Ror Reviews: MAN OF STEEL (2D)

For DC fans at least, Zack Snyder's Superman reboot is arguably WB's most anticipated movie ever -- especially since it will serve as the launching pad for a shared movie universe. Did Man Of Steel live up to lofty expectations? Read on for my take. Mild SPOILERS..

Review Opinion

By MarkCassidy - Jun 11, 2013 11:06 AM EST

Filed Under: Man of Steel

For DC Comics fans, Zack Snyder's Man Of Steel represent more than just a chance for them to finally see the Superman movie they want, but the first step to getting a shared movie universe for the DC characters at long last. But of course it's not only comic book readers that love Superman -- just as many regular moviegoers have been waiting to see the big blue boy-scout take to the skies again since the disappointing (though underrated imo) Superman Returns back in 2006. So I think it's fair to say Snyder's reboot had quite a bit riding on it, and I'll tell you right off the bat that, a few issues aside, Man Of Steel delivers.

Anyone upset with the lack of action in Superman Returns will not be disappointed...in fact it's almost as if -- completely aware of the biggest fan complaint against that movie -- Snyder and Goyer actually overcompensated. Punctuated by Hans Zimmer's incredible score, the spectacle is jaw dropping on a scale I have honestly yet to witness in a movie; and although you've seen quite a bit in the various spots and trailers, there is plenty saved for when you're sitting in the theater. Is there such a thing as too much action? Of course there bloody is...especially when it's at the cost of character development. Fortunately though, it's only a marginal tip of the scale, and (at least until the film's slightly too Bay-esque finale) Snyder gives us a chance to get to know these now iconic characters.

I'm most pleased to report that Henry Cavill is brilliant as Clark Kent/Superman. He completely embodies the essence of the character while -- more importantly -- making it his own interpretation. Along with the decimated buildings and invulnerable beings punching each other repeatedly there IS a beating heart in this movie, and Cavill is required to pull off a couple of pretty emotional scenes, which he does so with aplomb. Without giving too much away, Kal-El is faced with a bigger problem than just saving his adopted planet: If he's to save Earth he may have to sacrifice any hope of reviving his race! This leads us to Michael Shannon's General Zod. Much more than just your average comic book villain with generic motivations, Zod DOES want to conquer the world, but only so he can make his own live once more. Shannon can do this stuff in his sleep to be fair, but that doesn't mean it's a phoned in performance. The actor makes Zod strangely relatable in a way -- a ruthless killer no doubt, but at the end of the day he's only doing what he was created to do, and the final showdown between he and Supes packs quite an unexpected wallop -- and not just a physical one. Amy Adams brings a lot to this significantly different take on Lois Lane, but she's hamstrung a little by the script and is pretty much sidelined in the final act so we can watch more things explode. Fair enough you might say, but personally I'd have taken one less fist fight if it meant another scene between Clark and Lios..but more on that later. Kevin Costner and Diane Lane are both superb as Ma and Pa Kent. Glimpsed through flashback they provide the movie with some of the biggest emotional beats. They are all supported very well by the likes of Lawrence Fishburne, Antje Traue (I'd happily sit through a Faora spin-off) and Harry Lennix -- and if Russell Crowe's Jor-El makes his presence felt a little too often, at least he's good value in the role.

Of course, as is the case with most superhero flicks it's not without its problems either, and while most are just the sort of general nit picky criticisms you can level at any massive special effects driven movie of this type, one or two are fairly major. The biggest issue for me is that the Lois/Clark relationship is pretty much a total washout. There is SOME chemistry between the actors, but their characters are given so little screentime together to set up any kind of real bond that when they eventually do kiss it just feels completely forced -- and it doesn't help that said kiss is followed up by an exchange between the two so awful I have no idea how it made it past the first script draft. Also, a few decent gags aside, there could be a little more humor. The tone itself isn't overly dark or serious all the time, but some levity would have been welcome.

I enjoyed Man Of Steel so much that I was tempted to award it full marks, but although it may be a 5-star spectacle, it's not quite a 5-star movie. Still, not everything has to be! Snyder has delivered a gorgeous looking/sounding, engrossing first chapter in DC's shared cinematic universe, and a damn fine Superman movie. Oh, and the very last scene? Approaching perfection.

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MAN OF STEEL Storyboard Artist Remarks on a Polarizing Detail Featured During The Final Battle

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206 Comments

1 2 3 4 5 6

ALegendaryPanda - 6/11/2013, 12:08 PM

YES!

exe - 6/11/2013, 12:08 PM

Spot-on review! I have seen Man of Steel and this guy says it all. So you guys need to relax.

