Happy Trailer Wednesday! I actually don’t know if that’s a thing but let’s pretend. Moving on.
This Is Where I Leave You
The feelings. The laughing out loud. The cast. The Kings of Leon. Whew.
I recently read this 2009 best-selling novel by Jonathan Tropper (who also wrote the screenplay) and I laughed/ugly cried the whole way through. ‘This is Where I Leave You’ follows four adult children who return to their mother’s (Jane Fonda) house for a week when their father dies. With each sibling comes their problems. Judd (Jason Bateman, and our narrator) recently caught his wife Jen (Abigail Spencer) in bed with his boss (Dax Shepard). Wendy (Tina Fey) is a responsible mother in a loveless marriage with Barry (Aaron Lazar). Wendy used to date Horry (Timothy Olyphant) who still lives across the street with his mother due to a brain injury he suffered while dating Wendy. The eldest brother Paul (Corey Stoll) was supposed to be the family treasure. A talented baseball player in high school, he lost his scholarship after being brutally attacked by a dog while defending Judd. Paul now works for the family sporting goods store and is married to Alice (Kathryn Hahn), Judd’s ex-girlfriend. The two are desperately trying to start a family. That leaves Phillip (Adam Driver), the baby and apple of his mother’s eye. Everyone is still waiting for Phillip to grow up and be a responsible adult so when he brings his MUCH older girlfriend home (Connie Britton, y’all) everyone is a little shocked and dismayed.
The Grand Seduction
When I originally saw this title under Taylor Kitsch’s IMDB page I thought it was going to be a lot sexier. Now, don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing quite like seeing a guy in a white button-up with the sleeves rolled up (my goodness) but I expected more sexy time. I mean, seduction is in the title. Still, this movie looks adorable. The film is a remake of the 2003 French-Canadian film, Seducing Doctor Lewis. Kitsch plays a doctor who’s lured into spending a month in a tiny Newfoundland harbor village. The town needs to convince Kitsch’s Dr. Lewis to stay permanently so that a factory will be built nearby creating jobs for the town. Kitsch is knocking them dead lately (he needed to after the tragic year that was 2012). He broke hearts in Peter Berg’s Lone Survivor and recently starred in HBO’s The Normal Heart. It finally seems like Kitsch is playing his cards right.
I just realized that between Connie Britton and Taylor Kitsch, this is another “oh my god I love everything Friday Night Lights” post. Sorry I’m not sorry. Clear eyes full hearts can’t lose.
“The Fault in Our Stars” follows the story of Hazel Lancaster, a teenage girl living with thyroid cancer that has spread to her lungs. Because of this, Hazel lives her life knowing her time is limited, “Some infinities are bigger than other infinities.” In a support group for cancer kids in Indianapolis, Hazel meets and eventually falls in love with August Waters, a former basketball player who lost his leg to osteosarcoma. “The Fault in Our Stars” tells their “One sick love story.” The movie debuts in theaters June 6th, check out the trailer below.
Let the binge watching commence! Starting February 14th, ‘House of Cards’ sophomore season will be available for streaming on Netflix. Forget the chocolates, what more could you want for Valentine’s Day? The season two trailer premiered today, so let’s dive in!
The season starts with Frank Underwood taking his oath as Vice President with Claire and Doug proudly at his side. Mirroring the President’s inauguration in season 1, Frank breaks the third wall saying, “One heartbeat away from the Presidency and not a single vote cast in my name. Democracy is so overrated.”
“Let’s start this new chapter with a clean slate,” Frank says to Claire. Do they really think that’s going to happen?
Our first glimpse at a new ‘House of Cards’ character! She shows up a few times in the trailer leading me to believe she’s going to a big deal, any guesses?
“The Vice President just took office, I can’t have this conspiracy stuff going mainstream,” says Doug. Conspiracy? Uh oh, does someone know how Frank really won the Vice Presidency.
Can’t have it going mainstream? Too late. “The connections are troubling, especially Underwood,” says a television correspondent. It looks like Frank’s first fight will be with the media and their conspiracy theories.
“So this goes all the way to the White House,” replies the anchor. “It might,” confirms the correspondent. It seems like it’s time for Frank to cover his tracks, enter Zoe.
