Man Of Steel (2013 Superman reboot directed by Zack Snyder)

[Quintus 6,495]

Could be right, then again maybe not.

[publicist 4,650]

Yes! It's a relief to me that this one has bucked the trend. Really looking forward to part 2 now. It's great to have a new franchise to follow. Better yet is Warner have apparently fast-tracked the sequel.

He's so full of glee!

[Quintus 6,495]

[KK 3,313]

I find it both amusing and surprising that Quint of all people came out quite pleased with the film. Must have really tapered those expectations

[Quintus 6,495]

I think it's partly down to the fact that I avoided all the hype, where possible. Believe me though, I'm more surprised than you.

[JoeinAR 1,957]

Hey Quint, my coworker saw it last night and was waiting for me, she too was extremely disappointed

she was horrified that Clark did nothing to save his father, she wondered why didn't he use his super speed, and she couldn't believe Superman committed homicide

[publicist 4,650]

At least i can say MOS helped to confirm all my prejudices about this kind of event spectacle, so i never will feel regret getting out of that loop after AT WORLD'S END (which i really liked, including Zimmer's score and the wonderfully gloomy end).

The last of these movies i felt immersed in was AVATAR and that was Cameron who in truth is as far removed from this noisy blockbuster mainstream as it gets.

[Quintus 6,495]

Hey Quint, my coworker saw it last night and was waiting for me, she too was extremely disappointed

she was horrified that Clark did nothing to save his father, she wondered why didn't he use his super speed, and she couldn't believe Superman committed homicide

That bit was terrible! And unintentionally amusing.

[JoeinAR 1,957]

At least i can say MOS helped to confirm all my prejudices about this kind of event spectacle, so i never will feel regret getting out of that loop after AT WORLD'S END (which i really liked, including Zimmer's score and the wonderfully gloomy end).

The last of these movies i felt immersed in was AVATAR and that was Cameron who in truth is as far removed from this noisy blockbuster mainstream as it gets.

what gloomy ending, did you not stay through the credits for the real ending? an ending that was quite joyful I might add.

[Koray Savas 2,260]

At World's End had the best set pieces and score but the worst story. Or rather the story was too bloated with the Davy Jones love plot.

Dead Man's Chest is my favorite.

[Jay 46,242]

I don't even remember what the AWE set pieces were, the film was such a bloated confusing mess

COTPB and DMC were super fun!

[Koray Savas 2,260]

Up Is Down sequence. Davy Jones' Locker. The Maelstorm battle. That arctic sea place they were at. Lots of great imagery.

[BloodBoal 8,711]

I still don't understand why people describe AWE as a "confusing mess". What's so difficult to understand about the story?

[Koray Savas 2,260]

It wasn't confusing, just bloated. Could have been a tighter film by trimming some of the subplots.

[Jay 46,242]

Maybe it was more that I didn't care what was going on than i was confused by it. After liking the first 2 films a lot I just sat there in the theater for the third one eventually not giving a crap about anything happening. The film needs to be cut by like 30 minutes

[Quintus 6,495]

Haven't seen it. Gave up after messy but funish second one.

[Ren 77]

I agree with Jason in AWE. And I am shocked in myself that I actually have a hard stance on my dislike for MOS. I'm glad tho that there are others who share my sentiment since I'd worry it was just a wonky female perspective. And I'm still! Shocked Lee liked it lol

[Jay 46,242]

I'm seeing MOS tonight (yay for Cheap Movie Tuesdays!) in glorious 2D

Will report tomorrow!

[Quintus 6,495]

I agree with Jason in AWE. And I am shocked in myself that I actually have a hard stance on my dislike for MOS. I'm glad tho that there are others who share my sentiment since I'd worry it was just a wonky female perspective. And I'm still! Shocked Lee liked it lol

Or you could just not care less what others think

[KK 3,313]

Up Is Down sequence. Davy Jones' Locker. The Maelstorm battle. That arctic sea place they were at. Lots of great imagery.

Those sequences look a lot better than their modern contemporaries (ex. Man of Steel, Pacific Rim, etc) Strange eh?

[Koray Savas 2,260]

Maybe because they still have color?

[Brónach 1,330]

What? Pacific Rim doesn't have enough colour for you?

[Koray Savas 2,260]

Looks like the whole movie takes place at night.

[Uni 307]

No. I was expecting witty banter and genuine chemistry between the two of them. I expected to enjoy them on screen.

