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If you are not 18, please exit stage left. While there is normally nothing naughty here, I do write and review erotica so there are links to spicy stuff and the occasional heated excerpt.

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Man Of Steel

Hey there Imaginarians! Did you all have a great weekend? I did. I took my nephew to see Man of Steel and what an epic film. My nephew and I were clutching the arms of our seats for almost the whole film. Okay, before I go blathering off on a hundred different tangents, how about I just get into my review? LOL

We all know the story of Superman, he's been part of our group think for decades, but Zack Snyder (300, Dawn of the Dead) has given our favorite Kryptonian a slightly new polish and it works. There was lots of noise about this being too dark, too gritty, but in a word...Hell no. Superman is still the exact same square-jawed boy scout, however, he's been made a little more real and accessible. I never bought into this kid growing up with perfect acceptance of his powers, no feelings of isolation, no adjustments or anything. The comics have always glossed over that, at least the ones I remember reading. hell, even the Chris Reeve film, the standard bearer, whitewashed that part. This Superman is along the lines of the Smallville Clark Kent, an eminently more realistic and yes, believable, hero. I don't know about you, but I want to know that my hero has struggled, that he's had to overcome and still struggles. You can't have good without some bad, there is no perfection. Saints have their flaws and so should superheroes. Oh I can hear the protests now, "Mel, Superman's not human, he's from Krypton." Bull shit. He's humanoid and anything remotely human is flawed to the nth degree.

I digress.

Cavill brings this Superman to wondrous life. He struggles, he's isolated, hell, he's scruffy, something that Clark Kent never was before and I love it. Henry's turn is strong, quiet, yet there is a commanding air about him. He has humor, warmth and a deep love for those around him. He gets ticked off and there is one scene where he avoids a bar fight, but gets his own revenge and I pumped my fist. It was beautiful.

Amy Adams is terrific as Lois. Smart, strong and a take-no-prisoners attitude coupled with compassion and a huge heart. She risks herself for Clark because of who he is and what she finds out he has gone through. She's not awed by his looks. The chemistry between Adams and Cavill sizzles. They fairly smoked the screen. You could feel the depth of attraction and affection. I cannot wait for chapter 2 of this romance.

Now for the villain of the piece...Kneel before Zod, er Michael Shannon. Oh my God was he incredible. Zod is a warrior, sworn to protect Krypton and their way of life to the exclusion of all else and Shannon delivers that depth of duty and psychosis in a pure crazed, relentless performance. I could not take my eyes off of him when he was on screen. He even outshone Russell Crowe and the delicious Cavill in some cases.

The supporting cast was terrific as well. Diane Lane and Kevin Costner were so amazing as the Kents, a couple struggling to raise not only a child, but a being who will change our world. Their performances were honest and true. Laurence Fishburne did not get enough screen time as Perry White, but I hope he remained because he was not only a hard-nosed news man, but he had a softer side that made me love him. He and Amy had great rapport. Harry Lennix and Christopher Meloni struck a perfect balance between hard nosed soldier and decent fellow. They weren't flat, stock soldiers like Stephen Lang in Avatar.

I do have to make special mention of the badass bitch of the movie, Antje Traue as Zod's second, Faora Ul. She rocked it, kicking ass and taking names. Her fight scenes were hellagood and I hope she gets more action work ASAP.

The fx were bold, brilliant and just had my mouth agape almost the whole time. I could have caught Skittles in my trap. Zack Snyder knows how to do big action, yet keep human and real, unlike Michael Bay. Each fight, explosion, etc. has a purpose beyond "wouldn't that be cool."

There was really only one flaw for me and that was Krypton. I thought it was a little overdone, too much like Dune in some sort of medieval, opera style when it should have been more tech and smooth like Minority Report or Star Trek. For me people who have to fight with metal swords don't travel in space.

Overall this was one hellacious good time and I can't wait to strap in for another.

Any of you see this yet? What did you think? Talk to me.


25 comments:

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    1. Thank you, my friend. I think the nephew wants to see it again.

