Man of Steel

Many times, the hype cannot match a film’s ambitions or overall product. Man of Steel is one such film. For the second year in a row, I come away disappointed by a comic film that looked spectacular in every way, just like I did with Batman last year. 

            Then again, Man of Steel is the superhero film that really defines this era of filmmaking. Money buys visuals, visuals make money, story is shorthanded. The visuals in this film were absolutely spectacular, but there was SO much, more than I could handle. Too much of a good thing is not a good thing, and that’s what happened here. Too much. 

            Granted, this is Snyder’s best film to date and the coming out party for Henry Cavill but it remains to be an all ecompassing film. There are portions where you will be wowed, that’s a guarantee. However, there will be parts where you are scratching your head in confusion or frustration. The story is basic, and that’s all I can really say. Other than the main characters, you really could care less about everything else. There’s no sense of wholeness there, so when things happen, there is no true emotional connection.

            Cavill is a solid Superman, an upgrade from Brandon Routh in every sense of the word. But he struggles to bring a warmth and charm to the character. A couple crucial moments in the film for him I almost teared up, but he has a bright future in the franchise.

            No one else is really spectacular in the film, but I’ll tell you what is: Han’s Zimmer awesome ass soundtrack.  It will blow you way. That I can guarantee.

            The film is one you could see, but it won’t blow you away. Man of Steel is a solid addition to the Superman franchise, and promises a bright future ahead.