But nothing ever really happens between. They seemed so emotionally un engaged that the final kiss seemed like it came out of no where.

I was satisfied with the level of chemistry we got between them. It was slight, at this stage, and will no doubt be built on next time around.

Interestingly, I didn't really have a problem with their chemistry. One of my favorite scenes was their conversation over the interrogation table. It all made for some good groundwork . . . but I agree that it wasn't enough to justify the kiss. That felt tacked-on and obligatory. (Would've been better to see them develop the relational bit in the second film instead.)

- Uni

[Quintus 6,495]

I agree somewhat about the kiss. I'd forgotten about it till now actually. It did feel rather cosy for cosy's sake and not quite justified enough. My guess is some of its context ended up on the cutting room floor.

[Quintus 6,495]

This light conversation between a couple of average dudes pretty much sums it up nicely for me: http://kotaku.com/man-of-steel-isn-t-that-superman-513821267

It's just a popcorn superhero movie at the end of the day. It's not trying to be high art, ya know. The way some folks act like they're actually offended by this movie's existence need to reign their neck in a bit and take a deep breath.

Btw: the Wayne Enterprises logo is on the satellite that Zod smashes...

[publicist 4,650]

At least i can say MOS helped to confirm all my prejudices about this kind of event spectacle, so i never will feel regret getting out of that loop after AT WORLD'S END (which i really liked, including Zimmer's score and the wonderfully gloomy end).

The last of these movies i felt immersed in was AVATAR and that was Cameron who in truth is as far removed from this noisy blockbuster mainstream as it gets.

what gloomy ending, did you not stay through the credits for the real ending? an ending that was quite joyful I might add.

I meant the whole 'one day' angle with Bloom and Kneightley which was rather darkly poetic (and unusual for this kind of movie).

[Brónach 1,330]

I didn't felt inmersed in either Avatar or At World's End, although both had moments here and there that made me think how cool these could have been with more focus or a different attitude to things.

[publicist 4,650]

On the other hand, which blockbuster other than AWE would have dared to show its main protagonist in a 10-minute surreal nightmare in almost total stillness? This deserves to be honoured, although i have grave doubts about Verbinski's latest.

[Koray Savas 2,260]

If it's as much of a western as Rango I'll be pleased.

[Brónach 1,330]

On the other hand, which blockbuster other than AWE would have dared to show its main protagonist in a 10-minute surreal nightmare in almost total stillness? This deserves to be honoured, although i have grave doubts about Verbinski's latest.

It has this "cool" thing going on several times in the film. I hated it completely the first time I saw it, but the second I did pick up on it a bit.

There a shot in there almost identical to one of my favourites in The Secret of the Unicorn, but Spielberg continues the shot towards the ship.

[KK 3,313]

I was looking at the Rotten Tomatoes page for Man of Steel to see how it was doing (not well at all). After that, I started looking for Ebert's review when it hit me...

[King Mark 3,975]

I saw it tonight. It wasn't bad but nothing too memorable about this film. I'm not sure it's better than Superman Returns

The 1978 film is still way better

[crocodile 9,724]

Half in the Bag review.

Karol

[JoeinAR 1,957]

so has Jason ever chimed in on this discussion? I know Stefan is going soon.

[BloodBoal 8,711]

Half in the Bag review.

I agree with a lot of things they say. Pretty spot on review on many aspects.

[Eric_JWFAN 13]

If there was any doubt that Zimmer is the most overrated composer of the last quarter century, this score cements it.

A superhero flick like Superman is every film composer's dream to tackle, that rare opportunity for a composer to pull out all the stops, be CREATIVE, use memorable leitmotifs, utilize the symphonic palette and all its majestic offerings to the absolute fullest.... and what do we get? A shockingly minimalistic soundtrack with nothing but ambient sounds and extremely long sustained notes (which is what you do when you really don't know how to write for the orchestra). And of course it has lots of Zimmer's trademark "lets beat these giant drums as loud as humanly f'ing possible".

What a disappointment. Even more disappointing is how many people in the world think this guy is a great composer.

How sad would it be if this wins the Academy Award 35 years after Williams' masterpiece inexplicably didn't?

[publicist 4,650]

If there was any doubt that Zimmer is the most overrated composer of the last quarter century, this score cements it.

