At the start of 2013, I listed my anticipated films of the year and Man of Steel is on the top of the list. After months of obsessing over trailers, official images, set photos and tv spots, I finally saw it on opening day in IMAX 3D at SM Mall of Asia. As shown in the film’s symbol, can it be S for success in our world or is it just an S?
In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time. Clark Kent/Kal-El (Henry Cavill) feels alienated by powers beyond anyone’s imagination. Transported to Earth years ago from Krypton, an advanced alien planet, Clark struggles with the ultimate question – Why am I here? Shaped by the values of his adoptive parents, Clark soon discovers that having super abilities means making very difficult decisions. But when the world needs stability the most, it comes under attack. Will his abilities be used to maintain peace or ultimately used to divide and conquer? Clark must become the hero known as “Superman,” not only to shine as the world’s last beacon of hope but to protect the ones he loves.
Henry Cavill is this new generation’s Superman PERIOD. He is perfectly charismatic, physically looks the part and you can sense the humility and goodness in his portrayal. What I like in this take of the character is that he’s still a flawed rookie superhero here who made a few mistakes and choices. As hinted in the ending, he will eventually become the Superman we all know and love in the sequel. In respect of the past actors, I believe each actor who portrayed Superman is great during each of their time. It’s not fair to compare which is the best since it boils down to personal preference. It’s like choosing who the best James Bond is. Most people will say it’s Sean Connery or Pierce Brosnan but I’m personally into darker and conflicted takes of the character so I’m more of a Daniel Craig fan. So I really like Cavill’s take. I also like the fact that he made it more of his own rather than be a copycat of anyone’s performance. Two thumbs up for Mr. Cavill!
It took three auditions before Amy Adams finally landed the Lois Lane role. Keeping the tradition of casting Oscar winners and nominees for leading ladies in comic book films like Natalie Portman in Thor, Gwyneth Paltrow in Iron Man and Maggie Gyllenhaal in The Dark Knight, Adams is good and she gave a new personality to the character. As for her chemistry with Cavill, there are hints of cuteness somewhere especially in the last scene but it wasn’t all out and developed in this film with some scenes which is sad to admit have none at all. It reminded me of Rachel and Bruce in The Dark Knight though they have to develop it for the sequels since the Lois-Superman love story is the driving emotion of the Superman story.
I like how Russell Crowe‘s Jor-El was written to be more prominent in the story – a good choice for the filmmakers to showcase a great actor. Another standout is Kevin Costner whose scenes as Jonathan Kent were emotionally powerful. Supported by Hans Zimmer’s score, I even find myself teary-eyed in Costner’s scenes. Diane Lane is also a great support as Martha Kent and she got to say one cool line.
As much as I respected Terence Stamp’s take on General Zod in Superman II, it’s now quite campy compared to Michael Shannon’s menacing performance who proved to be a worthy adversary for Superman. Another interesting villain to note is Faora. Played by Antje Traue, she looked convincing in her fight scenes while retaining her sexiness. If there is one aspect that fans will not be disappointed, it will be the action. The battle scenes are tense and you’ll hold out your breath for every punch and kick especially in Zod and Superman’s climatic battle.
Honestly, Superman is the most difficult of all the superheroes to adapt in screen. Everyone has their own perceived version of what a Superman movie should be. It’s quite disappointing that most people are looking for a remake of Christopher Reeve‘s 1978 version instead of being open to a new rendition. In early interviews, scriptwriter David Goyer said that this is just a first contact story and more of Clark’s journey of donning the responsibility rather than a straight Superman movie. More or less, I think the film delivered that. With Christopher Nolan‘s name included in the writing credits, I kinda expected the usual innovative twist in the storyline that the master filmmaker instilled in his The Dark Knight Trilogy which disappointingly doesn’t have any in this film. Despite the plot holes and flaws, both Nolan and Goyer still crafted a solid Superman origin story out of it. I like how they put a logical explanation behind the canon like the meaning of the S, the origin of the suit, why Superman doesn’t kill (agree with it or not) and fixed my longest complain of how a smart lady like Lois took it so long before she can figure out the secret identity of Superman and Clark just because of the glasses. I also enjoyed spotting easter eggs like the satellite owned by another superhero and the possible next villain for the sequel. In Zack Snyder‘s hands, the designs and visuals were phenomenal as evident in the opening scenes at Krypton. This is where he really excels. Good thing, he didn’t do his trademark slow-mo shots here because it would just look cheesy. I appreciate how he tried to make a world that can co-exist with Nolan’s The Dark Knight Trilogy. These filmmakers deserve praise to what they did in terms of the production such as props, costumes and set to re-introduce Superman into a new generation. They made him look cool again. Hearing a kid say Superman is so cool after my screening is a testament to that.
Overall, this may not be the best superhero film that the hype promised. The Dark Knight Trilogy is still unbeatable in that throne. Love it or hate it, it delivered an unexpected take and I can say that it’s the best and most epic Superman film I ever seen! I left the theater wanting Man of Steel 2. Hopefully, an official announcement will be released from Warner Bros in this year’s upcoming Comic Con with the confirmation of either a Superman/Batman movie or Justice League movie as a bonus :P
—————–
About the movie reviewer:
Orange Magazine TV‘s newest film critic is a self-confessed movie geek. John Albert Villanueva love movies so much, he watch every movies from the big screen and collects DVDs of classic movies. Read his other review here.
