What "Man of Steel" really needs

What "Man of Steel" really needs

My opinions on what the upcoming feature film from Zach Snyder needs in order to be the greatest CBM of all time!

Editorial Opinion
By supyrman - Jul 09, 2011 12:07 AM EST
Filed Under: Man of Steel

We've got 5 Superman movies to watch on DVD (6 if you count the Donner cut of Superman II, 3 if you don't count III and IV), and while the first 2 are definitely great classics, many agree that anything from Superman III to Superman Returns was less than perfect to say the least, but with a new Superman film on the horizon, the fans get their hopes up yet again. Here's what that movie needs to have so that our dreams aren't crushed as in the days of yore. Now I'm not discussing villains or anything else that's already been announced. This is strictly a list of things that are still uncertain or at least unconfirmed as of the writing of this article.

1. Style: I don't think we have much to worry about as far as style goes. Snyder definitely knows how to make a good looking movie, but it is especially important this time, because having a dated looking Superman movie could kill the franchise forever. Maybe that's why we've got Snyder in the director's chair to begin with. After all, he did great work (visually and stylistically) with 300, Watchmen and Legend of the Guardians. But what I am worried about is the costume. Superman needs his classic threads. No CGi suit, no updated trunks-free costume. The mainstream audience recognizes Superman as having the trunks. It's well established as part of his costume. He needs the long red cape, and the S curl in his hair.

2. Substance: We need a Superman with a real message. Something that will make us think. We got that in Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, but not in Green Lantern. Supes can't phone this one in. WB needs to treat fans like we can think a bit deeper than the "With great power comes great responsibility" stuff that Sony Pictures gave us with Spider-Man. Give us something that will make us walk out of the theatre scratching our heads and talking and thinking about it for weeks. We need mind bending story telling.

3. Violence: Superman the Movie saw Superman rescue Lois, fly around the world and stop some missiles, but there was no real fighting. Superman II showcased some fighting, but by today's standards, the sequences are dated and cheesy. We'll try to forget Superman III and Superman IV: Quest for Peace, and we'll move onto the latest installment in the Superman movie mythos: Superman Returns. Returns saw Supes lift an island, a boat, a plane, a car, a globe, another plane, a person, another person etc. And it showcased a few other powers such as flight, photosynthetic regeneration, super speed, heat vision, super breath and x-ray vision among others. Wanna know what's missing? He didn't beat the crap out of anyone. We have never seen a live action Superman truly let loose on someone. While it's true that Smallville had Clark fight Zod, Doomsday and even Oliver Queen, the violence and the fighting was still only TV level and he wasn't Superman yet. When he finally became Superman, we saw him lift a plane and then a planet. Seems there's a pattern here. Let's see him break somebody's jaw or punch someone so hard that the windows for burst out of the nearby buildings.

4. Run time: The last thing this movie needs is a rushed plot. If this movie is going to reestablish the franchise, then we need AT LEAST 2 hours. I'd personally prefer a runtime near 150 minutes. That way we have time to care about characters as the story progresses.

5. Tone: With Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, we got a very dark tone with a dark hero. In the Green Lantern, we got a light hearted adventure with a light hearted hero. For Superman, we need a dark tone with a light hero. Superman needs to bring hope to the world. Let everything around him be dark and covered in shadow, let it be a hopeless world, and out of the darkness, a single ray of light shall shine; the Man of Steel, SUPERMAN!

That's my list of the five things the new "Man of Steel" film needs to be awesome. Of course there are other things like a decent budget (at least $150,000,000) and a good advertising campaign that should be put into place to ensure success, but whether the movie is a critical success or not is seconded to me by the hope of a truly SUPER "Man of Steel."

