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June 14, 2021: "Man of Steel" Eight Years On

On this day (June 14) in 2013, "Man of Steel" made its public theatrical release to great fanfare.

Warner Bros. Pictures recently posted the 4K trailer to their YouTube channel:



Looking back at some of our reviews published on this website at the time and soon after, it's interesting to note some of the similarities and differences between what people had to say and what people are still saying 8 years later.

Michael J. Petty wrote:

"Over-all, Man of Steel is everything we could ever ask for when it comes to Superman on the big screen. We see Superman fight, Superman in love, Superman as Superman, Clark Kent, and Kal-El, and we have evidence that there is a whole universe of possibilities out there for future films (Justice League?...). I was very pleased with Man of Steel."

Scotty V wrote:

"Worry not about the critics who currently can't wrap their heads around the new Superman. Man of Steel is, no holds barred, the best comic book film I have ever seen. When the film ended, I sat silently for several minutes, before announcing that it may be the best film I have ever seen. Granted, this is from a standpoint of being the huge Superman fan that I am and my having waited my whole life to see a Superman film where the character, and the world around him is taken completely seriously. While there are humorous moments... moments of comedic relief, Man of Steel is a complete tour de force of super-powered action that hasn't been seen on film for any character, Superman or otherwise. The jaw-dropping action scenes are nothing short of awe-inspiring at every turn. The character depth in even characters with the shortest arcs keeps the viewer feeling interested in every scene from start to finish. I was on the edge of my seat, feeling intense emotion from the moment the opening began. Man of Steel grabs you from it's first fade-in and doesn't let go until the credits roll."

T.A. Ewart didn't have as glowing a review:

"When I sat in that theatre while others applauded, I became Superman, as did others like me. Those who refused to accept that this was the way. Those who want to aspire to something greater, and wanted to see Superman do that too. I don't hate the film, as I don't believe in hate, but I cannot love it because I don't believe in it."

Shawn Morrissey had a different opinion though:

"Suffice it to say right now that "Man of Steel" is the best on screen rendition of Superman since 1978. Dare I say it...? Yes. It's even better."

Marc Pritchard wrote:

"I do not think Man of Steel is perfect. In my "first impressions" review, written during opening weekend, I gave it an 8 out of 10. Today, after repeated viewings and lots of time to think and think, I'd give it a 7. My main beef is that the editing (as already suggested) sometimes works against the timeline - especially into the dénouement where it seems life has returned impossibly to normal - while, at other times, it seems perfunctory. There are also the sour or clumsy notes of Lois calling out "Clark!" to a suited Superman in clear earshot of that police officer, of having the villain defend evolution, of "mad scientist" Jax-Ur speaking in a German accent, of Clark stealing those clothes (though his destroying that truck didn't bother me so much). But so is there the most precise visualization and effects we've ever seen; a score that, much though I love the classic John Williams', straight-up delivers on atmosphere and mood; a story that challenges our ethics and our expectations; and a lead who will, if given a chance to round him out with the inclusion of some mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent, probably go on to redefine the character for a generation."

On June 11, 2013, after having watched the world premiere of "Man of Steel" in New York, I wrote:

"Is it the best Superman movie ever? Maybe. I'm still a massive fan of "Superman: The Movie", but then I have seen it a hundred times and it was part of the fabric of my life for thirty years. But there's no doubt that "Man of Steel" is fantastic. It is a great Superman movie. It's a great movie... period."

"Superman fans will pull it apart, examining it from every angle. We'll argue over it for months and years. Some will call it the best thing since sliced bread. Others will complain about the costume, Lois' role, what happened to Zod, the amount of destruction, Clark Kent's actions, the secret identity, etc... But that's par for the course amongst Superman fans."

I wasn't wrong...

2021 Movie News

Listed below are all the Movie News items archived for 2021 organized into various categories:

'Zack Snyder's Justice League' News: 'The Flash' Supergirl Movie News: Christopher Reeve Movie News: Henry Cavill Movie News: 'DC League of Super-Pets' Movie News: 'Injustice' Animated Movie News: Other Movie News:

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