A superhero flick like Superman is every film composer's dream to tackle, that rare opportunity for a composer to pull out all the stops, be CREATIVE, use memorable leitmotifs, utilize the symphonic palette and all its majestic offerings to the absolute fullest.... and what do we get? A shockingly minimalistic soundtrack with nothing but ambient sounds and extremely long sustained notes

You assume that your fondness for this kind of scoring is shared by the makers of MOS. Think again. MOS is from a factory line that produced DARK KNIGHT, TRANSFORMERS et al. None of these pictures thrived on memorable leitmotifs or a symphonic palette.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,386]

Sorry you didn't enjoy it, Ren

I think Ren saw it in IMAX, they usually boost the volume up to sometimes maddening levels.

In a normal cinema she might have enjoyed it more.

I remember being deafened by The Dark Knight Rises in IMAX. And MOS is probably a lot louder

[JoeinAR 1,957]

it won't even be nominated. it's so forgettable. I won't even call it bad because I can't even remember it except for the two note piano bit.

[Eric_JWFAN 13]

If there was any doubt that Zimmer is the most overrated composer of the last quarter century, this score cements it.

A superhero flick like Superman is every film composer's dream to tackle, that rare opportunity for a composer to pull out all the stops, be CREATIVE, use memorable leitmotifs, utilize the symphonic palette and all its majestic offerings to the absolute fullest.... and what do we get? A shockingly minimalistic soundtrack with nothing but ambient sounds and extremely long sustained notes

You assume that your fondness for this kind of scoring is shared by the makers of MOS. Think again. MOS is from a factory line that produced DARK KNIGHT, TRANSFORMERS et al. None of these pictures thrived on memorable leitmotifs or a symphonic palette.

Good point. But even if you remove leitmotif writing, there is still plenty of opportunity for orchestral creativity, movement, etc while still keeping the dark tone, and Zimmer failed miserably. Either he's too lazy, has a ridiculously brief window to write, or he simply doesn't know how do anything beyond long sustained ambient notes and loud ass drums. This score was so static it would make Brian Eno disappointed.

In the film scoring world, when you're feeling really uncreative or you are in a time crunch, the "easy way out" is to simply write a long sustained note. While boring as heck, it generally works for a surprising number of moods as it creates suspense and is non-intrusive. But it's also a real "cop out" and a sign you are just not a very capable composer. Zimmer does this more than anyone in the industry. What makes the weakness of this score even more magnified is the fact that Williams does this the LEAST in the industry.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,386]

The Man Of Steel

Just got back from the cinema.

I thought the movie was excellent.

It was a bit weird at first, seeing the Krypton scenes, basically the same scenes as in the 1978 film, but looking so different. Snyder's look is an almost complete contract to Donner's vision of the planet.

From there the film stops being a straight remake of Superman The Movie and becomes it's own thing. It touches familiar aspects of the Superman origin story, naturally. But without feeling rehasged. Snyder returns to the flashback structure he used to great effect in his Magnum Opus Watchmen to tell of Clark's youth.

This is very much a Zach Snyder filom. Nolan might have produced this, but it doesnt not feel like his Batman trilogy at all.

Zach Snyder does not go for a grounded in reality approach when it comes to his action and special effects. (thankfully, because Superman CANNOT be realistic)

The casting.

Henry Cavell IS Superman. He has got the looks and he looks fantastic in the suit. Many actors would look weird or awkward, but he fucking owns it.

He also gives a good acting performance, in what is in essence a fairly limited role. He captured the God like quality of The Man Of Steel. You really sense no one can touch him. But also shines in the films few tender scenes. And he has a great smile.

After the disastrous casting of Kate Boswoth in Superman Returns, we needed a good Lois. Amy Adams provides

Feisty, sexy, beautiful, actually believable as a Pulitzer Prize winning reporter (unlike Bosworth) I thought she was great. And she and Cavill had a good chemistry.

Also relieved they finally got rid of the ridiculous conceit of Lois not knowing that Supes and Clark are the same person. I know it's been part of the Mythos forever, but when you think about it. It doesn't make sense. It actually cheapens the character.

Crowe was decent as Jor-El, he used his Englis-ish sounded accent for this one. (the formal one from Master and Commander).

Costner was excellent though as Pa Kent. And Diane Lane, even when being aged up a bit is simply a stunner.

Shannon made for a effective Zod. There was actually a character their with reasons and motivations. Not just mindless destruction. And the way he died was well done.

