What are your complaints? What would you do differently? *SPOILERS* - Part 1

[jmc]

My big complaints are:

Krypton sequence - An overly long 20 minute introduction setting up Krypton and Zod, information which is repeated later on by hologram Jor-El in less than 2 minutes.

Abbreviated self discovery journey for Clark - Clark's arrival to the alien craft and donning of the suit happens way too quickly. There was absolutely no build towards him walking out in his Kryptonian outfit, no payoff for the big reveal, just a compressed series of events that doesn't do justice to the discovery.

Lack of Father/Son dynamic - Clark and Jonathan's relationship is never given the gravitas it deserves, when Johnathan dies I frankly felt nothing. On top of that when Jor-El dies I felt nothing. 2 fathers, neither of which has a decent connection to the same son. Disappointing.

Pacing - The flow of the film is all over the place, at times it's boring, at times exciting as hell, almost a a 50-50 split of the two. Some stuff which should be expanded on is compressed, some stuff which is drawn out should be shortened. Final act is entertaining but overly long.

Non-film related complaint:

People *****ing about Superman killing Zod - Where the hell have you people been for the last 30 years? Superman did the exact same thing in Superman II to a person who was no longer a threat, with a smirk on his face and not once did anyone object to this. Which one is worse?

 

[Thundercrack85]

The movie was rather flawed, but the second half did save it for me.

I wasn't crazy about the Krypton designs, but that could have all been fine... if they had just done those scenes properly. Instead they felt totally rushed. Plus, the fact, that after Kal-El's launch, that Zod got arrested... and that they had the time to try and sentence him, really killed the earlier scenes. Why was there this sudden rush, if Zod's coup was going to be quashed, apparently fairly easily, and the planet wasn't going to blow up for a while?

I still would have preferred a movie that actually focused on Clark Kent's childhood and early adulthood, instead of out-of-order flashbacks... and then Clark aimlessly wandering the Earth for a decade, before something interesting happens.

 

[Thundercrack85]

The only scene that comes to my mind is when Jenny got caught under the rubble, very brief. The acting was fine but it seemed to come out of nowhere.

Who the hell is Jenny and why should we care about her? That was the question(s) I asked during that scene.

Ah well, guess Lois wasn't damselly enough.

 

[Skrilla31]

I'm curious if anyone else saw Doug Walker's or Brad Jones' reviews of this?

http://blip.tv/nostalgiacritic/sibling-rivalry-man-of-steel-6605410
http://blip.tv/nostalgiacritic/spoiler-corner-man-of-steel-6605421
http://blip.tv/the-cinema-snob/midnight-screening-man-of-steel-6603107

I thought they conveyed a lot of people's problems with the movie pretty well (boring characters, lack of focus on the emotional aspect, weird editing, etc.).

You wanna know what my biggest beef is? And this was my biggest fear. That people's distaste for Man Of Steel is turning them off to the character of Superman. Once again people are questioning whether or not it's possible to write Superman as an engaging character on a human level.

The answer is two fold. 1) Yes you can and 2) it's called Superman: The Movie. That movie tells the story of a boy who's lost in the world and strives to understand his purpose. Every single person can relate to that character. It was a wonderful, timeless story and that's why it was so successful to begin with. And yet people talk about it like it doesn't exist.

 

[Willi Berg]

While I enjoyed seeing Krypton I did get an "Attack of the Clones" and general Star Wars vibe from it. Esp. when Zod is hanging from the ship and says, "Concentrate fire on the the main door." That looked and sounded very "Attack of the Clones". I know Snyder wants a Star Wars gig but Superman should be its own thing. It was around before SW.

And while an advanced yet aging Krypton was interesting, I want to see Superman movies in general become a bit more high tech. They can do a lot with him as a sci-fi character. Hopefully with LexCorp tech and WayneTech, as well as what has come from Krypton, we do see more high tech stuff in the movies.

