Review of Man of Steel (2013) by Jim C — 27 Mar 2016

Where Christopher Nolan's "Dark Knight" series brought us more of a crime drama than a superhero flick, Zach Snyder's "Man of Steel" brings us more of a science fiction story. I think this part of the film actually works well, but the rest, not so much. The opening sequence on Krypton is exciting, engaging and visually stunning. The Kryptonian costumes and set designs reminded me a lot of 2012's Alien-prequel "Prometheus." One of the costumes in particular, the Kryptonian space suits, are nearly identical to the Space Jockey's. But the similarities do not end there and, in most respects, this is not for the better.

The plot, for example, is very grim. This is not the fun and lighthearted childhood Superman we used to know. This movie is chalk-full of dark themes such as mass murder, genetic manipulation, genocide, infanticide and suicide. Amidst all of this there is no comic relief to pull you from the drudges. Even the Dark Knight series provided an occasional opportunity to laugh now and then. Not Man of Steel, and that is unfortunate, because while this darker, humorless mood is suited well for Gotham it isn't really well suited for Metropolis.

Another similarity between Man of Steel and Prometheus is the narrative. While the plot of each of these films appears on paper as unique and original, you'll be left with more questions than answers as it unfolds in Man of Steel. The dialogue is matter-of-fact rather than emotive. Background on characters and entire worlds are rushed and presented as a means to an end and we're never really given time to fully digest what we've learned. We also often jump from scene-to-scene with little or no narrative bridge or explanation. The talent of the cast is also considerable, but not one of them is really given the opportunity to shine. This is most especially to the detriment of Cavill, who's portrayal of Superman has moments of brilliance but are often cut short.

While the Christ-Superman parallels have always existed Man of Steel raises them to a whole new level. There are at least six or seven overt comparisons between Jesus and Superman. I found this to be distracting. It was also not consistent with the behavior of Superman in the movie. Throughout the history of the franchise, whether in film, TV or comics, Superman has always put the safety and welfare of citizens above all else. The Nolan-Snyder Superman, however, is seen flying through buildings and blowing up gas stations. The safety of citizens appears to be an afterthought, which is not very "Superman.".

And finally, the 40-minute long city-destroying action in Man of Steel is the opposite of the "Battle of New York" in the epic finally of 2012's Avengers. Where Joss Whedon masterfully moves from action sequence to action sequence, allowing the audience to follow every character's move with a synchronized harmony and grace, Zack Snyder's superhero battles are almost as loud and confusing as Michael Bay's Transformers.

Man of Steel opens with a very promising first act, offers up a unique vision for Superman and the DC Cinematic Universe, and features a star-studded (if under-utilized) cast. Its second half, however, is an almost unwatchable mess. The die-hard fans of Nolan, Snyder and Superman will ensure this film is a hit and that it gets a sequel. I can only hope that the second installment finds its way, takes itself just a little less seriously and that Superman soars once again.