Directed
by: Zac Snyder. Staring Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Russell Crowe,
Kevin Costner and Diane Lane. Written by: David. S. Goyer and Christopher Nolen.
Based on the DC comics created by Joseph Shuster and Jerry Siegel. Released: June 2013.
Let’s
go back in time. It is February 2011 and I’m taking a break from doing
homework. I go to one of my usual movie news sites and what is the headline...HENRY
CAVILL TO PLAY SUPERMAN!!!!
I’m
freaking out!! I first discovered Henry back in 2007 when he was playing Sir
Charles Brandon on the Showtime series The
Tudors. Even though he was not the
lead character, but King Henry’s best friend, he stood out to me. There was just something captivating and he
had an onscreen presence about him.
He
isn’t exactly hard to look at either, so that helped. Actually it’s distracting
at times in this film.
I
did always want to know more about the King’s best friend, and his story arc
was very interesting to follow on the show. I then started to follow his career
even after the show ended.
I
even watched Hellraiser 8 because
him. To learn he almost played Superman before and that it came down between
him and Daniel Craig to play James Bond (Casino
Royal is the first book in the Bond franchise and they considered going
younger). To see an actor filled with
potential still waiting for his break and to finally get it years later and
playing an iconic role as this was and is a very exciting experience.
But
I digress. This is about Man of Steel.
It
seems to be a polarizing film. I find that some of the critics in their reviews
have been a little too harsh. They
mention it being too action filled and that it takes itself too seriously.
Funny how previously they mentioned that Superman
Returns didn’t have enough action and was too campy.
Having
said that, is it a perfect film...no, but it is what you would expect for a summer
blockbuster like this and the mindset I went in with.
Many
critics argued that by grounding the film on the two fathers, Jol-El and
Jonathan Kent dreams for Kal-El/Clark Kent that the film failed to give us the
real Clark Kent/Superman and develop his character. I’d like to argue that the character of Clark
Kent/Superman in this adaptation didn’t really know who he was. He felt like an
outsider and that he didn’t fit in. After all he is an alien. He knew early on
that there was something different about him and he was continuously on the run. He
was stuck with what his adoptive father was constantly telling him and an inner
desire to learn about whom he was and his people. Of course he was confused and
didn’t know how to handle it all. Part of the film was about him making his
choice and deciding what path he would take. He became Superman and in the end
both father’s visions and dreams came true.
As
mentioned many critics claimed that the film didn't have enough humour in it. There
were some light hearted moments, such as Clark destroying the man’s truck and
when the female army officer commented on “how hot” Superman was. I’d like to
remind the critics that Clark Kent isn’t Tony Stark and if there was more
humour then they would criticized the film for not being serious enough or even
trying to be like the previous films. Zac Snyder has mentioned that he and the rest
of the team went in with the mindset that there wasn’t a Superman film done
before.
I
will admit that at times the dialogue did feel amateurish. Lines like “I can do things other people
can’t” and “your emotions make you weak” felt too obvious and simple. The film also at times explained things very
well, such as in the beginning and setting up everything about Krypton and the
codex, albeit a little too long. . But at times not everything was explained
and left for you to fill in the gaps. I normally don’t mind this but a few
times, such as how Clark knew to go to the arctic and find the ship, as well as
his fortress of solitude and sees his father for the first time (unless I
missed something) could have done with a little clearer explanation.
With
the film having flashbacks to Clark as a child and teen many felt it was a
times difficult to follow. For me some of the editing during the fight
sequences made it difficult to follow exactly was going on and who was being
punched. This isn’t something exclusive to this film. A few of the fight sequences did feel a
little too long and that it was in part just to show more action and
destruction. Seriously, if one more
building got smashed into and collapsed... there wasn’t much of a Metropolis
left by the end.
There
was great detail in the costumes, sets and setting Krypton apart and making it
fee like another planet, although it did feel a little on the Avatar side. The fight sequences were choreographed
in a way that did give you the impression that aliens were fighting on a whole
different level. Hans Zimmer’s score felt fresh and appropriate for this new
adaptation of Superman, in particular
the theme “What Are You Going To Do When You Are Not Saving The World
(find it on youtube).
The
supporting cast lead by the two father figures played by Russell Crowe and
Kevin Costner is main strength in the film. Diane Lane as the adoptive mother
added a realistic and natural sweetness. Michael Shannon was a strong Genreal
Zod and he can do intense characters, but I must admit that this wasn’t my
favourite role of his and something felt off to me with him in the character.
Antje Traue at times stole the show as Faora and she’ll probably be on a lot
more casting director’s minds after this.