“I need for you to delete all of our phone history,” says Frank. “You want me to just walk away? Act as if I don’t know anything.” Clearly, Zoe is against him too.
With Tusk (Major Dad) orchestrating the President’s moves from behind the scenes, confrontation with Frank is inevitable. “He’s convincing the President to change his mind,” says Frank. “You would be making a disastrous mistake,” declares Tusk.
“I feel like I’m losing control of my own goddamn administration,” says the President, obviously caught in the crossfire between Tusk and Frank. It’s important to note that Michael Gill, who plays President Garrett Walker was promoted to series regular for season 2.
In probably the most chilling scene of the trailer, Frank and Claire stand casually in their kitchen discussing (most likely) Tusk. “He’s a dangerous man,” says Claire. “I want him obliterated,” replies Frank. “More than that, let’s make him suffer,” Claire says calmly. At this, Frank speaks to the audience, “I don’t know whether to be proud or terrified.” They really are the best couple on TV, like the new Coach and Mrs. Taylor.
Now Claire sits in an interview, “Some people think that your marriage may be a bit more calculated than you let on.” Ya think?
In these quickly moving scenes, we see a few more cast members that have been promoted to recurring:
Remy Danton, lobbyist for SanCorp and Frank’s former protege, played by Mahershala Ali.
Adam Galloway, Claire’s once lover and a consistent supporter of her nonprofit, played by Ben Daniels.
Freddy, barbecue genius, played by Reg E. Cathey also seems to be playing a much bigger role this season. “They done stepped on the wrong motherf***ing rattle snake,” he growls in the trailer as Frank declares “We have to strike back hard and fast.”
“I told you to stop back channeling,” says the President. “I can turn this around sir,” replies Frank. Here’s where things get interesting as the cover-up conspiracy thickens.
“I think he’s setting her up,” says Lucas. My theory here is that Lucas believes Frank is setting up Zoe to take the fall for something. Perhaps, for what happened to ill-fated Peter Russo. “I know how to handle him,” insists Zoe. But do you really?
We then see Frank teaming up with Remy.”You trying to send a message?,” asks Remy. “Stubbornness is far more costly than obedience,” replies Frank. This could be directed towards Zoe, Janine, and Lucas.
We’ve got another new character for season 2 played by Jimmi Simpson.
What are our journalists after? “I’m looking for Rachel Posner,” says Zoe, as in the hooker used to set up Russo last year. Yes, it does seem that the journalists are close to unraveling Frank’s web of lies. Also, is that Janine and Rachel hooking up? Innnntersesting. I guess Zoe isn’t the only one that can sleep with her source.
“You let me know if anyone contacts you,” Doug tells Rachel. Then we see the FBI showing up at Janine’s front door, obviously there to shut her investigation down at Frank’s bidding.
“You cannot run away from this,” says Lucas. “He’s got power. He’s got a lot to lose. And he’s winning,” says Janine emotionally, as Frank extinguishes a birthday candle with his fingers.
Zoe and Frank meet in the middle of the night, and Frank is in costume! “I need to know that I wasn’t a part of someone’s…” “Finish your thought,” says Frank. “…a part of someone’s murder,” says Zoe. Again, does Zoe know how to handle Frank? I don’t think anyone really does, except for Claire of course.
Janine must have gotten to Rachel, here she is holding a knife to Doug’s throat. It seems that everyone is cracking under the pressure of what happened to Russo.
Then we begin a series of powerful one-liners from Frank, Claire, and Zoe about exposure, enemies, and trust with their title cards before the trailer quickly wraps up in these scenes:
Who is this guy?! And why does he have a bag over his head and appear to be tied up? Is ‘House of Cards’ about to get real kinky?
Anthrax, never a good time.
And probably my favorite part, Frank is eating dinner at Tusk’s home. He angrily picks up his steak and throws it into the pool for the dog. Have you ever seen a dog with that much glee?
The trailer ends with one last reminder from Frank, “There is but one rule, hunt or be hunted. Welcome back.”
And it is good to be back indeed! In the trailer we see Frank going after the media, Tusk, Zoe, Janine, Lucas, Rachel, and the President. I can’t wait to watch this all go down. Sign into Netflix February 14th and don’t make plans to leave your couch, it’s going to be a good weekend. See below for he full trailer.
