What are your complaints? What would you do differently? *SPOILERS*

[Senator Pleasury]

It really isn't shown though. That's what's missing from this film....the character of Superman, his persona, what he believes in and stands for, why he goes about fighting crime, evil, and oppression at every turn. The triumph of belief, the hope for humanity, the fight for truth and justice....this is Superman and it's not clearly portrayed in this film.

If its "Superman Begins", as you say, then they still haven't finished the movie, because by the time the film is wrapped up, we should see the core of who Superman is, with all full evidence of his characteristic traits. If there is more to be fleshed out in the next film, then what was this film for?

Exactly.

I get that they leave a lot for sequels nowadays, but not more than it should.

 

[The Guard]

People are seriously whining that a seemingly indestructible suit wasn't "fitted" to Clark? It's an ALIEN SUIT. Use your imagination.

I get that we don't really see "Metropolis picking up the pieces" after the battle, but I think that was intentional. This is a Superman movie. Do you really end a Superman movie with somewhat depressing ideas? I don't think you do. But let’s not pretend the destruction and the loss of life wasn’t addressed. It was. Visually, and in grand fashion. Also, I suspect we will see the ripples from what happened in MAN OF STEEL following us into the next film, likely with Luthor being involved, and probably still with some rebuilding/trust building going on.

As far as not seeing the reaction of the world to Superman’s existence…that’s not entirely true. We saw, in a sense, the world reacting to the knowledge that there is alien life out there. And Superman hasn’t really revealed himself to the world yet. Not really. He barely has worked with the military. Give it time. I expect this will be explored in the sequel.

 

[writer0327]

As far as not seeing the reaction of the world to Superman’s existence…that’s not entirely true. We saw, in a sense, the world reacting to the knowledge that there is alien life out there. And Superman hasn’t really revealed himself to the world yet. Not really. He barely has worked with the military. Give it time. I expect this will be explored in the sequel.

Respectfully disagree here.

This was a major plot point in the movie, how humanity will deal with existence of extra-terrestrials, and this was not resolved at all, nor was it properly addressed. I've said this in other threads, a scene of world leaders/Presidents discussing how to deal with this problem of "we aren't alone in the universe" should have been part of this film. I'm sure it will be part of the next film (and if its not, its criminally neglectful of the writer/director) but it should have been here, as it would have at least wrapped up that plot point.

 

[The Guard]

I don't think it was just a main plot point in this movie. I imagine that it will be a key, ongoing theme throughout this franchise. That's pretty much modern Lex Luthor's bread and butter. So even though we didn't see a wide view of humanity's reactions, I suspect we're going to.

Here's the thing...while the idea of Superman and the Kryptonians being Earth's first contact with aliens was part of the movie, it wasn't the central storyline itself, but more of a subplot. The central storyline was in fact, Superman's origins as a heroic figure. And we did see how humanity dealth with alien contact in several respects, in the context of how they dealt with Superman, and in the context of Lois Lane's story, Perry's attempts to keep it under wraps, etc, and the sensationalization of it all when it went public.

As far as world leaders sequences, etc, let's be honest, we've seen those scenes, in countless other alien invasion films. There's nothing new there, and nothing truly unique about that anymore, certainly nothing that necessarily serves the Superman mythos. What we haven't seen quite as much of is an alien sitting down with military leaders and offering to help. The dynamic in this movie was different than your typical alien invasion/disaster film, and for good reason.

This was a superhero movie. It was a movie about Superman, and how people would specifically react to Superman and his kind. In the context of how the world would react to hostile aliens, which is what happened, we saw what we needed to in order to maintain focus in a story with a central character like Superman: The military's initial and ongoing response. Since it was pretty much only on American soil, we only saw the American military.

The filmmakers have a responsibility to focus on scenes and ideas involving Superman and the core concepts of his mythos, not tick off boxes of things we need to see in every alien invasion film.

 

[writer0327]

I don't think it was just a main plot point in this movie. I imagine that it will be a key, ongoing theme throughout this franchise. That's pretty much modern Lex Luthor's bread and butter. So even though we didn't see a wide view of humanity's reactions, I suspect we're going to.

Here's the thing...while the idea of Superman and the Kryptonians being Earth's first contact with aliens was part of the movie, it wasn't the central storyline itself, but more of a subplot. The central storyline was in fact, Superman's origins as a heroic figure. And we did see how humanity dealth with alien contact in several respects, in the context of how they dealt with Superman, and in the context of Lois Lane's story, Perry's attempts to keep it under wraps, etc, and the sensationalization of it all when it went public.

