is simple enough that any film can start with him established as the world’s most famous superhero and most unassuming newsman. The necessity to re-establish the origin of the hero only wastes screen time that could be better devoted to character building. Moreover, the attempt at placing Superman in a realistic and plausible world is flawed from the outset. Superman is patently impossible, which is what makes the character so thrilling. He is an all-powerful being, more myth than man, outside the foundations of rational thought and human understanding. Attempting to explain his powers in anything other than a cursory way is the fastest way to embarrassing plot holes. For instance, you can’t explain Superman’s powers by saying that Earth’s gravity isn’t as strong as Krypton’s—and then have a human walk upright in Kyptonian gravity. It creates distracting questions. Realism shouldn’t be the goal in a Superman movie. Instead, the goal of Superman movie should be a discussion of the limitations of man even in the presence of immense power, or grander thoughts on the vastness of human potential. “Man Of Steel” doesn’t do either. Instead, much like “Star Trek: Into Darkness,” it takes a classic Superman film and tweaks it to fit modern audiences,
The attempt at placing Superman in a realistic and plausible world is flawed from the outset. Superman is patently impossible. making sure to give Superman a group of powerful foes that he can actually punch. Henry Cavill, the latest man to wear the
cape, looks the part but doesn’t have much dialogue or development. I’m honestly not sure how much acting he actually did; at
times it seems like he was more of a character model for action sequences. Supporting cast members like Amy Adams as Lois Lane and Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent are effective as they can be given their limited screen time. Michael Shannon as General Zod is less of an authoritarian dictator demanding man kneel, and more of a military leader looking to preserve his race, which is a nice take on an old number. But the action drives the plot and film is quickly paced, making the action itself inconsequential. The film might have been better served by pausing periodically and allowing the audience to catch their breath. Zack Snyder’s last film was the abysmal and stupid “Sucker Punch.” “Man of Steel” is better by leaps and bounds, although still not as good as “Watchmen.” If “Man of Steel” is just the beginning of a new series, maybe what comes next will be better. There is certainly room to grow. What this film lacks is the heart of the franchise—it doesn’t have the sense of awe that comes from watching a flash of blue and red catch a falling woman with one hand and lift a helicopter to the top of a skyscraper with the other. The audience should leave the theater watching the skies, rather than with their fingers in their ears.
chattanoogapulse.com • june 27-JULY 3, 2013 • The Pulse • 19