The X-Men series is (count em) thirteen years old. That’s right, thirteen. To celebrate, Bryan Singer is creating the ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ of superhero movies. Maybe ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ is a better way to describe ‘The Avengers.’ This film features every actor that ever portrayed an X-Men mutant (well, almost everybody – we miss you James Marsden). The mega star power in this film is, without a doubt, going to squash ‘The Avengers.’ Do you agree or disagree? Let’s dive in!
The trailer starts with an eyeball. A familiar voice says, “what’s the last thing you remember?”
When the camera pans out we realize that the eyeball belongs to Wolverine. This is the seventh time that Hugh Jackman has portrayed Wolverine, including that terrible, no good film ‘X-Men: Origins–Wolverine.’
As the voiceover continues saying, “I had a glimpse into the past,” we get a glimpse at some of the Old X-Men favorites. Are you ready? Roll call!
Halle Berry returns as Storm. Judging by her expression, things are not going well for the Old X-Men crew.
Patrick Stewart as Professor X. According to Stewart, there will be an explanation for Professor X’s return even though he was vaporized by Jean Grey in ‘X-Men: The Last Stand.’ Professor X tells Wolverine, “You’re going to have to do for me, what I once did for you.”
Shawn Ashmore is back as Iceman, and he’s still adorable.
Ellen Page as Kitty Pryde. In the original comic, the adult Kate Pryde transfers her mind into her younger self. Thus, putting the X-Men into action to prevent a fatal moment in history that triggers anti-mutant hysteria. In the film, Kitty Pryde will use her phasing ability to facilitate time-travel.
Rogue played by Anna Paquin. Everyone looks so worried. And it seems this love triangle is still in full swing.
Ian McKellan as Magneto, but what’s he doing hanging out with Iceman? In ‘The Last Stand’ Magneto was cured and lost his powers (as did Mystique and Rebecca Romijn is noticeably missing). You may remember at the end of the film, Magneto was faintly able to move a chess piece without touching it, hinting the cure might not be so permanent. Can we assume that Magneto has his powers back? Powers or no powers, something is going on in the world to make Magneto forget his bad ways and re-team with Professor X for the greater good. Magneto’s voiceover says, “You’ll need me as well. Side by side to end this war, before it ever begins.”
And Magneto’s team of merry-men include Bishop portrayed by Omar Sy. In the comic books, Bishop is a part of the mutant police force and main antagonist.
…and Sunspot by Adan Canto. You might recognize him from Fox’s ‘The Following.’ Sunspot possesses the ability to absorb and channel solar power, which is kind of boring but whatever.
…and Warpath by Twilight’s Booboo Stewart. Warpath, also known as the second Thunderbird, is an Apache Native American possessing mutant superhuman strength and speed.
…and finally, Blink by Fan Bingbing. Blink is a comic book fan favorite. She has the ability to teleport and was famously pink. She’s likely a throwaway character for the film, but still it’s a nice nod.
MIA: Evan Peter is Magneto’s son Quicksilver and The Sentinels.
So back to Wolverine, he asks Professor X and Magneto, “So, I wake up in my younger body then what?” So instead of Kitty transferring to her younger self, Wolverine will be performing the honors.
Old Professor X tells him, “Find me, convince me of all this.” And that kicks-off the Young X-Men Roll Call starting with James McAvoy as a jaded Young Professor X.
Old Magneto chimes in, “It’s going to take the two of us.” Wolverine asks “And where do I find you?” Magneto responds, “A different path, a darker path.” Same sh*t, different day but at least there’s Michael Fassbender.
Young Mystique by Jennifer Lawrence appears shedding a single tear, confirming that Young Magneto really is on that darker path.
Young X is just hanging out in Cerebro, doing some spring cleaning.
Earlier in the trailer, Professor X said to Wolverine, “You’re going to have to do for me, what I once did for you.” What did he mean? He elaborates saying “Logan, I was a very a different man. Lead me. Guide me. Be patient with me.” Remember in the original film thirteen years ago, Wolverine was a loner on a motorcycle that Professor X made into an X-Men. Now, it’s time for Wolverine to bring X back from the dark side. Logan quips, “Patience isn’t my strong suit.” We know, we know.
So off he goes!
Side note – that looks like Colossus, who I think is in the future (see Old group).