As far as world leaders sequences, etc, let's be honest, we've seen those scenes, in countless other alien invasion films. There's nothing new there, and nothing truly unique about that anymore, certainly nothing that necessarily serves the Superman mythos. What we haven't seen quite as much of is an alien sitting down with military leaders and offering to help. The dynamic in this movie was different than your typical alien invasion/disaster film, and for good reason.

This was a superhero movie. It was a movie about Superman, and how people would specifically react to Superman and his kind. In the context of how the world would react to hostile aliens, which is what happened, we saw what we needed to in order to maintain focus in a story with a central character like Superman: The military's initial and ongoing response. Since it was pretty much only on American soil, we only saw the American military.

The filmmakers have a responsibility to focus on scenes and ideas involving Superman and the core concepts of his mythos, not tick off boxes of things we need to see in every alien invasion film.

It's part of Superman's character arc the film makers created. It was tied into his soul-searching mission of self-discovery. The planet was almost destroyed because of alien contact. It was the reason Pa Kent died.

Its a major plot point. It should have been addressed.

I think if our world was nearly destroyed by aliens, and it took an alien to save us, we're hilariously unprepared for alien attacks and that should be topic #1 on the agenda. They didn't have to include a scene of world leaders discussing aliens, but I had to see it being addressed somehow. Following Superman with a drone doesn't cut it either.

 

[spider-neil]

It really isn't shown though. That's what's missing from this film....the character of Superman, his persona, what he believes in and stands for, why he goes about fighting crime, evil, and oppression at every turn. The triumph of belief, the hope for humanity, the fight for truth and justice....this is Superman and it's not clearly portrayed in this film.

If its "Superman Begins", as you say, then they still haven't finished the movie, because by the time the film is wrapped up, we should see the core of who Superman is, with all full evidence of his characteristic traits. If there is more to be fleshed out in the next film, then what was this film for?

To be fair, at the end of Casino Royale, I thought Craig was in no way shape or form James Bond. But it was still a great movie and they address my problems in the sequel (Skyfall not QoS I despise that movie). Superman is just starting out, he isn't the icon, yet.

 

[spider-neil]

One aspect that may work really well with the utter destruction of Metropolis is Lex Luther can rebuild Metropolis as the 'city of tomorrow' (giving it a futuristic look). He will have the city in his tight grip and debt and he can really talk up the mistrust of Superman and say how he had to clean up Superman's mess.

Some real conflict there and may give us our best Luther since the 70s'

 

[KalMart]

It really isn't shown though. That's what's missing from this film....the character of Superman, his persona, what he believes in and stands for, why he goes about fighting crime, evil, and oppression at every turn. The triumph of belief, the hope for humanity, the fight for truth and justice....this is Superman and it's not clearly portrayed in this film.

If its "Superman Begins", as you say, then they still haven't finished the movie, because by the time the film is wrapped up, we should see the core of who Superman is, with all full evidence of his characteristic traits. If there is more to be fleshed out in the next film, then what was this film for?

Or they just ended this one a bit earlier.

 

[Doc Samson]

But let’s not pretend the destruction and the loss of life wasn’t addressed. It was. Visually, and in grand fashion. Also, I suspect we will see the ripples from what happened in MAN OF STEEL following us into the next film, likely with Luthor being involved, and probably still with some rebuilding/trust building going on.

Not only that, but there was destruction in Superman II as well. Bodies were crashing into buildings, buses and cars were tossed around, a crater was created, electronic signs were destroyed (which was also the same type of product placement people act like MoS is only guilty of) & Supes himself went flying through the DP. It was just handled more tongue in cheek like that whole series was & the fact that the battle didn't reach the level of MoS, IMO, is partially a function of technology more than wholesomeness of character.

 

[KalMart]

People are seriously whining that a seemingly indestructible suit wasn't "fitted" to Clark? It's an ALIEN SUIT. Use your imagination.

I get that we don't really see "Metropolis picking up the pieces" after the battle, but I think that was intentional. This is a Superman movie. Do you really end a Superman movie with somewhat depressing ideas? I don't think you do. But let’s not pretend the destruction and the loss of life wasn’t addressed. It was. Visually, and in grand fashion. Also, I suspect we will see the ripples from what happened in MAN OF STEEL following us into the next film, likely with Luthor being involved, and probably still with some rebuilding/trust building going on.

As far as not seeing the reaction of the world to Superman’s existence…that’s not entirely true. We saw, in a sense, the world reacting to the knowledge that there is alien life out there. And Superman hasn’t really revealed himself to the world yet. Not really. He barely has worked with the military. Give it time. I expect this will be explored in the sequel.

I think it could have been uplifting and symbolic, though.