On another note, when you have interesting villains like Zod and Faora (and great actors), I do wish we saw more of them. There was barely any interaction between them before the fighting and it would've been good to know more about Faora and her relation to Zod etc.

 

[BlueLantern]

To be honest after going through the emotional rollercoaster and eventually settling on putting this film in my dislikes column, I've just read more Superman than ever. Reread the old stuff or stories I didn't pay enough attention to so it's all good. Helped reinforce who Superman really is to me and not this.

 

[Willi Berg]

To be honest after going through the emotional rollercoaster and eventually settling on putting this film in my dislikes column, I've just read more Superman than ever. Reread the old stuff or stories I didn't pay enough attention to so it's all good. Helped reinforce who Superman really is to me and not this.

That's the thing, isn't it? This is one of many Superman stories. It has the most exposure but really it is a version being interpreted specifically by Snyder and Goyer, who have certain preferences for what they want from Superman. Same with Alan Moore, Mark Waid, John Byrne etc. etc. Movie versions have to go through and be filtered through so much before it ends up there on the big screen. People who read the comics see that very little of a comic book character's history actually makes it up there.

 

[robot]

The movie was rather flawed, but the second half did save it for me.

I wasn't crazy about the Krypton designs, but that could have all been fine... if they had just done those scenes properly. Instead they felt totally rushed. Plus, the fact, that after Kal-El's launch, that Zod got arrested... and that they had the time to try and sentence him, really killed the earlier scenes. Why was there this sudden rush, if Zod's coup was going to be quashed, apparently fairly easily, and the planet wasn't going to blow up for a while?

I still would have preferred a movie that actually focused on Clark Kent's childhood and early adulthood, instead of out-of-order flashbacks... and then Clark aimlessly wandering the Earth for a decade, before something interesting happens.

I would love to see a 40min krypton. Its the best part of the movie. The scenes were so beautiful. 40 min n you can see some truly epic battle.

They should also expand a lot of the scenes. This is a 3 hour movie not a 2.13 movie

 

[Lighthouse]

I would love to see a 40min krypton. Its the best part of the movie. The scenes were so beautiful. 40 min n you can see some truly epic battle.

They should also expand a lot of the scenes. This is a 3 hour movie not a 2.13 movie

I think doing at would completely destroy the pacing, and make the movie an unbearable slog. In a different world where money grew on trees, I think there could be a really great movie made just about Krypton and ending with Kal-El's rocketship to Earth.

 

[robot]

I think doing at would completely destroy the pacing, and make the movie an unbearable slog. In a different world where money grew on trees, I think there could be a really great movie made just about Krypton and ending with Kal-El's rocketship to Earth.

Yup I was thinking of that. A whole movie on the krypton civil war.

ANd agreed it would have been too expensive to do a 40 min epic battle just for krypton is mos. Its just wishful thinking.

BUt I stand by my opinion on expanding on many of the current scenes that seemed chopped off like the oil rig. It could do with some awesome build up. Same withe bus rescue. Or the bully in the bar or the tornado . Etc.

 

[dude stannis]

I really loved the movie. Thankfully all the flaws can be avoided in sequels.

1) Get rid of Zimmer. He is to movie scores what Skillerex is to music. LOUD NOISES!!!!

2) Let the shots breathe a little. The cutting was a little tight.

3) Have Superman save a few people.

4) Some more fun moments and humour.

 

[TheFlamingCoco]

I really loved the movie. Thankfully all the flaws can be avoided in sequels.

1) Get rid of Zimmer. He is to movie scores what Skillerex is to music. LOUD NOISES!!!!

This is your most controversial point yet. But I agree. Keep the main theme by Zimmer, and let John Powell score the movie.

2) Let the shots breathe a little. The cutting was a little tight.

3) Have Superman save a few people.
"Maybe a little bit more."

4) Some more fun moments and humour.

Yeah, some levity wouldn't hurt.

5) Create a narrative BUILT upon the characters.

MOS is probably the only Superman film that makes me want a slow-paced sequel. That was probably intentional.

