Talk about a hero story!!

Just in case you have not yet been convinced:



I love heroes. Superman has always been the leading superhero in this country. This film, from everything I've seen, really takes a contemporary look that respects the history of the character and his story. Henry Cavill is a superb actor (The Tudors). We are now down to two weeks.

Annie

Looks good. Ann, Thanks for sharing.

I can see it's another movie I'll attend alone - my friends are a bit different in their movie tastes than me. They would consider themselves more intellectual...well, I once had an IQ score of 140 which was considered high at the time - I'm sure it's had a major drop as the years went by but I can watch foreign films with the best of them and I consider science fiction that is not horror both creative and intellectual! I was disappointed in the recent Star Wars however. I guess my expectations were too high.

I am supposed to have a high IQ myself, but it doesn't stop me from enjoying movies and TV soaps, well one TV soap, anyway. I did read an article some years ago that showed statistics indicating that General Hospital's audience had a higher IQ/ educational level than the others.

As far as this Superman is concerned, while it will be an action film, the production and writing, from what I have heard so far, put it in a category above the usual "comic book superhero" flick.

Still, I will be going alone, too.

Whatever my IQ may be, I wish it had been higher. Also wish I could go to the film with you, Ann. It would be fun.

Wouldn't it?

A couple of very short promo clips from Access Hollywood interviews. Don't think there is a way to post them here, but they are worth a link/look:

http://watch.accesshollywood.com/video/henry-cavill-russell-crowes-fateful-first-meeting/2428780316001?utm_source=accesshollywood.com&utm_medium=referral&page=12

Quote :

Henry Cavill & Russell Crowe's Fateful First Meeting
While promoting their new movie, "Man of Steel," Henry Cavill and Russell Crowe share with Access about their first meeting over a decade ago when Henry was an extra in Russell's movie, "Proof of Life." So, how did that meeting inspire Henry to continue acting?

http://watch.accesshollywood.com/video/russell-crowe-discusses-massive-intense-training-for-man-of-steel/2428780233001

Quote :

Russell Crowe Discusses 'Massive' & 'Intense' Training For Man Of Steel
Russell Crowe talks with Access about how he connected with his character, Jor-El, in his new movie, "Man of Steel." Also, he chats about getting back into "Gladiator" shape for the role to fit into his spandex costume.

Don't know if any of you have felt like checking out the links above, but the first one at least is especially interesting - an amazing case of synchronicity. Spine-tingling, even. Especially good for our day, here, today.

1) My friend and I have not been friendly for three years. We have recently regenerated our friendship.
2) We walked into the arena together where her child is graduating high school.
3) A working colleague of us both, whom I had not seen in over ten years, walked up and said hi to her. Then I said, "I'm Diane."
4) Of course, Diane. I have been thinking about you. I just started a new job and need a grant writer. Are you available?
5) I said, "Your timing is quite good."
6) "Call me Monday. Here's my card. We'll get together next week."
7)I looked at a picture of his child, also graduating.

What if my friend and I had not renewed our friendship?
What if I didn't go to the graduation?
What if his child wasn't graduating?
What if he hadn't started a new job?

Hmmmmm. Wish me luck.

Maybe your ship has come in--hope so.

I hope this works out, DK! One of Ann's synchronicities!

It's the way the Universe works when you are on track with you bliss (your life's ourpose). I'm betting for you, DK

Hope it works:D

This one is chock-full of funny stuff. See if you get what is actually being discussed behind the "Political correctness" of the last bit.



Here's a hint from a recent article. (Sorry, I don't remember which one): RC - "I received a generous handful of essential Kryptonian material."

Another hint: Babies are not born wearing diapers.

Did anyone see Superman yet? I am waiting to hear on here how it is.

P.S. my synchronicity is still out there - moved to next week. I felt so good I applied for three more jobs. Like the realtors say, it only takes one buyer.

Sounds really promising, DK.
Man of Steel opens next Friday - the 14th.

I already have my ticket for the early matinee.

The official premiere is in NYC on the 10th, so there will soon be objective reviews available.

Thanks for the update.

So far, the early reviews are mostly positive - generally in the range of four out of five stars.