That last scene.

Chills...

REDSTORM - 6/11/2013, 12:09 PM

I only read the last paragraph in order to avoid spoilers, so I don't know whether or not you mentioned this in your review, but what would you say about the critics saying that it has too much action, not enough light heartedness, and is way too serious to be considered "Superman"? I trust CBM reviews more than most RT reviews, but I can't help but feel a little annoyed that it seems like other critics wanted a complete rehash of the old movies.

geeekgod - 6/11/2013, 12:09 PM

Thanks Ror!!! can't wait to see it

JoeMomma29 - 6/11/2013, 12:10 PM

@ Nomis

Agreed!

JonStarkgaryen - 6/11/2013, 12:10 PM

Hurry up clock, my body is ready!

Mike89 - 6/11/2013, 12:10 PM

Good review! But from what i read this looks like a CBM that'll be loved by fans and mixed among critics due to "too much action" and not "enough donner and reeve".

Physicslover - 6/11/2013, 12:11 PM

Hmm. Now I wonder what is the last scene. Thank you Ror.

campblood - 6/11/2013, 12:12 PM

i hope your right ror

ImnotDaredevil - 6/11/2013, 12:13 PM

Roll on Friday, got my tickets booked!

Brainiac13 - 6/11/2013, 12:16 PM

@ROR

Nice review. .....I've been waiting for this since yesterday. Thank!

Malfunk1 - 6/11/2013, 12:17 PM

Got My tickets. Got my t-shirt. My body mind & soul are ready.

MarkCassidy - 6/11/2013, 12:18 PM

REDSTORM, they're exaggerating a bit but unfortunately they're right..it really could use a bit more humor. And the action is just ever so slightly overwhelming..not always in a good way.

blackandyellow, I try not to..but sometimes that's the score! I had a few too many gripes with it to give it 5, but it;s still fracking awesome.

JoeMomma29 - 6/11/2013, 12:18 PM

I am very excited, and hopefully they will build a better tone for the relationship between Lois and Supes in the sequel.

JoeMomma29 - 6/11/2013, 12:21 PM

@RorMachine

Great review one quick question is there a scene after or midway through the credits?

ParisSun - 6/11/2013, 12:22 PM

@Krypto, don't know if you have seen The Tudors but it's a really good show and Cavill was really good in it. He has the acting chops.

LEVITIKUZ - 6/11/2013, 12:22 PM

Ror

One question:

Martian Manhunter reference?

marantaz - 6/11/2013, 12:22 PM

Zod wants to "concur" the world? Where's the evil threat to humanity if all he wants to do is agree with the Earth? Or is his plan to destroy humanity based on the whole global warming fraud? (God, not one of those stories again!)

oh.... you meant 'conquer' the world... I hope.

jessepostal - 6/11/2013, 12:23 PM

Too much action?? Is that possible

Infaredfield - 6/11/2013, 12:24 PM

Seeing either Friday or Monday I don't care I just have to see it

REDSTORM - 6/11/2013, 12:24 PM

Thanks Ror! Since there's an overabundance of it, at least now I know I won't feel like I missed a whole bunch of action if I take a piss break.

Abary - 6/11/2013, 12:25 PM

Great review.

batesmotel - 6/11/2013, 12:25 PM

You have blocked this comment, or it has been reported by the CBM community for abusive content - View Comment?

janitra - 6/11/2013, 12:25 PM

Shit, need to get through one day before I get the chance to see this!

MarkCassidy - 6/11/2013, 12:26 PM

marantaz, yes I did..spellcheck is not always a writer's best friend.

JoeMomma29 - 6/11/2013, 12:26 PM

Hmmm maybe that is the secret formula to a great cbm, put a lot of humor!!!!!

MarkCassidy - 6/11/2013, 12:28 PM

Bates Motel, if by "fans" you mean a certain TYPE of fan (ie drooling, ADHD afflicted [frick]witts) then yes, I understand you all too well.

REDSTORM - 6/11/2013, 12:30 PM

So then the simplest method to make this movie better would be to add Superman's Best Pal Jimmy Olsen and all of his hijinks.

LEVITIKUZ - 6/11/2013, 12:31 PM

DoubleD be trolling. 42 started out at a 50 and when it came out, 77.

So Ror, Martian Manhunter references?

1 2 3 4 5 6

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Ror Reviews: MAN OF STEEL (2D)

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