Poll: Man of Steel: The Good, the Bad, and the future of the DC Cinematic Universe

[ejrocksthisworld]

So far, I find that the vast majority of the population is in love with 'Man of Steel' and the direction Warner Brothers is taking the franchise with the recently announced Superman & Batman movie. However, I cannot bring myself to say that this was a good entry into the DC Cinematic Universe. This isn't to say that this was a bad movie, but that in comparison to the standard that 'Iron Man' set as the entry point to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this movie couldn't quite match up. I, personally, found the plot to be marred with holes and inconsistencies, the use of certain characters to be unnecessary and at times quite forced, and many segments of the film to be bland and boring. To me, this is very troubling, seeing as though the reasons listed above are merely the tip of the ice burg in my complaints about the film.

This is what I ask: If you agree with me, note so in the poll and go ahead and add to my case as to why this is a poor entry into the DC Cinematic Universe, and what could of been done to avert this dilemma. If you disagree with me, note that in the poll and make your case. Prove to the forum why this movie has set the tone for the lineup of films to come, and what DC should continue to do or add to the next movie to continue its own path and set itself up to compete with Marvel.

Try not to get too wound up or hurt over this, these are all merely opinions, but important opinions that will stir critical thinking and re-shape our understanding of 'Man of Steel' and the DC Cinematic Universe.

Have at it!

 

[Thomas Barnsley]

My only problem with MoS was that non of the character's behaved like humans. They didn't talk to each other, they talked at each other with a monologue of cliches. Some of the time anyway. That's probably why I liked all the kryptonian character's better; they had an excuse to behave unlike a human being because they aren't human beings.

Other than that it was a great film. Great action, a good story (can't ask for much better for a superhero movie), a good enough script where it wasn't like what I said before. It was better than most other superhero movies.

 

[Dirty Hipsters]

I didn't like a lot of Man of Steel. In fact, I think the only thing that I did really like about it was the action. Snyder can really create a good, visceral action scene.

Outside of that, I thought the writing was pretty stupid for the most part. Tons of cliches, some really bad leaps in logic at multiple points, bad dialogue, and you can clearly see exactly where the rewrites in the script occurred because of drastic changes in the tone of the movie.

I also didn't like the aesthetics of the cinematography. The movie's color was really muted and the whole thing felt really grey despite there being tons of colors on screen. I mean hell, Superman's costume is all red and blue, it should be as vibrant as they come, and yet it still didn't feel any more colorful than the Kryptonian's black suits. Considering one of the strengths of Marvel's cinematic universe is how well the movies tie together visually, it seems like if this is the start of DC's cinematic universe and all the movies are going to have very similar visuals, then we're about to have a lot of really flat and dull looking colors and visuals in the next few DC movies.

Another thing that really bugged me about the movie is just how many people knew the Clark Kent is Superman. I mean seriously, Lois Lane finds out Superman's identity immediately, and basically the entire town of Smallville knows it, so depending on how they use that it could get really annoying in the extended DC movie universe.

I have to say though, at least it was better than Superman Returns.

 

[xshadowscreamx]

i really liked MAN OF STEEL
that moment where superman tackles ZOD away from his mother into the cornfield yelling 'dont threaten my mother' was an emotional moment for me.

 

[The Harkinator]

I loved Man of Steel, it had many issues and inconsistencies but it was a genuinely thrilling film. I enjoyed watching it a lot more than other films that have less problems. The score and the pacing of fight scenes combined really well and I thought that Cavill did a solid job as Superman.

 

[captainballsack]

Another thing that really bugged me about the movie is just how many people knew the Clark Kent is Superman. I mean seriously, Lois Lane finds out Superman's identity immediately, and basically the entire town of Smallville knows it, so depending on how they use that it could get really annoying in the extended DC movie universe.

That's what killed it for me. Lois finds out immediately.

The most important idea of Superman is the fact that he has those double identities. As Tarantino said, Superman is such a great story because "Superman" isn't the costume, "Clark Kent" is the costume, and both identities are a critique on the human race.

Even Smallville was closer to the lore than this film.

 

[elvor0]

Another thing that really bugged me about the movie is just how many people knew the Clark Kent is Superman. I mean seriously, Lois Lane finds out Superman's identity immediately, and basically the entire town of Smallville knows it, so depending on how they use that it could get really annoying in the extended DC movie universe.

That's what killed it for me. Lois finds out immediately.

The most important idea of Superman is the fact that he has those double identities. As Tarantino said, Superman is such a great story because "Superman" isn't the costume, "Clark Kent" is the costume, and both identities are a critique on the human race.