Side side note – JLaw with bangs!
Chaos, chaos, chaos. In the Oval Office, someone important is making use of a secret escape and safe room.
These guys are firing at Wolverine and judging by those curtains we are in the 70s (see Young group).
Young Beast! Played by a very blue Nicolas Hoult.
Everyone’s favorite ‘Game of Thrones’ brother, Peter Dinklage is Boliver Trask, a military scientist and the head of Trask Industries. He creates an army of robots that destroy mutants, better known as Sentinels.
Then there’s Nixon.
Now, with this clip of Storm, we start the flash-back, flash-forward montage that is kind of confusing, kind of overwhelming, but altogether awesome.
There’s some kind of lovers-quarrel between Magneto and Mystique. He is forcefully pulling her in his direction. How? We don’t know.
Young Magneto
…Old Magneto
Young Professor X, “I don’t want your suffering, I don’t want your future.”
…Old Professor X
The trailer ends with Old Professor X addressing Young Professor X, “Please, we need you to hope again.” I can’t wait to see how they end up in the same space at the same time.
If we thought we were enjoying Christmas early this year with our 16 Top Fall TV Picks, now we know for sure that the holiday season is upon us. The trailer for the new season of Showtime’s Award-winning drama Homeland dropped today. Check out the emotionally-charged trailer and our breakdown below:
The Breakdown
– The trailer starts with the final scene from Season 2 between Brody and Carrie before diving into a series of (emotional) clips from upcoming episodes.
– Saul and Carrie are both subjected to official investigations (and seem to be put on trial) after the events of Season 2. Can we just talk about how excited we are to see these powerful scenes unfold??
– Carrie is a mess after losing her precious Brody and winds up in a mental institution (we think). After she miraculously got her job back in Season 2, do you think it’s possible Carrie will ever be back in the CIA?
– Brody seems to be in the Middle East or another country (definitely not America) and he’s being hunted by the CIA Abu Nazir-style (cue maps with hundreds of lines, photos, and connections). He is now bald, and recovering from a gun shot wound in a deteriorated building AKA not in too great of shape.
– Meanwhile, his family isn’t handling the whole situation very well. Brody is now the infamous American Hero-Turned-Terrorist, making his family a target for paparazzi and news faccets. In addition, Dana is now a Muslim (or trying to become one), and is sending nudie pics to someone. Boy, is it too much to ask that we focus on Chris this season instead of the annoying child?
– Rupert Friend is back. Need we say more?
– What’s the song in the trailer that you just can’t get enough of? We thought you might ask. Listen to “To Build a Home” by the Cinematic Orchestra here.
There is a lot going on in the trailer and it definitely tugs at your heart-strings. What part has you the most excited? Do you think Season 3 can live up to the hysteria that surrounds the first two seasons of Homeland? Can Season 3 make up for the lack-luster Season 2? We here at RPW only know one thing – we literally can’t wait for the premiere. Is it September 29th at 9pm yet?
It’s official – the newest trailer for Thor 2: The Dark World is out and boy are we excited. The second trailer was finally released today as a part of YouTube’s Geek Week. Watch the trailer & read our break-down below:
1. Loki is back, but this time as Thor’s ally We last saw Loki in The Avengers as he was captured and taken back to Asgard as a prisoner. We catch up with him there in his glass-box prison cell, and he doesn’t seem to be doing that well. But, Thor visits Loki and eventually enlists his help. Loki’s role is essential because he knows all there is to know about the evil creatures dwelling in the underworlds of the Nine Worlds’, but this move shocks everyone, even Loki. He agrees to help but not without chiding, “you must be truly desperate to come to me for help.” I just hope Loki doesn’t decide to betray the God of Thunder. I don’t think it will go over too well for him if he does…
2. Thor faces his biggest challenge yet – The Dark Elves Loki wasn’t that far off when he assumed that Thor must be desperate if he’s asking for help. In The Dark World, Thor is facing his biggest challenge to date. We learn from Odin that before there was life, there was not nothing but an immense evil, which has survived and is now trying to send the Nine Worlds’ into a time of destruction, despair, and utter chaos. And of course, Loki is the only one who truly understands just how bad the situation is for everyone. Thor, Loki, Jane, and friends must face Malekith the Accursed, the leader of the race of dark elves, and his destructive army, which includes rock giants and giant black ships nicknamed “the Fist of Malekith.” The battles, which take place on Earth and in Asgard, look epic and the effects look fantastic. Not to mention the fact that the Gods of Thunder and Mischief look OH SO GOOD together.