Some of the more serious critics have a complaint - the film is too serious. Kind of ironic, seems to me. Apparently there are far fewer of the tongue-in-cheek remarks that were a big part of the Chridtopher Reeves series

The other complaint comes from a few of the action-oriented reviewers who say that the origin story set on Krypton goes on too long and is too complex, meaning you have to think a little bit to keep up, but even those critics generally say that the acting by Crowe (Jor-el) Ayelet Zurer (Jor-el's wife and Kal-el's mother) and Michael Shannon as General Zod, is very good on all counts. There was one exception. One reviewer referred to Jor-el as being "hiursute." I assume he meant hirsute, and was referring to Mr. Crowe's slightly longish hair and neatly trimmed beard, but since he couldn't spell the word properly, I didn't pay too much attention.

At any rate, I have my ticket confirmation for the noon matinee on Friday, at the little theater down the road from my house, where I can easily get in early enough to find a reclining rocking chair with ample foot space, my cardboard box of nachos and a plastic water glass filled with a nice Cab. I will give my personal review after.

I'm looking forward to your personal review.  Hey, what do you think of the new posting box?  There's no excuse for errors and lots of opportunity to post goodies.

Wow, it's pretty cool.  I can see what I'm writing w/o having to squint, and I don't have to start over when I realize that the quick box doesn't have the functions I need.  So far, they all seem to be here.

Wishing you success on your job search, DK and awaiting your movie review, Ann

Unusual interview on a rainy day at the London Premiere of MoS;

http://www1.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/rugby-league/8772944/russell-crowe-to-sign-tomkins

Charming Crowe very appealing voice also.

I said I would, so here it is:  My review of Man of Steel.

I will begin with what was for me, the biggest negative, and get it out of the way.

There were far too many massive explosions and heavy battle scenes - not gore, the film technically had a pg-13 rating, but the battle scenes were supercharged and super long, to a point that was far beyond necessary.

Even there, though, I found myself wondering what George Lucas might have done with that technology.

The film itself had a kind of Star Wars effect on me - not just the medium but the message as well.

As I think about it, there were some parallels in the characters - Clark Kent's earth parents and Luke Skywalker's aunt and uncle, Princess Leia had a strong resemblance to Amy Adams Lois Lane,  Jor-el reminded me of both Obi-wan and Yoda, and General Zod had a lot of Darth Vader in him - all mythologically speaking, of course.

Now I will get the bit out of the way that I'm sure will have your eyes rolling.  In several of the junket interviews, Russell Crowe admitted that when he signed on, he was not aware that Jor-el wore The Suit - sometimes without the ceremonial robes, even, and he panicked because he knew he was a long way from being in his best-ever physical shape.  The director and Warner Brothers told him not to worry.  He would be getting paid to spend three-and-a-half months before actual filming to work out with a special trainer and dietitian, and I can now attest to the fact that they did their job quite well.  What I can also say is that I now understand why the studio was willing to pay to be sure Mr. Crowe would do justice to the suit.  The man is the only actor living today who could do justice to that particular role.  Reviewers have called Jor-el the soul of the film.  This is not a Marlon Brando cameo, folks.  He is, quite rightfully the Father of Superman.  It is a complex, difficult role both emotionally and physically, and it is performed at the level of his very best work.

Kevin Costner is equally good as Pa Kent, Clark's earth-father who teaches the boy and young man what living in Kansas is all about.  Michael Shannon is menacing as General Zod, but, at the same time,almost sympathetic, because he believes so intently that he is doing the right thing. Amy Adams gives one of her best performances to date as a Lois Lane who is a true heroine in her own right, not just the hero's female side-kick.

And then, there is Henry Cavill, whose American accent is so natural, if you had never heard the British actor speak, you would never guess that he was not from Kansas himself.  Some of the film's detractors say that this Superman is humorless.  He is not.  It is just that it is more subtle and intelligent, which has kept some reviewers from picking up on it.  If you are not familiar with that name today, you soon will be. His balance of physical charisma and sheer talent is rare.

Sp, all in all, I think it is a quality film - well acted all around, well-directed by Tom Snyder, excellent screenplay and uplifting music.

I will end with the same disappointment that I expressed in the beginning.  The film could have had the same mythical quality without the extremes of violent explosions and hand-to-hand sonic battle scenes that went on far too long.

But I would still give it a four of five stars.