Even Smallville was closer to the lore than this film.

I've never really liked that Bill speech, it sounds good in context, but it implies Clark Kent is a completely made up persona, it makes him sound rather self righteous rather than just. Obviously the clumsiness and un-sureness are invented but it's important to note that Superman is so much a paragon justice is because he is fundamentally human, the clumsiness is a direct parallel to him being so strong he has to be careful all the time, and the un-sureness is him having to make tough decisions all the time, not what's easy but what's right.

Not biologically, but psychologically he's human, his sense of good and just is is an extension from who he is Clark Kent, which even after he finds out he's an alien is still his natural personality he grew up with, he may have been born Kal-El, but he grew up as Clark Kent.

Supes even says it himself in The Man of Steel(The comic that is): "Krypton bred me, but it was Earth that gave me all I am."

Man of Steel is a stretched origin story, he doesn't even really begin to embody Superman till the end of the film, even then it takes him killing Zod to enforce the idea that he won't kill. It'll be MoS 2 where he's SUPERMAN, as in the iconography that goes with that, and not a farm boy discovering himself.

 

[Henkie36]

I think it was a decent entry. It looked amazing, but characterwise it was a relatively weak movie. But then again, when you are doing a movie universe, you have to take chanches. It is impossible to go back after a movie where a lot of people have a so-so feeling about.

As to the future of the Justice League Universe, I'm really against the reboot of the Batman movies after we just finished a trilogy with two rocksolid movies and one weaker one. I also really hope that they are going to include Arrow in the universe. It's not likely, but it can still happen. Stephen Amell won't be the problem in any case.

 

[Guilherme Zoldan]

I liked the movie a lot, just watched it a second time yesterday and while there are some issues with the plot being kinda overcomplicated and having quite a few minor plotholes, its paced and structured well enough that you wouldn't care unless you're looking for it.

 

[ellers07]

It's funny, I was under the impression that the vast majority of people did not like Man of Steel. I was starting to think I was the minority. As was said above, the film was indeed a stretched origin story, but I didn't see that as a negative thing. I think it gave us a chance to really see Superman come into his own and by the next film he will be that iconic Superman.

Lois knowing he was Clark did throw me at first, but the more I thought about it the more I liked it. Maybe it's time to let that gag go. It was amusing sure, but really it's one of the most ridiculous things about Superman's story. Christopher Reeve could pull it off at least a little because he didn't have Superman's stature. Which is why he made a great Clark, but his Superman looked a little on the wimpy side. Henry Cavill has the opposite problem. The guy is built like Superman and when he puts on the Clark glasses it's ludicrous to think no one will recognize him. That's clearly Superman with glasses on. In the long run, I think this change is a step forward and it opens the door to some new story lines.

In truth, I can't think of anything I was really disappointed with. I loved that Krypton felt like a fully fleshed out world. We haven't really seen that in any live action adaptation of Superman. Lois was finally something more than a damsel in distress. Visually, it was outstanding. We've been waiting a long time to see Superman have a fight that finally did him justice and thanks to Snyder it was gorgeous. I know some people did not like the muted colors, but I guess that's a matter of personal taste. I thought it looked great and really set it apart from the bright colors of the Marvel films (not that I don't appreciate them, but I like variety).

My question would be, what are the inconsistencies and plot holes I've been hearing about. I hear people mention them, but it's often preceded by the phrase "I'm not going to get into all the..." Which is not entirely helpful. I didn't see any real issues. There's some conveniences sure, but aren't there always?

So for me, yes, I enjoyed the movie thoroughly and think it was finally a great start to the DC cinematic universe (Can we all at least agree it was better than Green Lantern?). I can't wait to see another. I take that back. I can wait. No need to rush a low quality sequel.

 

[ZippyDSMlee]

Its okay but its kinda bad like all the Superman flicks.

I'm waiting on the bargain bin blu ray....

 

[Johnny Novgorod]

It was just OK. No new song here, just the usual darkened origins retread. SPOILERS: I don't care if Superman kills Zod in the movie (he did the same in Superman II, which everybody keeps saying is better but none seem to have watched), I don't care if Jimmy Olsen is a girl, Perry White is black and Lois is a redhead. It's a shame Lois is such a dumb character, Jonathan Kent's death is like a spoof of the scene it's trying to pull off, there's some pointless timeline warping and the whole finale is the same old 9/11 stunt we keep saying in action movies these days. Other than that, fun movie, but not that awesome.