The second half of the film is apocalyptic. Smallville and Metropolis get blown to bits in an impressive display of special effects. Skyscrapers collapse into other skyscrapers, thousands of cars get trashed in ways similar to last years Avengers. But it all looks somehow more impressive (Snyder has a much stronger visual flair then Joss Whedon)

Like almost all modern action/superhero film, it does go on a bit long. I mean. You do get near indestructible super being trying to destroy each other over and over and over again. (it's actually surprising how "easily" Supes finished of Zod).

The visual style was not as unique or ground breaking as 300, but the film is shot well, with some impressive vista's.

The score....works. It's not something I would enjoy outside the film. The action music does just pound on and on, but the more emotional moments are well done. I like Zimmer's "intro" to his Superman theme, which he uses throughout the film (like batman a simple 2 note idea, but actually a bit more developed).

This is a strong film.

It may not be Superman The Movie, but I see that as a good thing (I love that film, but move on.....)

Did notice the lack of a really nice "Superman rescue", ala the helicopter scene in the 1978 film.

Also the sun seems to be shining in both the Indian sea and in Metropolis at the same time. I think that might be impossible.....

[Quintus 6,495]

If there was any doubt that Zimmer is the most overrated composer of the last quarter century, this score cements it.

A superhero flick like Superman is every film composer's dream to tackle, that rare opportunity for a composer to pull out all the stops, be CREATIVE, use memorable leitmotifs, utilize the symphonic palette and all its majestic offerings to the absolute fullest.... and what do we get? A shockingly minimalistic soundtrack with nothing but ambient sounds and extremely long sustained notes (which is what you do when you really don't know how to write for the orchestra). And of course it has lots of Zimmer's trademark "lets beat these giant drums as loud as humanly f'ing possible".

What a disappointment. Even more disappointing is how many people in the world think this guy is a great composer.

How sad would it be if this wins the Academy Award 35 years after Williams' masterpiece inexplicably didn't?

I've not particularly enjoyed a Zimmer soundtrack during a movie for over a decade and I was certainly one of the most vocal here with my concerns about what he might turn in for a Superman movie - the Williams original is after all one of my all time favourites and absolutely untouchable in its magnificence. So imagine my pleasant surprise when I actually didn't end up feeling utterly bummed up the arse by the new music and in fact even quite liked how it worked in the movie. I thought it was a solid effort.

Hey Steef, would you agree that Cavill is even more aesthetically perfect for the part than Christopher Reeve?

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,386]

Hey Steef, would you agree that Cavill is even more aesthetically perfect for the part than Christopher Reeve?

Reeve looked great in that kinda 70's way. Before body building became really ingrained in our culture.

Cavill looks like the Superman from the comics.

Acting wise, at this point I'll have to give points to Reeve though. Cavill was great in the few moments he was allowed to truly act, but they were a bit few and far between. Reeve had great character moments as superman AND Clark Kent.

Cavill's Supes seems to be more cocky then the humble Reeves. Crashing a spy satellite just to make a point. ("You're never gonna find out where the fuck I live")

[Quintus 6,495]

Oh personality-wise Reeve is Da Man (of Steel).

But this:

Cavill looks like the Superman from the comics.

He literally looks like the creation. The physical embodiment in terms of build and looks. Even his hair feels amazingly authentic.

[JoeinAR 1,957]

another complaint I have with the film is it's art direction. Remember when alien space ships looked cool, now they look like a bug. wow, and Krypton??? loved the "yellow" sun. truly an artistic disaster in so many area's, except casting perhaps. Synder is a hack.

stefan, Chris Reeve's Superman wouldn't have to worry about a spy drone. In his films society didn't fear Aliens and distrust them, in this film it panders to the gov't theory that society is ready to break down at the thought we are not alone in this universe. It panders to our fears rather than our hopes.

[Quintus 6,495]

Krypton looked rubbish, Joey. The Donner version was MUCH better.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,386]

I have to agree. When was the last time we saw really cool and original Spaceships?

The space cow moooo-ing when Kal-El was born made me think of Lucas

[JoeinAR 1,957]

In my head Snyder and Goyer were thinking "Avatar" in their concepts for Krypton.

[Quintus 6,495]

I imagine the concept art for Krypton probably looked quite good, but the overwrought Star Wars style CGI and gaudy photography killed it.