Bringing a superhero like Superman into today’s world before today’s audience is a huge challenge so I commend the men and women behind MAN OF STEEL for taking this on. There are moments in the film I absolutely loved. It some ways it worked beautifully – in some ways I could only think, “That’s…not Superman.”
It’s appropriate that MAN OF STEEL arrived on Father’s Day Weekend. Scenes with Kal-El/Clark’s parents were my favorite parts of the film. The casting and performances of Kevin Costner and Diane Lane are perfection. Kal’s search for his identity was moving and wonderfully played by Henry Cavill. I’m not ashamed to say I had tears in the scenes with young Clark and his Smallville parents. Russell Crowe was an inspiration. Jor-El was not just a visionary scientist but a man of action and compassion.
MAN OF STEEL succeeds as a realistic, darker take on Superman. I thought Henry Cavill was great in the role he was directed to portray. Maybe I’m just nostalgic but I wanted just a little more of Superman I’ve known and loved in this new version. I wanted a moment of “Thank you Superman!” but instead the citizens of Smallville and Metropolis were likely still frightened of him of instead of seeing him as a symbol of hope.
In a modern world with audiences craving violence and constant stimulation – do we really have to have a “darker, edgier” version of the most wholesome of our comic book heroes? My reaction to this film may be more about our culture and the times in which live. Maybe this world still really does need a Superman.
By Editor