Amy
Adams as Lois Lane was good, and it was nice to see a strong and more modern
Lois who was part of the solution and not necessarily causing trouble and being
the typical damsel in distress. At the same time I feel many other actresses
would have been just as good in the role.
What
about the big guy in the blue suit and red cape? I’m going to have to
paraphrase what Zac Snyder and Christopher Nolen said about Henry and the
reasons behind casting him. Not only does Henry look like Superman and Clark
Kent physically, there is a mental and emotional understanding that Henry has
towards the character. In the end Henry’s ability to look physically
intimidating and at the same time have a natural and innate niceness and
vulnerability is what gave him the edge in the end. This comes across plainly in the film. The film tried to show what it would be like
to be an alien with all these powers and the emotions and responsibility that
comes with that. This all came across to me in the film and in Henry's acting. Not since season four of The Tudors did I see Henry embody a character
so well and naturally. There were a couple of “wooden” moments from him but
overall any fan of Superman should be proud of his portrayal.
Superman
gets knocked down for being not cool and too nice with no real challenges and
weakness. Since when is doing the right
not cool? Superheroes are meant to be
looked up and help us in our times of need. In short, to give us hope, and when is the
world not needing that.
WARNING!!! Stop if you haven't finished watching the third season of Games of Thrones. WARNING NUMBER 2!! This is a long post. I promise I will try my best not to be one of those "that's not how it was in the book" people and keep the two separate, but there are moments it is difficult to do that, when the show doesn't do a character and storyline justice and properly. Especially when how it impacts the future of the story. I've also decided that the easiest way to break down my thoughts and reactions to the season is simply by two categories: What I liked and what I didn't like about this season. To start, as critical as I may be at times of the show, I felt that overall the third season was done well. In many ways the best so far. The third novel in the A Song of Ice and Fire series - A Storm of Swords is the longest and a fan favourite (including mine). Many things happen that change the course of the series (as if that wasn't known already). This season the production value went up, the pace was slowed down and not every episode was crammed with all the multiple storylines, although at times I felt a few scenes where shoehorned in or rushed and not explained. There was an overall attempt at character development and building and moving the plot forward. To quote Kit Harirngton (Jon Snow), this was an "impact season" as was the first. It is also important to note, that the third season covered about 2/3 of the novel it is based on. The fourth season will continue and begin to incorporate more of the fourth book- A Feast for Crows. As the series continues, the fourth and fifth book: A Dance with Dragons, will be blended together. This makes sense since book four and five take place at the same time and are parallel, but with different and new character's and their point of views. Also, PLEASE hurry George R.R. Martin and finish The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring...okay, thanks! WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE I have to start with my biggest criticism of the third season (actually starting form the second half of the second seaon) and that is of the characterization and storyline of Jon Snow. For those that know me, my personal crush on Kit Harington is
not a factor. I like the character of Jon Snow in the books, especially in the
third one and after, he has one of the best story/character arc in the
series. It is sad that with a talented actor who understands the character so
well and one of the few in the cast to have read the books. This isn't a
criticism and I understand the reasons for the actors not wanting to. It is
just you can tell through his interviews that Kit understands Jon in a way that
the writers of the show don't and have decided to ignore.
I knew we were in trouble when in the promotion gearing up
to the third season there seemed to be a lot of focus on Jon's relationship
with Ygritte. I'm not denying the importance of this, but Jon's time with the
Wildings impacts who he is later on. This time for Jon is about "killing
the boy and becoming a man" to paraphrase a line from the book. He is
developing into the leader he is destined to be. Life beyond the wall and with
the Wildlings isn't exactly what he thought it would be from what he was told
and learned before. I can't say much more than that, but by not showing what
Jon learns from Mance Raydar and his relationship with Tormund Giantsbane about the Wildlings
will have to somehow be fixed in order to make his future decisions make
sense.
Along with this, they did not show how much inner turmoil
Jon is dealing with during this time. He's loyal to the Night's Watch
always, and everything he does is linked to the command given earlier in season
two by Qhorin Halfhand for Jon to be a double spy that even includes Jon having
to kill him. In the book Mance asks Jon
why he has left the wall and wants to join the Wildlings just after he tells
Jon that he has seen him before in Winterfell during the feast when King Robert
asks Ned Stark to be his hand. Jon knowing Mance is skeptical and he has to be convincing smartly
answers- something along the lines of "you were there at the feast, you
saw where they put the bastard, away in the other room so as not to offend."
