem and destruction caused by Zod and Superman. Snyder is able to make you feel the power of gods and their consequences. There's a really good scene which involves Lois Lane and Jor-El where every cut is perfectlyy timed and the action seems like a videogame.
Editing: 7/10
SPECIAL EFFECTS
Cgi is good but a bit clunky. The problem here is that is overused and sometimes it's hard to feel invested in what's happening on the screen. I like the design of Krypton and the Kryptonian ship but I have mixed feelings for the Kryptonian armour, it's all vfx, which seems a bit too bulky. Snyder has a sort of fetish for Special Effects, I don't know how to explain it.
Special Effects: 6/10
SOUNDTRACK
Hans Zimmer makes this movie special. The soudtrack enhance everything, everything. It's able to be quiet, sweet and hopeful when it's needed but it becomes something marvellous when it has to express dread, power, caos and madness. The action scenes have a pounding soundtrack made of drums and brass, which make them seems like a war march. The Superman's theme which is a strong departure from the Donner's movies, fits perfectly the idea of Clark Kent and it grows with him. It's a simphony, simply epic.
Soundtrack: 9/10
COSTUMES
I've appreciated the fact that Snyder has made the Sups suit more streamlined and less goofy. Not only that but the suit weave repeats the S on the hero's chest, which assumes a meaning. I like the fact also that Sups has to earn it, in fact the movie takes a while to show it, and that's connected to Krypton's technlogy. I've appreciated Zod's suit, even though is just a black Superman's suit without a cape. The other costumes are decent and fits the setting and purpose of the characters.
Costumes: 7/10
CONCLUSION
Script: 5/10
Acting: 8/10
Photography: 7/10
Editing: 7/10
Special Effects: 6/10
Soundtrack: 9/10
Costumes: 7/10
AVERAGE: 7
It's a polarizing movie with great acting and a beautiful soundtrack. Nonetheless it has a lot of flaws, the weak script is the most relevant one. The concept is interesting but it's executed poorly and the movie comes out as a mediocre and bombastic ride. You'll probably love it or hate it without half measures. At least this movie tries to do something original by offering you something new about Sups backstory and the struggles of Clark Kent. I think that without this movie we would be without series like The Boys and Invincible.
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Man of Steel is a headache. Oddly, its script is both excessive and rushed. Its overindulgent intro drags with desensitizing action. Then, Clark’s dilemma mixes contradictory themes of hope and fear. Thus, Clark is passive, only acting when confronted. Furthermore, this arc is solely turning points and flowery melodrama, rarely braking for calm relatability. For example, Lois and Clark are artificially romantic after three exposition-heavy scenes together. Finally, the last hour is chaotic and exhausting climax. Its extreme destruction but absent personal connection proves bigger isn't better. Ultimately, Man of Steel has muddled emotions, characters, messages, and structure.
Conversely, Man of Steel has technical merit. The cast works to conjure an illusion of drama. The visuals use lighting, mounts, and composition (but also get cluttered and drab). The soundtrack is epic (though it rips off The Dark Knight). The effects are CGI-heavy but convincing. Despite product placements, the production design uniquely suits the tone. Lastly, the sound is symbolic, emotionally muted, and complex. It's unrestrained during the finale, but primarily proficient. Still, the film suffers from disjointed editing and needlessly edgy direction. Overall, Man of Steel might satisfy diehard Superman fans, but it’s not worth the trouble for general audiences.
Writing: 3/10
Direction: 4/10
Cinematography: 6/10
Acting: 7/10
Editing: 4/10
Sound: 8/10
Score/Soundtrack: 7/10
Production Design: 6/10
Casting: 9/10
Effects: 7/10
Overall Score: 6.1/10
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Director: Zack Snyder
Screenplay: David S. Goyer
Cast: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Antje Traue, Ayelet Zurer, Christopher Meloni, Russell Crowe
Soundtrack: Hans Zimmer
Cinematography: Amir Mokri
Running Time: 143 minutes
Budget: $240 million
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