Superman has always seemed boring to me. What kind of character has every super power and one weakness? Batman was always my favorite because he is a normal human that becomes super because of what he believes in. Other super heroes can be great because of limitations in their powers that create interesting confrontations. But Superman seems like this bland guy with no personality and a lack of real competition. Man of Steel gives as much life to the character as it can, but his inert boring-ness is too much to overcome.
The film opens with Superman's father (Russell Crowe) trying to save his son from being destroyed by the impending doom of his planet, Krypton. Supposed freedom fighter Zod (Michael Shannon) desperately wants to capture Kal-El (or Clark Kent as he's known on earth, played by Henry Cavill), as his DNA contains the genetic information to rebuild the entire race of Krypton. Zod swears that he will catch up to Kal-El and restore Krypton. After landing in Kansas, Kal-El is raised by two Kansas farmers (Kevin Costner and Diane Lane), knowing that he will one day be destined for greatness. Going by the name Clark Kent, he eventually is confronted by Zod, all the while being pursued by intrigued journalist Lois Lane (Amy Adams).
I wasn't planning on seeing Man of Steel, but my brothers wanted to go and I decided to go with them while on vacation at the beach. About a month ago I expressed that I was tired of the super hero film, but I honestly tried to go into Man of Steel with as much of an open mind as possible. After all, it does have some good pedigree, being directed by Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen), and produced by Batman guru Christopher Nolan. There are some impressive special effects and the acting is good for the most part, but true to Superman form, it's just kind of a boring affair. Henry Cavill is merely a muscled out good looking warm body, not offering much more than physical prowess to the character of Superman. The flashback scenes of Clark's childhood are nice, but once we move into the middle part of the film, it begins to drag. The final battle (spoilers ahead!) does an insane amount of damage to Metropolis, and it all seems very by the numbers. Shannon is a decent villain, and Adams is a big bright spot as the ambitious and strangely everywhere Lois Lane.
I tried my best to like Man of Steel, and to an extent I did, but there really isn't much more to it than some good action. My bias towards the character of Superman probably didn't help, but I wasn't really too keen on an Iron Man movie either, and the first one of that series is a classic. Man of Steel raked it in at the box office, so this is not the last of Clark Kent, but hopefully the sequels will have a little more life than this re-re-boot of the franchise.
2.5/5
Monday, June 24, 2013
Monsters University
Pixar Animation Studios is one of the most talented and consistent production companies in Hollywood. Commerically and critically almost all of their films are extremely successful. They practically changed face of animation in film with Toy Story in 1995, using a computerized style that was drastically different from the hand drawn Disney films of old. Cars 2, a sequel that no one wanted, was a major drop off in quality and box office gross. Brave, while successful at the box office, didn't really get the rave reviews that most of their films have received. Personally these two didn't really seem interesting to me, so I skipped them both. As a fan of basically everything else Pixar does, I was excited for Monsters University. Monsters Inc., released in 2001, is one of Pixar's most beloved films. University is a prequel to Inc., and is a worth follow up, and another fantastic Pixar entry. Once again, Pixar provides a perfect mix of social commentary, heart, and comedy to attract children and adults.
Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) has always dreamed of attending the famed Monsters University. This is where "scarers" are trained to hone their craft and eventually land a job at Monsters Inc. scaring children and providing energy. Mike is the hardest working and most ambitious student there, with only one problem: he's not scary. James "Sully" Sullivan (John Goodman) is the antithesis of Mike; naturally talented, without an ounce of hard work and drive. But after a run in with the dean of the school (Helen Mirren), these two have no choice but to team up in order to fulfill their dreams as scarers.
First and foremost, University is funny. Kids and adults will be pleased with the mix of jokes and physical comedy. Pixar has created an alternate monster universe that is charming despite the fact that it is filled with horrible monsters. Mike and Sully have real personalities that are identifiable, especially the ambitious Mike. The film opens with Mike as a small child, depicting where his scaring dreams come from, and it is about as cute as it gets. Sully is still likable despite the fact that he is brash and arrogant, a difficult feat. Monsters Inc. has shown us that these two are best friends, and it is great to see how it came to be.
Leave it to Pixar to produce a children's film that is layered with subtext. This is nothing new, as their prior films contain certain messages as well. Wall-E might be the biggest example, with its anti-consumerist and environmentalist messages practically spelled out. Toy Story 3 is all about growing up and letting go. The Incredibles might be the most interesting commentary; the message essentially comes down to the fact that some people are more gifted than others, contrary to the "everyone is special" message that most movies offer. University somewhat follows The Incredibles. Mike is the hardest working monster in school, yet he can't seem to fully succeed. He is just not talented enough to be a scarer, although he eventually realizes what he is good at. This is a realistic and important message for children. Just because it is your dream to be an NBA basketball player doesn't mean you should sell out to attain it if you are 5'4" and can't jump. Finding what you are good at and the gifts that God gave you, whether glamorous or not, is an important step in growth and maturity. Monsters praises hard work on realistic goals, something I appreciated.