 

[irok]

"You will give the people an ideal to strive towards. They will race behind you, they will stumble, they will fall. But in time, they will join you in the sun. In time, you will help them accomplish wonders."

This , it wasn't bad, it wasn't phenomenal(except for the visuals which were fantastic) but for a superhero movie, it was good, for a superman movie it was fantastic, I honestly didn't think they would find anyway of making superman interesting seeing as nothing is ever really a threat to him but as far as reimagining's go it didn't rip apart its source but it well, made a movie out of it, simplified and cut down for time but still good non the less and what's more it was an angle that to my knowledge hasn't been done before, a hesitant superman hiding his powers lest people find out about him, that in and of itself was interesting.

Hopefully it will inspire more of its kind aka superhero movies that don't suck as they owe us several more of these to make up for green lantern and Spiderman.

 

[ExtraDebit]

You want inconsistancy and plot holes? How does superman shave and cut his hair? how come his hair don't burn off on reentry or in fire? How does a non-aerodynamic shape fly so fast? Why would he put oh a cape when it will only increase drag as he fly?

That's why I never like DC universe, you cannot enjoy it without dumbing down your own intelligence and believe in space magic.

 

[zelda2fanboy]

I kind of hated this movie, which bums me out because I liked all of Nolan's Batmans and Snyder's Watchmen adaptation. The writing was stupid, everything involving Kevin Costner was stupid, and the action was relentless. At a certain point, I just wanted to shut my eyes and cover my ears. I was worried that I just don't like Superman, too. It's entirely possible that that is my main problem. I enjoyed the Krypton segments, though. I really really hope they don't make another movie just like this one for the sequel, but I kind of suspect it will be similar with the same director and screenwriter. Won't they let anyone write these things besides David Goyer?

 

[JimB]

I had a lot of gripes with Man of Steel, most of which I've written down elsewhere and which I might bother to go find and copy and paste here some time. For right now, though, let this stand for everything else I might say:

Man of Steel lied to me.

As Kal-El (I cannot in good conscience call the character "Superman," and even if I could I wouldn't because if the movie is so fucking embarrassed of its source material it only uses the name once as a joke, then it doesn't deserve the name) is breaking out of the Kryptonian ship, Jor-El tells him and us in the audience, "You can save everyone." Kal-El then floats out into space with his arms out to the sides in his best imitation of Jesus on the cross and flies down to Earth where he fails to save dozens of people on camera--all the poor bastards getting dribbled like basketballs by the gravity beam, and the crew of the military plane--as well as hundreds or even thousands whose deaths do not appear on camera but that we must assume based on the devastation of Metropolis. He most certainly fails to save Zod.

Like the Jesus he so badly wants to be, the only salvation Kal-El can offer you comes after your death. Though the hologram of the ghost of his father tells him that he can save everyone, this is a lie. He cannot save everyone, and in fact, the closer you are to him, the closer you are to dying from circumstances nothing in human power could prevent or stay. The worst part of it is, the movie thinks I'm too stupid to notice that it lied to me.

So yeah, cast my vote as negative.

 

[Kged]

i really liked MAN OF STEEL
that moment where superman tackles ZOD away from his mother into the cornfield yelling 'dont threaten my mother' was an emotional moment for me.

You did notice that, when he tackled Zod away, he actually left his mother alone with a gang of Zod's soldiers?

Put me in the negative camp too, I'm afraid. The entire tone of the film was wrong - the angsty downbeat superhero thing is fine for the Batman and the X-Men, but totally inappropriate for Superman.

Christopher Reeve was Superman, that will never change for me. I don't know why anyone even bothered trying to top that first movie - there will never be a better Superman movie than that.

 

[The Funslinger]

I mean hell, Superman's costume is all red and blue, it should be as vibrant as they come, and yet it still didn't feel any more colorful than the Kryptonian's black suits.

I don't know, I liked the costume. I felt like their muting it (and not making it spandex) was the best way to make it look good. By comparison, I really can't take Christopher Reeve's outfit seriously.

 

[The Funslinger]

You want inconsistancy and plot holes? How does superman shave and cut his hair? how come his hair don't burn off on reentry or in fire? How does a non-aerodynamic shape fly so fast? Why would he put oh a cape when it will only increase drag as he fly?

That's why I never like DC universe, you cannot enjoy it without dumbing down your own intelligence and believe in space magic.

The Christopher Reeve movie, and the animated series both show Superman reflecting his heat vision very lightly off of a mirror onto his cheeks to shave.