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  2. I knew from the very beginning that Henrylicious Cavill and Amydorable Adams would have great chemistry :)

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    1. They sure did. Smoked the screen right up. ;)

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  3. I wasn't sure how well Adams would fit the role, but she was great. Not the best superhero film, but solid. And it should get us past the origins story. (Which is a downside with reboots - they always have to start with an origins story.)

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    1. Origin stories are always clunky, which is why I usually shudder with dread when I hear about a reboot. I was't sure about Adams, either, but she was terrific.

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  4. I thought it was a good, but not great. It was EPIC, but got overwhelming by the third act with never-ending chaos and mayhem. The chemistry between Superman and Lois wasn't explored enough for me to care about their relationship. Michael Shannon stole the show. Russell Crowe did fine for my taste, but his performance needed more consistency. Henry Cavill did excellent and smokin' hot onscreen. The director Zack Snyder didn't bring anything new to Superman, he ONLY brought a new vision to him. By all means, I had a blast watching Man of Steel, but it didn't fulfill my ridiculously high expectations. I know the sequels will be better than the origin story.

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    1. You're right, Livia. Reboots and origins stories are slow and awkward because you have to go over so much. I thought Amy and Henry had ample screen time together so I loved their developing relationship. Unfortunately, if you bring anything really new to a superhero, you risk alienating a core audience so I can see why Snyder held back. The sequels will be more awesome for sure. :)

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  5. Great review Melissa I am glad you enjoyed it.

    I pretty much agree with you across the board. Man of Steel was a good film but it just lacked something to elevate it for me.

    I actually thought that Henry Cavill could have done with a bit more screen time too

    K :-)

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    1. Thank you, Karina! Yes, Henry could have done with a lot more screen time. yummy! I know origin stories are clunky, but the sequels should be a lot better.

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  6. Superman was my fave superhero, hands down. I wanted to find a guy like that. With or without the superpowers.

    Glad you enjoyed the movie! I plan to see it too.

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    1. Amen, D.G.! I'd love to find me a man like Superman. Something about black hair and all those muscles. ;)

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  7. So glad you enjoyed the movie. I admit, I skimmed parts of your post afraid of reading too many spoilers because I'm dying to see Henry Cavill's abs, um... I mean, Man of Steel. (;

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    1. Hi Elise, well I tried not to post too many spoilers, but I completely understand. :) And yes, those abs are magnificent!

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  8. I still have to watch this movie but I've heard very good comments about it. I'm glad you enjoyed!

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    1. Thank you, Dragon Father! It is a good movie and I hope you get to see it soon.

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  9. I'm really looking forward to seeing it.

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  10. I watched it-- but I didn't see the chemistry between the lead pair--- which is fine for a movie that isn't a romance. (So I guess I disagree with you there. They could have found a better Lois, imho.)

    I really liked Superman for the first time-- it was refreshing to see vulnerability, and as you mention, scruffines!

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    1. Wasn't the vulnerability just amazing? I loved that relationship he had with Martha Kent. And the scruffiness was awesome. I get really intimidated by chiseled perfection, not that I don't like to look at it from a far. But I'd rather snuggle with some scruff. ;)

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  11. Darn it, I wanted to love it...but just didn't. Too Michael Bay-like philosophically for me. My kids were sad instead of inspired. Bummer. :(

    Dug your review, tho...great job.

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  12. Oooh, great review! I want to see this so bad!!

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  13. A great review Melissa and I couldn't have said it better myself. Zod's final speech about his people was brilliant and moving. I haven't seen Shannon in too many roles, but this is an impressive performance.

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  14. "I want to know that my hero has struggled, that he's had to overcome and still struggles." <---Yes. A thousand times, yes.

    I haven't seen it yet, and probably won't until it's out on DVD. Sounds like I'm missing quite the experience though.

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  15. YEAH! Great review :)Been looking forward to seeing my favorite superhero again, now even so much more. On my list for this week-end!

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