A couple shots of the city being rebuilt, construction, some cops, just life returning back to the city would have maybe been a nice backdrop...then we start to follow a bicycle through, then up to the planet. Kind of showing the rebirth of the city as Clark/Superman's new life begins....like they're going to be in this together. A theme of rebuilding...quite relevant in a post 9/11 and post-Hurricane Sandy/Tsunami/etc. world.


Even though he kinda' caused a lot of it.

 

[The Guard]

It's part of Superman's character arc the film makers created. It was tied into his soul-searching mission of self-discovery. The planet was almost destroyed because of alien contact. It was the reason Pa Kent died.

Its a major plot point. It should have been addressed.

It was addressed. Superman's impact wasn't addressed in total because they have to have somewhere to go with this element in future films.

So in this film, given the more militaristic nature of the threat to Earth, it was addressed from a military standpoint, IE, "Is this guy a security threat to us?" I would imagine that we will see different aspects of the impact Superman has on the world from film to film. There were hints at more political overtones in a sequel at the end of the movie.

I think if our world was nearly destroyed by aliens, and it took an alien to save us, we're hilariously unprepared for alien attacks and that should be topic #1 on the agenda. They didn't have to include a scene of world leaders discussing aliens, but I had to see it being addressed somehow. Following Superman with a drone doesn't cut it either.

And that probably WILL be topic number one and a conversation that carries into the second film, based on the events of the first. But you can't put the cart before the horse in this case. And again, this is a Superman movie, not just an alien invasion film. There's a question of story focus.

 

[Skrilla31]

I've said this in other threads, a scene of world leaders/Presidents discussing how to deal with this problem of "we aren't alone in the universe" should have been part of this film.

I was actually expecting something like this in the movie. Superman's arrival wouldn't just be a domestic issue, it would be a global issue. You gotta think something like that would unite mankind. The question is would it unite us through hope or fear.

And who would have his ear? What country's leaders? A scene involving the UN would have been nice to see.

 

[The Guard]

I think it could have been uplifting and symbolic, though.

A couple shots of the city being rebuilt, construction, some cops, just life returning back to the city would have maybe been a nice backdrop...then we start to follow a bicycle through, then up to the planet. Kind of showing the rebirth of the city as Clark/Superman's new life begins....like they're going to be in this together. A theme of rebuilding...quite relevant in a post 9/11 and post-Hurricane Sandy/Tsunami/etc. world.

True. The movie was pretty well written...something so obvious had to have been considered. I would imagine they have something planned for a sequel to address the events of this one.

Part of me wonders if maybe Snyder just didn't want to redo the end of WATCHMEN. Other than Nite Owl's kneeling scream, of course...

 

[KalMart]

True. The movie was pretty well written...something so obvious had to have been considered. I would imagine they have something planned for a sequel to address the events of this one.

Part of me wonders if maybe Snyder just didn't want to redo the end of WATCHMEN. Other than Nite Owl's kneeling scream, of course...

Also rather nicely ironic that Superman's first entrance into a city (as a new home) that's being rebuilt is on a humble bicycle. Like discussed earlier...the elements were all there, just could have used a bit more 'poetry' in presenting it....even in understating it.

 

[Rock Sexton]

I think it could have been uplifting and symbolic, though.

A couple shots of the city being rebuilt, construction, some cops, just life returning back to the city would have maybe been a nice backdrop...then we start to follow a bicycle through, then up to the planet. Kind of showing the rebirth of the city as Clark/Superman's new life begins....like they're going to be in this together. A theme of rebuilding...quite relevant in a post 9/11 and post-Hurricane Sandy/Tsunami/etc. world.


Even though he kinda' caused a lot of it.

Hell yeah .... or how's about a scene where Supes is helping put a wall or giant beam back up or something that normally would take a crane.

 

[TheFlamingCoco]

Exactly.

I get that they leave a lot for sequels nowadays, but not more than it should.

I think if you think of MOS as a KRYPTON movie, than it works a lot better than a "Superman" movie. It shows Krypton, it shows the effect a kryptonian has against the military, and it also shows the duality between Zod, Superman, Jor-El and Kent. I think as a stand-alone it falters, but if it leads to a great sequel, we're in for a treat. Just as long as Zack finds a new technique to overruse that won't stand in the way of the story (like JJ's lens flares)

 

[KalMart]

Hell yeah .... or how's about a scene where Supes is helping put a wall or giant beam back up or something that normally would take a crane.

No quite yet, with the way this 'Superman Begins' set things up.


But.....it's a bit disappointing because I, as well as others I would assume, always felt that Superman's first introduction to the people in the world as Superman should be in Metropolis...saving something or someone, and as a miracle. Whether saving Lois or whatever. STM did it great with the helicopter, Birthright with whatever.