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JM4Superman
JM4Superman - 7/10/2011, 11:11 AM
I agree with everything you said.
marvelguy
marvelguy - 7/10/2011, 12:35 PM
I agree. Sixth point is a definitive nemesis that could feasibly be in all three movies. They should also have him use as many of his powers at one time. That makes for a stunning visual and encapsulates how powerful he is.
Breasticles7
Breasticles7 - 7/10/2011, 1:01 PM
Couldn't agree with you more. Well done.
LP4
LP4 - 7/10/2011, 1:25 PM
I agree with your write-up here. And it also shows why I prefer the Green Lantern film over ALL of the Superman films- AT LEAST GREEN LANTERN FOUGHT.

There has yet to be a film where Superman has EVER laid down a single punch. And I guarantee you if he refuses to fight in this movie too, Superman will be the ultimate douchebag.
LordHuck
LordHuck - 7/10/2011, 2:27 PM
Another ridged unyielding comic traditionalist. One of the people who thinks that no one should ever change Superman’s costume.

Superman’s costume has needed updating for a couple decades. It has always looked like complete shit in live action, and has lost its appeal in the comic and animated mediums too.

It’s a ridiculous relic of a look. It’s a damn good thing that Jim Lee fixed it.
LP4
LP4 - 7/10/2011, 2:42 PM
@LordHuck- Agreed, Jim Lee gave fans an EPIC Superman!
JBatesyFilmreviews
JBatesyFilmreviews - 7/10/2011, 3:19 PM
no I gotta agree with Astonishingcyclops, the suit needs a change, and tbh it probably will happen, just look at watchmen, Snyder completely revamped all the costumes, maybe apart from Rosarch and that needs to happen in Man of Steel, what looks good in a comic doesn't mean it will look good on the big screen, their two very different things, comic books and movies which mean they need different looks.
hatrick3
hatrick3 - 7/10/2011, 4:18 PM
First you state the importance of a fresh look and style. Then you claim audiences would fail to recognize or relate to Supes in a new suit. Seems contradictory. The suit is "dated looking" and needs an update. Modern fabrics and no red trunks. I think mainstream audiences can handle it. I agree with you on all other points. Nice read.
bubba27
bubba27 - 7/10/2011, 5:15 PM
I for one don't wanna do away with the classic costume but if they do I don't want Jim Lee's new version. I love his style of art but his original designs leave something to be desired(I know I'm nitpicking but I hate supes new collar and I'm not feeling padded looking suit)but thats just me. There has to be a way to update the suit without completely redoing it. Overall I agree with all your points tho.
KALel3412
KALel3412 - 7/10/2011, 7:47 PM
your not cool unless your underwear is outside your pants damn it
BigK1337
BigK1337 - 7/10/2011, 10:05 PM
@supryman
Agree with all points, but point 2. I mean honestly, does a super hero movie really needs to be thought provoking. A theme is always an important factor in storytelling for comic book movies, but not all of them have to make the audience wonder after the movies. Thor was good, but doesn't provide one. Same for Incredible Hulk, Blade, Burton's Batman and Superman. Comic Book Movies were just made for entertainment, much like the comics themshelves; spreading ideas is only the extra for making the audience enjoy it.

As for the costume; yeah, it shouldn't be cgi like Green Lantern (since Supes costume is not a fabric of the ring's creation) but really trunks-free? Get over it; if the movie did away with the trunks, it doesn't really matter as long as the costume works on screen.
Jefferys
Jefferys - 7/10/2011, 10:39 PM
I'd like to see his undies on the outside of his pants, but maybe only cause I have this thing for the classics. One thought comes to mind, would there be any humour in this movie?
Coldblood6
Coldblood6 - 7/11/2011, 4:55 AM
Superman on the whole is boring and overdone.

This article is a classic example of why Superman continues to fail. His fanbase is rigid and unyielding.

THE COSTUME NEEDS TO CHANGE!!! And YES MANY PEOPLE CARE!