Meaning to me that is Jon trying to show that he is sick of being treated like
crap and only known for being a bastard and a nobody even at the wall. So by
becoming a Wilding, he has become "free" and nobody cares about his
background. For someone who is naturally ambitious and wants to make something
of himself this works. In the show Jon's reason is that Commander Mormont
knew about Craster sacrificing his sons to the white walkers and did nothing
about it. So he "wants to fight for the side that fights for the
living." This is enough to convince Mance to give Jon a chance.
Please. The biggest fail is the portrayal of Jon's
relationship with Ygritte. The show turned Jon into a lovesick puppy and it
seemed at times this was something Stephanie Mayer could have written.
The show has decided to overdo the romance between Jon and
Ygritte. I won’t even go into how annoying T.V Ygritte was/is. There was also
hardly any build up this season of Jon showing any interest in Ygritte up to the
cave scene. There is no bonding or really getting to know one another. This
isn't some love story. Jon deciding to break his vows and have sex with Ygriite
was not out of love. The first time was a way for Jon to further prove himself
to the Wildlings. He was still under suspicion and this was a last resort for
him and to survive. He was still essentially following orders
to be a double spy. Jon cares for Ygritte yes, but this is more a young man
confused about sex, love and lust, and his loyalty with the first female who
isn't a family member he comes across. After every time Jon is "with"
Ygritte" he feels guilty and confused. That he has betrayed himself, the
Night's watch and even Ygritte. There is no mountain top kiss, and no
teary goodbye. When Jon finally sees his opportunity to leave he does without hesitation.
He gets up on the horse and flees. Ygrittte shoots ONE arrow, not an excessive
three to his thigh. She does this not out of some betrayal but out
of anger and loyalty to the Wildlings, just like Jon is loyal to his brothers.
She is attempting to stop him from warning the Night's Watch about the
Wildling's plan of attack. Some people online have said that Jon is an ass for
leaving Ygritte. Haven't they been paying attention? It was always about the
Night's Watch and protecting the realm for Jon. What was he suppose
to do? Pick up Ygritte and bring her back to Castle Black...that would have
gone over well.
For example:"I know one thing. I know that you are wildling to the
bone. It was easy to forget that sometimes, when they were laughing
together, or kissing. But then one of them would say something, or do
something, and he would suddenly be reminded of the wall between their
worlds." (ASOS, p. 559)
"Sometimes Jon forgot how wild she
was, and then she would remind him." (ASOS, p. 558)
"Too many lives depended on his
somehow reaching Castle Black before the Magnar." (ASOS, p. 560)
So instead of focusing on Jon's development and character,
they focused and upped the romance. I've gone long enough about this, but they
just didn't do this aspect of the story justice and it is so important.
A little too much Theon.
Instead of focusing on Jon we get a scene with Theon or
another in a brothel. Don't get me wrong, Alfie Allen is a great Theon and
brings a depth to him and at times sympathy towards Theon we fight against.
Theon is actually not in the third book at all, and doesn't reappear until
fourth or fifth, I can't exactly remember. I understand for T.V purposes the
audience had to be reminded of Theon and his storyline moved earlier, but I
think a few scenes throughout the season could have been enough. That could
have been replaced with a Jon or even a Bran scene. I must say, Iwan Rheon as Ramsay Bolton is creepy to watch, but he is so good and is arguably just as evil or more so as King Joffrey.
Catelyn Stark
Poor Catelyn, and not just for what happens to her at the
Red Wedding. That was horrible to read and was also bad, despite knowing what
was happening to watch on screen. What upset me was how much reduced as a
character she became. Catelyn has POV chapters and everything is scene though
her perspective. I liked that the writers expanded
the character of Robb, and it was important in many ways and they had
a great Robb Stark in Richard Madden. By doing this, they ended up cutting down
Catelyn's character and importance. We don't see how politically smart Catelyn
is. How much Robb counts on her advice, even after she releases Jamie
Lannister. After all she was raised a Tully and married to Ned Stark for years.
She knows how to play the game of politics, differently but just as equally as
Cersei Lannister. They are meant to be opposites and balance each other out.
Instead she is pushed into corners and reduced as nothing but a grieving mother,
which is only part of her character. Michelle Fairley shinned this season when
given the chance. Her monologue about praying for Jon not to die, then
backtracking on her promise, her monologue about her father and childhood was
acted wonderfully. Her final scene as a mother who has just watched her eldest (and to her knowledge her only son) die, reduced by grief and war to kill an
innocent person herself, and then finally give up and be killed was
heartbreaking.
Unequal Nudity.
