Man of Steel - Movie Review

     In anticipation of Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, in theaters March 25, here is my review of the first appearance of the new Superman in the blockbuster Man of Steel (2013).

     Man of Steel is a mediocre movie with sporadic great moments throughout. Henry Cavill looks the part as Superman and is able to create a compelling hero. The supporting cast which includes Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, and Russell Crowe each contribute with convincing performances. Although all the actors are quite good, most of the characters are underdeveloped. The villains are intimidating, but ultimately one dimensional. The romance between Superman and Lois Lane comes off as forced and unnecessary.

     Visual effects are commendable, as many scenes in the film rely on them heavily, and there isn't a single unconvincing shot. The action scenes are grand in scale and very entertaining. The musical score by Hans Zimmer is uplifting and powerful, lending itself to the dramatic scenes to pack even more of an emotional punch. The best scene in the movie, where Superman takes flight, is thrilling and handled perfectly.

     Where this movie falters is in its occasionally dull story. It plays out exactly how you would expect. The last third of the movie is exclusively action, which becomes overblown and excessive after a while. The editing of the sequences is choppy, as flashbacks alternate with the main story as a way to disguise how little is going on in the beginning. The script is lackluster, with no quotable lines, seemingly second to the action.

     This is a mixed bag of a movie, there are some great ideas throughout, but the overall execution leaves more to be desired. Not a bad blockbuster by any means, just underwhelming. I am looking forward to the release of Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice in theaters March 25. I am hopeful that the director, Zack Snyder, builds upon the strengths and the groundwork established in Man of Steel. Time will tell.

Grade: C+

The Revenant - Movie Review

     The Revenant is a harsh, uncompromising, and unmatched cinematic experience. The cast is absolutely phenomenal. Leonardo DiCaprio, as Hugh Glass, gives a compelling and physically demanding performance. Tom Hardy plays the antagonist. With another actor in Hardy's role, the character could have been one dimensional, but he adds a layer of depth that not many actors could pull off. He steals many of his scenes with his strong screen presence.

     We are introduced to the characters in a captivating opening battle sequence using very few takes, and from there every action scene is riveting, heart pounding, unforgettable. The scene in which Glass is mauled by a Grizzly Bear is so well executed, you can almost feel every blow, slash, and bite from this beast, and you feel the helplessness of the character for an unflinching five minutes.

     The story is simple yet compelling, using its lengthy runtime to its advantage, crafting a more engaging and immersive experience. It's a long film, but never boring, every scene is germane to the overall story. The film is always emotionally involving or visually captivating. You become fully immersed in this world. It's quite brutal, but you can't take your eyes off of it.

     The cinematography is stunning, effortlessly following the action in breathtaking and seemingly impossible ways. The scenery is gorgeous, every shot is only lit by fire or the sun, no unnatural light penetrates this realistic world. The shot construction and camera work is flawless, thanks to terrific direction from Alejandro González Iñárritu.

     The Revenant is art, sophisticated filmmaking that is emotionally investing, beautifully shot, flawlessly executed, and entertaining. It's a modern cinematic masterpiece, and a rewarding experience.

Grade: A+