The next thing that's wrong here is the demand for a Nolanesque 'dark tone'. The movie needs a serious tone, not a dark one. When will DC fanboys stop sucking Nolan's c*ck; doesn't your lips start to hurt and your tongue get tired after a while?
supyrman
supyrman - 7/11/2011, 7:57 AM
I think that the suit should be updated to a point, but it should be kept close to the current standard, and should definitely retain the trunks. This being the first film of the rebooted franchise, I think it should have a familiar looking suit. In a sequel, I'd be okay with them ditching the trunks, but my personal preference is that they keep them. It's more a color thing for me. I like how the red trunks break up the overwhelming amount of blue on the front of the costume. Just my opinion, but I like the trunks.
TheLight
TheLight - 7/11/2011, 8:05 AM
@supyrman

Dude, I agree completely! The suit must stay, especially the trunks. There are many creative ways to update and make slighty noticable changes to the legendary uniform, without any banishing of the trunks. They'll be too much blue and too much focus on one solid color can ruin the quality of seeing him wear it. Look at the new suit in the comics coming out in September. Too much red and blue (among other things). I don't see much yellow other than in the shield. If Snyder wants this movie to work, keep to the basics.
Supersonicboobs
Supersonicboobs - 7/11/2011, 11:46 AM
What will be the under-wear purpose? is it practical?

what is superman purpose?

what is the "WHY in SUPERMAN?"

HOW WILL HE DISGUISE HIMSELF in OUR world???
Supersonicboobs
Supersonicboobs - 7/11/2011, 11:46 AM
What will be the under-wear purpose? is it practical?

what is superman purpose?

what is the "WHY in SUPERMAN?"

HOW WILL HE DISGUISE HIMSELF in OUR world???
supyrman
supyrman - 7/11/2011, 5:06 PM
@theAstonoshingCyclops:
"thegoddamnsuperuy: actually you and the superman films are the fails. Because of silly costumes items like red pants. The suit needs to be changed and it will be changed. If it doesn't then i don,t expect this film to be that good in quality to be honest. but obviously our a big superman fan so you will blind to all the ridicule of superman's characteristics. let things change its change is good. If they changed the colour for his costume then yeah you could complain have an outrage, but its just red pants."

It's not polite to personally attack other members of the community. Plus why in the world are you saying that the entire movie will fail to be any good if they don't remove the trunks? Are you insane? Snyder already said that he prefers the classic style, and I seriously doubt that he'll forgo the trunks. They'll be there. Also, your grammar sucks, so I fixed it. Don't worry though. I retained your bad version in my own comment so that people could see the difference that an education makes. I respect your opinion and anyone else's who likes the trunks-free costume. I won't however tolerate personal attacks on other people in this thread.
LordHuck
LordHuck - 7/11/2011, 6:25 PM
Photobucket

CHANGE is a good and a needed thing
LordHuck
LordHuck - 7/11/2011, 10:15 PM
@ supyrman

Get off your high horse. You are full of shit.

You called astonishingcyclops insane and uneducated and then proceed to say you wont tolerate personal attacks.

You’re just angry at the guy because he doesn’t share your opinon.
YourMomNaked
YourMomNaked - 7/12/2011, 6:29 AM
Man Of Steel needs to be shelved. Fans are divided (once again), so it will not do well enough at the box office to merit a proper sequel with a proper villain/story line. Those in favor of Cavill as Superman will have to see it twice as often to compensate for those of us that think he's wrong for the part and feel the casting is off (Amy Adams looks really old in the Muppets movie, folks). Good luck to y'all.
halvor311
halvor311 - 7/12/2011, 8:19 PM
Maybe I'm reaching, but wasn't the theme and message of Green Lantern that if you give in to fear you can never go back? Wasn't the theme something like it's ok to feel fear but it's whether or not you overcome it? That's the message I got from it, maybe that's escaping others or I'm just seeing something that isn't there
supyrman
supyrman - 7/12/2011, 8:38 PM
@LordHuck: I have no problem with people not agreeing with me. Doesn't bother me at all. I just got irritated because theAstonishingCyclops called another member a fail because they didn't agree with HIS opinion. I never said that the movie will be a success. I simply gave my opinion on what I thought the movie needed to be successful and what I wanted to see. He/she started the argument by attacking another member. Also, I said, "are you insane." I didn't call him insane. I implied it. I did call him uneducated, and maybe that was out of line, but if someone could explain how bad manners and worse grammar is indicative of an education, that'd be great. No one was being impolite to anyone else until he was rude to gdsuperguy. Maybe you're angry because I don't share yours? Maybe you're angry because I called him out for being rude, and you happen to agree with his point of view. I am not on a high horse. I don't even have a horse, and if I did I'd never give it drugs. Maybe you're the crazy one. And I'm not full of crap. I gave my opinion, and then I defended a member of the community who hadn't previously done anything to anyone else in this thread. I respect his opinion and your own, but I don't understand why we can't all just be polite and not make harsh comments to each other. I applaud you for defending a fellow member of the community, but you jumped to the wrong conclusion. I'm not angry at all. Also you have great grammar.

