MAN OF STEEL - Grading & Discussion

Discussion in 'Science Fiction & Fantasy' started by Agent Richard07, Jun 11, 2013.

?

Grade the movie...

  1. A+

    10.9%
  2. A

    20.8%
  3. A-

    18.1%
  4. B+

    9.8%
  5. B

    11.3%
  6. B-

    4.2%
  7. C+

    4.9%
  8. C

    4.9%
  9. C-

    3.8%
  10. D+

    3.4%
  11. D

    3.8%
  12. D-

    2.6%
  13. F

    1.5%
  1. RandyS

    RandyS Vice Admiral Admiral

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    Well, in the case of Gerard Christopher (The Superboy series), it makes sense that he would emulate Chris Reeve since that show was produced by the Salkinds, who, as I'm sure you know, produced the Reeve films. So the simularity in that case was no doubt intentional.

    And in the case of Dean Cain, you probably think he makes a stronger Clark Kent because you're SUPPOSED to. The whole point of the characterization in that show was that Clark Kent was the real person, while Superman is the disguise that lets him use his powers in public. In fact, one of my favorite second season episodes addresses this when Clark tells Lois, "Superman is what I can do, Clark is who I am.".
     
  2. Agent Richard07

    Agent Richard07 Admiral Admiral

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    ^ For me, that's the most memorable line from the show.
     
  3. Ovation

    Ovation Admiral Admiral

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    Saw this a few nights ago (wanted to go earlier but between kids, family vacation, work and, well, life, I no longer get to the cinema nearly as often as I used to when I was single).

    Gave it an A-. I'm glad I went in spoiler-free (I usually do that for movies--didn't do it for the latest Trek and while I still enjoyed it immensely, I regret dropping my usual spoiler-free policy). Made the death of Zod moment more powerful.

    Overall, I was entertained (first order of business for a movie). I had no issues with the "updates" to the mythology. Casting was first rate. My only quibbles really have to do with the lengthy action scenes. There is nothing specific I consider objectionable about any scene or shot in particular, but some judicious editing could have shortened them a bit without sacrificing the overall effect of demonstrating exactly how powerful such beings would be (and the consequences of that power). This could have freed up 3-5 mins. in the running time for a bit more development of Martha (of all the important characters, she's the one that most felt, to me, like a few more moments of screen time would have been beneficial--plus I'm a big fan of Diane Lane). Not in one chunk, and not solely Martha--a few quick moments with Martha, Jonathan and Clark together (beyond the truck/tornado scene) would have been nice. It seemed like it was Clark/Martha and Clark/Jonathan but rarely all three together. But these are minor quibbles.

    I was a bit sorry to see Hamilton die--thought he'd make a good recurring minor character.

    Nostalgia, at present, keeps the two Reeve films at the top of my favourites list for Superman film/TV, but that could change with a few more viewings of MoS. I'm certainly looking forward to further outings from this production.
     
  4. GalaxyX

    GalaxyX Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

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    I agree.

    Which is why, even as campy as the show could get, I enjoyed watching it.

    Superboy was very sci-fiish which I enjoyed, but it was very much an 80's product. Lois & Clark was more of a 90's take, which worked well to distinguish itself from everything else.
     
  5. davejames

    davejames Vice Admiral Admiral

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    I don't know, personally something always kinda bugged me about that. I don't mind making Clark more of a real persona like we saw in L&C, but to me Superman should still be more than just a "costume", or a flashy symbol that Clark presents to the outside world so he can live a normal life outside of it.

    To me Superman should be just as much his real persona as Clark is. And maybe even more so, considering it's the one time he can be fully Kryptonian and do all the incredible things he can actually do-- instead of having to hide his superpowers and pretend to be just a normal, everyday human all the time.

    I see Superman as being almost the purest version of him. Which is what comes through so strongly in STM and MOS, and why I think I prefer that take the best.
     
  6. Savage Dragon

    Savage Dragon Not really all that savage Moderator

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    I had the same thought until it occurred to me that it's possible he is just trapped in the Phantom Zone and not dead. I really liked Colonel Hardy too so I'm hoping they are both trapped there and find a way back.
     
  7. Ovation

    Ovation Admiral Admiral

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    Just read Waid's review as well. I concur with your points across the board. Well said (as usual--even if I don't always agree with what you say, though that is rare enough, it is always well said).
     
  8. Flying Spaghetti Monster

    Flying Spaghetti Monster Vice Admiral Admiral

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    [yt]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymTDDYN2cdk[/yt]
     
  9. Ovation

    Ovation Admiral Admiral

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    Saw this again last week. Found it even better the second time around. Standouts to me are Jonathan the imperfect father (reminds me more of real fathers, including myself) and a Superman in the making rather than a fully-formed and veteran superhero.

    Would have liked a bit more of Martha (both alone with Clark and with all three of them), but then I am a big fan of Diane Lane. Didn't find the action sequences as long the second time through. I think my minor objection to their length the first time around owed much to having read complaints about that before seeing the movie. Will definitely be added to my shelf along with all the other superhero films I've got. Looking forward to the next installment.
     
  10. JarodRussell

    JarodRussell Vice Admiral Admiral

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    When was the last time we had a fully formed and veteran Superman in a good Superman film?
     
  11. davejames

    davejames Vice Admiral Admiral

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    Yeah compared to the neverending final battle in TF3, I didn't think the battles here dragged on too long at all. At least assuming you were still invested in the characters and hadn't completely tuned out by that point.
     
  12. Enterprise is Great

    Enterprise is Great Vice Admiral Admiral

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  13. Guy Gardener

    Guy Gardener Fleet Admiral Admiral

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    In the lap of squalor I assure you.
    Was it in the theatres for like 5 minutes?
     
  14. Gaith

    Gaith Vice Admiral Admiral

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    ^ It's a holiday release. This way, you can pick up the set, enjoy the extras, and a few days later gather the whole family 'round the projector for a post-Thanksgiving supper screening.

    If, you know, you hate your family.
     
  15. Savage Dragon

    Savage Dragon Not really all that savage Moderator

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    It was released at the beginning of June and Box Office Mojo has sales figures for it up to August 15th. So no.
     
  16. Dream

    Dream Admiral Admiral

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    You really need to go to movie theaters more often! :p
     
  17. Greg Cox

    Greg Cox Admiral Premium Member

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    Heck, it's still playing at one local theater around here. (I saw it on the marquee this Sunday.)
     
  18. USS Firefly

    USS Firefly Commodore Commodore

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    That's impossible because the duration of the movie is 143 min. ;)
     
  19. Captrek

    Captrek Vice Admiral Admiral

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    They ran the projector fast.
     
  20. davejames

    davejames Vice Admiral Admiral

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    The box office has definitely slowed to a crawl. It's been inching towards $290 for a while now, but just can't seem to get there.

    Still though, $649 million worldwide is pretty good for a reboot that most everyone supposedly hates.