This movie kind of pulls that rug out from underneath....he's already seen as one of those freaky beings fighting and causing destruction, and if there's an official 'first save' in Metropolis, you have to figure it'll happen within the year or so that will pass before the sequel. Assuming they don't pick up a sequel as the very next day. So as a self-contained storyline, I think MOS is fine where this story ends. But unfortunately, as a series of stories, there's some real crucial stuff with his first year as Clark and Supes actually IN Metropolis that these movies are basically built to pass over now. Or...it's set up so the first things Superman faces is somehow answering to the first impression that Metropolis has of him...which is a walking and flying disaster.

That's kind of the 'aw damn' thing about how they've set it up and ended the first movie.

 

[Senator Pleasury]

I think if you think of MOS as a KRYPTON movie, than it works a lot better than a "Superman" movie. It shows Krypton, it shows the effect a kryptonian has against the military, and it also shows the duality between Zod, Superman, Jor-El and Kent. I think as a stand-alone it falters, but if it leads to a great sequel, we're in for a treat. Just as long as Zack finds a new technique to overruse that won't stand in the way of the story (like JJ's lens flares)

Actually I got the feeling it was more of an alien invasion movie. But it's possible that the sequel will be better as MANY sequels now are better than the first movie - Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, for instance. Problem is I am already hating that Clark Kent, the journalist, has his double identity known by Lois already and that his glasses are even a worse covering now than it has ever been. Lois is not and will not be the only one who has seen Superman and Clark, you know.

 

[blumatic]

Respectfully disagree here.

This was a major plot point in the movie, how humanity will deal with existence of extra-terrestrials, and this was not resolved at all, nor was it properly addressed. I've said this in other threads, a scene of world leaders/Presidents discussing how to deal with this problem of "we aren't alone in the universe" should have been part of this film. I'm sure it will be part of the next film (and if its not, its criminally neglectful of the writer/director) but it should have been here, as it would have at least wrapped up that plot point.

Its very challenging to make a film. They probably had all these ideas in their head and probably out the there is a script or story that is very comprhensive and addresses everything. But when your are dealing with deadlines and time restrictions not everything can be fleshed out.

You hear this about books to movies all the time - about how they left out a story line for a relevant character. And the alien thing was not to be resolved but established.

 

[TheFlamingCoco]

^ Well there is a 3.5 hour cut OUT there. But Zack decided to go all Nolan and not release a DC cut :/

 

[mace1]

Here is another interesting review.
Check out,and after seeing this reply and tell us what you think.

Man Of Steel Review Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuLyyKRd6YY



Man Of Steel Review Part 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pws1Dgyrwtw&NR=1&feature=endscreen

 

[KalMart]

^ Well there is a 3.5 hour cut OUT there. But Zack decided to go all Nolan and not release a DC cut :/

If there is it means that it was an even bigger and longer mess. That's a red flag right there if the first 'instinct' ended up in something 3 hrs. or more.

 

[Human Torch]

I hate that Lois knows his I.D. from the beginning.Part of what I like about the Superman/Lois relationship is the two sided "triangle" they have.Other Superhero films have tried to have this (Spider-Man and Batman Forever come to mind) but Superman is the most likely to work,presumably because he doesn't wear a mask!

Lois loves Superman,but Supe rather pursue Lois as Clark the "average" guy than in his hero persona.Lois dismisses Clark as being either too "mild mannered" (Reeves series) klutzy (Reeve films) or simple farmboy (which tends to be the recent portrayal) to be a serious love interest.

They killed all of that before it even had a chance.And all on the grounds of "Oooh we're sooo so sophisticated today!The Glasses wouldn't fool her."

Reeve proved that it could be plausible (with a healthy grain of "suspension of disbelief" ) because he- you know- could actually act like a different person.Now that's not a slam against Cavill since he wasn't called on to play "Cover" Clark until the last 10 seconds of the film.But it can be done,if enough effort is made.

 

[InJustice]

If Lois didn't know who Superman is in MOS that would've completely negated Lois' character and no one would take her seriously. At least the fact that she knows who Superman is could give rise to interesting moral debates in future sequels. For instance, say we get a Coleman Reese scenario from TDK in MOS II, Lois would face immense pressure in having to either protect Clark, or expose and endanger his life.

They didn't "kill it," because that was never their intention in the first place. In all honesty, I respect the Lois-Clark dynamic from the comic books but it's way too campy and unrealistic to adapt to movies that are attempting to be grounded.

 

[The Guard]

And more to the point, there are plenty of interesting stories to tell after she finds out Clark is Superman.