@theAstonishingCyclops: I apologize if I offended you. Let's let it be and move on. If you disagree, then you disagree. I apologize for fixing your grammar. Or for showing your bad grammar? It was out of line. Friends?

It is difficult to understand what people mean when they use bad grammar though.
supyrman
supyrman - 7/12/2011, 8:42 PM
@halvor: Good eye! GL did have the don't fear message behind it, but we got that with Batman Begins. I had forgotten about that. Good point! :)
CaptainTall
CaptainTall - 7/12/2011, 11:22 PM
I think the costume needs to be exactly how it is in the comics. What Superman haters on here call "dated", is actually considered "iconic". Only reason why Batman's costume changes so much in the movie is because a regular man would need armor. Superman is a near invulnerable alien. Wouldn't need armor.
LordHuck
LordHuck - 7/13/2011, 3:48 AM
@megaMattMos

It’s hard to listen to a guy talk about costumes with any seriousness when he has Plastic Man as his avatar. Let me guess? You don't think he would need a live action costume update either.

Lets look at superman’s contemporaries:

Batman Just lost the briefs
Wolverine Lost the briefs
Captain America (sometimes wore blue briefs over blue pants) Lost em
Hawkman Lost the Briefs
Clyclops Lost the briefs
Aquaman Lost the Briefs
Robin = Wearing pants now
Martian Manhunter = wearing pants now
Wonder woman = Wearing pants now


These guys never wore briefs

Thor
Spiderman
Green lantern

It’s an old tired look that every other hero has discarded.

supyrman
supyrman - 7/13/2011, 2:23 PM
Wonder Woman's new look sucks. Batman's armor is due to his being a normal human with no other protection. Superman's trunks are iconic. MegaMattMOS got it exactly right.
LordHuck
LordHuck - 7/14/2011, 6:54 AM
.
LordHuck
LordHuck - 7/14/2011, 6:57 AM
Photobucket
LordHuck
LordHuck - 7/14/2011, 7:06 AM
Photobucket
RolandD
RolandD - 7/15/2011, 10:46 AM
IMHO everyone is keying on the least important of supyrman's points-the costume. This movie will not rise or fall based on the costume. I do agree with just about everything in the story above, though. I don't believe that the movie has to be dark, but overall it needs to be very serious, although it can have some humor as long as it is not self-mocking. Superman should not be dark, himself, alhtough once again his mission, view of the world, etc. should be serious.
Gnyah123
Gnyah123 - 7/15/2011, 5:48 PM
i think doomsday would be a great bad guy to play in all 3 films or how ever many this director is going to make
but i agree with everything that was said!
hopefully we see him in action but if you think about it..he doesnt really need to punch any1 cause hes SOOO strong..should only punch ppl if they are strong example..doomsday and all the other bad guys! he should punch or kick a guy or 2 for robbing a bank when he can just lift them up and throw them in a car..but i want to see alot of fighting!! just has to be at the right times and moments!!
SupermanReturns2
SupermanReturns2 - 7/15/2011, 9:48 PM
Can we get the Christopher Reeve costume?
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