 

[writer0327]

That's the thing, isn't it? This is one of many Superman stories. It has the most exposure but really it is a version being interpreted specifically by Snyder and Goyer, who have certain preferences for what they want from Superman. Same with Alan Moore, Mark Waid, John Byrne etc. etc. Movie versions have to go through and be filtered through so much before it ends up there on the big screen. People who read the comics see that very little of a comic book character's history actually makes it up there.

Very true. Film is the highest medium of story telling, at least to me, but the problem is that the medium isn't always the best way to tell certain stories. Superheroes in my opinion are best shown over time through television episodes, comics, novels, etc. One movie is never enough to really delve into the complexities of a superhero character in a way that satisfies.

 

[TheFlamingCoco]

Very true. Film is the highest medium of story telling, at least to me, but the problem is that the medium isn't always the best way to tell certain stories. Superheroes in my opinion are best shown over time through television episodes, comics, novels, etc. One movie is never enough to really delve into the complexities of a superhero character in a way that satisfies.

I say books are the highest medium of storytelling, with the only true limits being the imagination. And sound, of course. A good author can put images into the minds through his or her words/descriptions.

That being said, comic books often provide the narrative vocalization of a person's thoughts, with the episodic structure of TV, combined with the spectacle of cinema, albeit through the hand of an artist.

As for the one movie thing, I agree. A sequel can flesh out the character and his world better.

 

[blumatic]

To be honest after going through the emotional rollercoaster and eventually settling on putting this film in my dislikes column, I've just read more Superman than ever. Reread the old stuff or stories I didn't pay enough attention to so it's all good. Helped reinforce who Superman really is to me and not this.

I'm guessing you did not like Earth One.

 

[blumatic]

Yeah, some levity wouldn't hurt.

5) Create a narrative BUILT upon the characters.

MOS is probably the only Superman film that makes me want a slow-paced sequel. That was probably intentional.

I think things will slow down naturally.

WB Nolan, Snyder, and Goyer wanted to accomplish so much with this film. They put alot of stuff in this movie. It was grand, alot of characters involved. And they wanted to excite the fans that rejected SR. Everything moved quickly but I followed, no problem.

Next sequel will really test that character of Superman. And introduce how he handles Clark at the DP.

 

[robot]

Very true. Film is the highest medium of story telling, at least to me, but the problem is that the medium isn't always the best way to tell certain stories. Superheroes in my opinion are best shown over time through television episodes, comics, novels, etc. One movie is never enough to really delve into the complexities of a superhero character in a way that satisfies.

Actually it applies to almost all genres of stories... I always liked miniseries or tv series that have a large arc better because they are superior for character development...

Although, you lose out on the high budget and quality of production...

That's why i liked movies to be LONG, and have multi-episodes.. like star wars, for example.. or LOTR trilogy...

Instead of making single movies, studios should start planning entire story arc over 10 hours and releases movies 1/year.. mayby up to 5 movies / story... or, trilogies of 3 hours long each... that'll be great for JL...

TO ME: The finest medium for story telling are Books...

 

[spider-neil]

Yeah, some levity wouldn't hurt.

5) Create a narrative BUILT upon the characters.

MOS is probably the only Superman film that makes me want a slow-paced sequel. That was probably intentional.

I agree, with the scope of the action in MoS if there is escalation in the sequel you are going to Transformers 4. Scale back the action and concentrate on the characters.

 

[BlueLantern]

I'm guessing you did not like Earth One.

Hated it. Some parts were okay but it felt like a young adult Superman story.

 

[writer0327]

I say books are the highest medium of storytelling, with the only true limits being the imagination. And sound, of course. A good author can put images into the minds through his or her words/descriptions.

That being said, comic books often provide the narrative vocalization of a person's thoughts, with the episodic structure of TV, combined with the spectacle of cinema, albeit through the hand of an artist.

As for the one movie thing, I agree. A sequel can flesh out the character and his world better.