Not that I'm a perv or anything, but for a show that claims it is and wants to be equal...it isn't. Yes sex and politics go hand in hand, even in the world of Westeros. Always has and always will. Yet there is more female nudity on the show than male. Whether it is a scene in a brothel, Daenerys taking bath, or Melisandre needing to be naked to get king's blood to name a few instances, can feel a little excessive at times. Seeing all of Theon in season one, a brief glimpse of Robb (who dresses while his wife writes a letter naked) and a long shot of Jon jumping into a hot spring doesn't cut it. Again, I'm not trying to be a perv, but if you're going to claim be equal and progressive...follow through.
Direwolves
More please! I think that's is self explanatory. Not to get on a rant again, but the lack of Ghost by Jon's side is also problematic for plot reasons and that needs to be fixed for future happenings as well. They are just as important as dragons and are intertwined, literately with their characters.
WHAT I DID LIKE
Jamie and Brianne
The banter and dynamic between these two is perfect. The friendship and the respect the two develop for one another is one of my favourite aspects of the series. I didn't want to start to like Jamie or get into his mindset when reading, but one of the great things about the books and series is that people are not black and white. To start to begin to at least understand Jamie and how he sees the world was extremely interesting to read and now watch. To see him go through a change as a character in how that vision of the world changes as well.. I wouldn't say Jamie is a 'good guy' but he is one of the most humanized, humbled and flawed characters in the series. It will be interesting to see how his character and storyline go (I do have a bit of an idea) and I can even accept some of the changes to his story, and they work well for T.V. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau is perfect as Jamie Lannister and Gwendoline Christie as Brianne of Tarth does just as much justice to the character. There should be a spin-off with these two, lol.
Daenerys the badass.
I had issues with her storyline last season, but that has almost been entirely fixed this season. We now have seen growth in Dany. She is more confident and stronger with herself and those around her. She is learning to be a leader in a harsh world. Learning the game of politics herself. Some criticisms have been made with how a white character is freeing lesser non white characters who are slaves ( to put it lightly). I can see were they are coming form, especially since in the books the people she comes across are all different in their look and races. Yet sometimes I think we are too sensitive and read too much into nothing. Or maybe I'm just too tired and blinded by my Jon disappointment that I can't think straight, lol. Some exciting stuff for her character is coming and it should be interesting to see how it all plays out in the books and TV series.
Dragons and CGI
Linked to Daenerys are her dragons. As they grow and become more of a presence the special effects linked to them needs to be good, and they were this season.This is in part the production value being upped and better. That is probably where most of the money went to and the lack direwolves as a result. The show will probably get more money for its budget as a result of this season's success that will also be needed. The cinematography and sets are incredible for a show and will need to continue as more places, characters and crazy events are coming.
The Red Wedding.
I remember reading this and being in complete shock at what was happening. I wanted to smash my Kobo, scream and shout and almost gave up on the entire thing. How could this be! Then again, I shouldn't have been all too surprised. If you haven't learned by now, no one is safe in the Game of Thrones and things can change quickly. Happiness, honesty, loyalty and general goodness tends to be punished. As much as I was dreading this event, a part of me was very curious and interested at how the show would handle this. From the hints and clues throughout the season to the actual event the show did it justice. As soon as the 'Rains of Catamere' began to play and Catelyn lifted Roose Bolton's shirt to reveal chainmail my heart and stomach began to hurt all over again. And then it happened. Some are calling this a watershed moment in television history, and maybe so. That it will be up there with other iconic T.V moments such as 'who shot J.R.', Ross and Rachel kissing for the first time, and well, Ned Stark's death. It is an important moment in the series that essentially affects everyone. Michelle and Richard nailed it in this scene (I actually almost typed killed it). I'll never forget Robb's look on his face and his voice as he gives up and says "mother," and Catelyn's scream and look of total anguish up to her throat being slashed. RIP King of the North and Lady Stark.
Want more salt into the wound? As this was Michelle and Richard's last scene to film, Richard admitted to leaving the set as soon as they were finished and got straight on a plane back to London from Belfast, crying 'like a crazy man' the all the way back. Michelle refused to answer calls and emails from the show creators for a week, and when she finally did, she said reason was that she was 'in mourning.'
Too harsh? Think of this. Catelyn, Robb, Talisa, Greywind and Lady are now all reunited with Ned.
There are more things about the third season of Game of Thrones that I could talk about, but these are the main issues that stuck out. Overall it was a great season and I can't imagine how difficult it is to adapt thousands of detailed pages into ten hours screen time per season.
So now we wait. We wait almost a year until next spring for season four.