Towards the end of the film (spoilers ahead!), another important and culturally counter message is offered. Eventually Mike and Sully get kicked out of school. And after their biggest efforts, they don't get back in. Instead of trying to keep going to college, the pair are shown via photos working their way up at Monsters Inc., and realizing their dream job by starting in the mail room. Our culture today basically screams to kids that in order to be successful, you MUST attend a four year college. Anyone who just goes straight to work after high school is seen as less bright, and on a path to a crummy life. I think that college education is important (I received a bachelor's degree from a 4 year university, and am a year away from a law degree), but college is not the necessary path for everyone. Mike and Sully turn out just fine working their way up in the company. Some people just aren't wired for more education, and I don't think we as a society should force it upon anyone. Not being "college material" doesn't have to be a detriment, it just means that your talents lie elsewhere. I am impressed that Pixar chose to take this culturally opposite view, one that frankly needs to be voice more often.
Pixar has returned to form with Monsters University, which is delightful for the young and old. The voice acting and animation are as top notch as ever, and the new characters introduced in this second entry are as vibrant as the first. Monsters has been my favorite movie of the summer, and I will be shocked if Pixar doesn't rack up another Oscar for their work on it!
4/5
Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) has always dreamed of attending the famed Monsters University. This is where "scarers" are trained to hone their craft and eventually land a job at Monsters Inc. scaring children and providing energy. Mike is the hardest working and most ambitious student there, with only one problem: he's not scary. James "Sully" Sullivan (John Goodman) is the antithesis of Mike; naturally talented, without an ounce of hard work and drive. But after a run in with the dean of the school (Helen Mirren), these two have no choice but to team up in order to fulfill their dreams as scarers.
First and foremost, University is funny. Kids and adults will be pleased with the mix of jokes and physical comedy. Pixar has created an alternate monster universe that is charming despite the fact that it is filled with horrible monsters. Mike and Sully have real personalities that are identifiable, especially the ambitious Mike. The film opens with Mike as a small child, depicting where his scaring dreams come from, and it is about as cute as it gets. Sully is still likable despite the fact that he is brash and arrogant, a difficult feat. Monsters Inc. has shown us that these two are best friends, and it is great to see how it came to be.
Leave it to Pixar to produce a children's film that is layered with subtext. This is nothing new, as their prior films contain certain messages as well. Wall-E might be the biggest example, with its anti-consumerist and environmentalist messages practically spelled out. Toy Story 3 is all about growing up and letting go. The Incredibles might be the most interesting commentary; the message essentially comes down to the fact that some people are more gifted than others, contrary to the "everyone is special" message that most movies offer. University somewhat follows The Incredibles. Mike is the hardest working monster in school, yet he can't seem to fully succeed. He is just not talented enough to be a scarer, although he eventually realizes what he is good at. This is a realistic and important message for children. Just because it is your dream to be an NBA basketball player doesn't mean you should sell out to attain it if you are 5'4" and can't jump. Finding what you are good at and the gifts that God gave you, whether glamorous or not, is an important step in growth and maturity. Monsters praises hard work on realistic goals, something I appreciated.
Towards the end of the film (spoilers ahead!), another important and culturally counter message is offered. Eventually Mike and Sully get kicked out of school. And after their biggest efforts, they don't get back in. Instead of trying to keep going to college, the pair are shown via photos working their way up at Monsters Inc., and realizing their dream job by starting in the mail room. Our culture today basically screams to kids that in order to be successful, you MUST attend a four year college. Anyone who just goes straight to work after high school is seen as less bright, and on a path to a crummy life. I think that college education is important (I received a bachelor's degree from a 4 year university, and am a year away from a law degree), but college is not the necessary path for everyone. Mike and Sully turn out just fine working their way up in the company. Some people just aren't wired for more education, and I don't think we as a society should force it upon anyone. Not being "college material" doesn't have to be a detriment, it just means that your talents lie elsewhere. I am impressed that Pixar chose to take this culturally opposite view, one that frankly needs to be voice more often.
Pixar has returned to form with Monsters University, which is delightful for the young and old. The voice acting and animation are as top notch as ever, and the new characters introduced in this second entry are as vibrant as the first. Monsters has been my favorite movie of the summer, and I will be shocked if Pixar doesn't rack up another Oscar for their work on it!
4/5
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