The reason I say film is the highest is that you can evoke more through visuals, music, acting. Especially in this day and age where almost anything the mind can conceive can be shown on film.

The story teller (director) has more direct control over his vision than the author, who's words can be interpreted many different ways.

 

[writer0327]

Actually it applies to almost all genres of stories... I always liked miniseries or tv series that have a large arc better because they are superior for character development...

Although, you lose out on the high budget and quality of production...

That's why i liked movies to be LONG, and have multi-episodes.. like star wars, for example.. or LOTR trilogy...

Instead of making single movies, studios should start planning entire story arc over 10 hours and releases movies 1/year.. mayby up to 5 movies / story... or, trilogies of 3 hours long each... that'll be great for JL...

TO ME: The finest medium for story telling are Books...

You're probably right, it does apply to all genres of stories. But I know certain stories can be better told within film in a way that is poignant and more memorable than reading about it. Shawshank and The Godfather come to mind, although granted the original authors might not have put their heart and souls into those books.

I prefer television over movies as well, and I wholeheartedly agree, studios should start planning their films exactly as you say, large story arcs that allow us to get to know the characters much better. If any movie is remotely a hit, it seems they start working on a trilogy, why not put more work into that so the sequels don't suck....(cough...) Hangover...(cough)

 

[tomoe]

I think it would have been neat if during the tornado scene, Jonathan Kent was actually saying something that only Clark (and the audience) can hear because of his superhearing, right before he bites it. Something like, "No. Stay with them and keep them safe. Goodbye, Clark." It would have given Clark a better reason not to save his father instead of what it seemed like, which is letting his father die to keep himself safe. The way it is done, it just seems selfish.
I would also not have had Superman tackling Zod and leaving his mother behind with a bunch of kryptonians. That just makes him look stupid and reckless. Not only that he basically brought the fight into downtown Smallville where it would cause the most destruction. And I would not have Superman be the cause of Zod coming to earth.

 

[BH/HHH]

I think it would have been neat if during the tornado scene, Jonathan Kent was actually saying something that only Clark (and the audience) can hear because of his superhearing, right before he bites it. Something like, "No. Stay with them and keep them safe. Goodbye, Clark." It would have given Clark a better reason not to save his father instead of what it seemed like, which is letting his father die to keep himself safe. The way it is done, it just seems selfish.
I would also not have had Superman tackling Zod and leaving his mother behind with a bunch of kryptonians. That just makes him look stupid and reckless. Not only that he basically brought the fight into downtown Smallville where it would cause the most destruction. And I would not have Superman be the cause of Zod coming to earth.

So you'd have had Superman fight the Kryptonians in a cornfield where there's no danger to anyone around which means there's no tension? Well it worked out well when they did fight scenes in a desert in one of the Transformers film didn't it

 

[tomoe]

So you'd have had Superman fight the Kryptonians in a cirnfield where there's no danger around so there's no tension?

I didn't even get much sense of danger or tension in the Smallville fight since the civilians were basically treated like cardboard figures, mostly out of sight so who cares about them. I don't think a cornfield fight would be as dull as you think. For example their blows could cause earthquakes or shockwaves which flatten the corn for miles around, or if you want fire, there's the heat vision. They could have been fighting in a field of fire, and once the military shows up there's your explosions.

 

[dude stannis]

This is your most controversial point yet. But I agree. Keep the main theme by Zimmer, and let John Powell score the movie.

I like the main theme/Supes fanfare. It's quite good. But his music quickly devolves to loud noise. The part where he's exploring Kara's spaceship in Canada, the music should be quiet and atmospheric, but it's LOUD and jarring.

"Maybe a little bit more."

Yeah, or have him take the fight away from populated areas.

Yeah, some levity wouldn't hurt.

5) Create a narrative BUILT upon the characters.

MOS is probably the only Superman film that makes me want a slow-paced sequel. That was probably intentional.

Likewise. I can't help but feel they did it intentionally to silence the mouth breathers. Either way, I can't wait for MoS2.