3. Jane journeys to Asgard, and is smokin’ hot in the process. Jane Foster is in England when the Fist of Malekith hits and causes destruction so Thor races to Earth to rescue his ladylove. He teleports her back to Asgard, where she looks absolutely beautiful, AND she bitchslaps Loki in retribution for “what happened in New York” (better known as The Avengers movie events). Thatta girl, Jane! Jane remains in Asgard, putting her right in the middle of all the danger. But Thor promises her that he will find a way to keep her (and everyone else) safe. Let’s hope he keeps that promise. I love seeing Natalie Portman in these films and I want her to be a part of The Avengers 2, especially since Tom Hiddleston just confirmed that Loki is out.
Jane Foster AKA My #WomanCrushWednesday
4. The cast and crew features some new faces. Not only is the film featuring a new director (Alan Taylor, Game of Thrones), new writers (Christopher Yost, comic writer & Stephen McFeely, Chronicles of Narnia), but the cast also features some new faces. In addition to Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Ray Stevenson, and Kat Dennings, new cast members include Christopher Eccleston as Malekith, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (LOST alum!) as Algrim/Kurse, and Clive Russell (GOT alum!) as Tyr.
I welcome the changes in the writing and directing teams with open arms. I enjoyed Thor but didn’t love it. I found it to be a little drawn out and confusing to follow (at times). And, with scenes going back and forth from Earth and Asgard, it felt as if there were two stories separately unfolding and the whole thing didn’t mesh well. I am hoping that Alan Taylor will bring some of the magic he’s created on Game of Thrones, which has thirty different main characters and almost as many settings to match. I also think the new writers, especially Yost who authored The Avengers comic-book series, will help keep the movie grounded in it’s Marvel roots, and ultimately help blend the many different Avenger heroes storylines’ together with more finesse. After all, he is the master-mind behind it all!
Thor 2: The Dark World hits theaters on November 8, 2013.That gives you plenty of time to catch up on Thor, The Avengers, and every other Marvel movie that is currently available on Netflix or OnDemand.
Yesterday, at the Catching Fire Comic Con panel The Hunger Games team debuted the first official trailer. All the writers of RPW are HUGE Hunger Games fans, so we were eagerly sitting by our computers waiting for the first glimpse at Finnick and hoping for a sneak peek at the arena. The trailer delivered that and more. Here’s the breakdown:
Victors’ Village
Now that Peeta and Katniss are victors, they live in District 12’s Victors’ Village. There are several rows of houses and only three are occupied by Katniss, Peeta, and Haymitch. It’s just as dreary and lonely as I imagined it would be.
Hope
“Since the last games something is different, you can see it.”
“What can you see?”
“Hope.”
In The Hunger Games, the games end when Peeta and Katniss threaten to digest nightlock, intending to commit suicide, they are both pulled from the arena and declared victors. For the first time in history, The Hunger Games had two victors. Its also the first time that the Capitol and President Snow have been publicly defied. Because of her actions, Peeta and Katniss have unintentionally started a revolution giving the nation hope.
Playing Nice for the Cameras
Post-Games, Katniss and Peeta must keep the faux-romance (or is it?) alive. I have very strong opinions about how the first movie depicted this romance and I’m curious to see how it plays out in the second film.
“You saved us. I know that. But I can’t go on acting for the cameras and ignoring each other in real life.”
Devising a Plan
“She’s not who they think she is, she has to be eliminated.”
“I agree, but in the right way at the right time.”
President Snow and Head Gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee hatch a plan to eliminate Katniss Everdeen and hopefully eliminate this pending revolution.
Caught Red Handed
Realizing the upcoming danger, Katniss makes a plea to Gale for them to run away with their families. Gale is resistant, he wants this revolution. “People want a fight, I’m staying here,” he declares before passionately kissing her not realizing that she’s under Snow’s watchful eye. Before their Victor’s Tour, Snow surprises Katniss at her home and let’s her know that he controls her every move. “You fought very hard in the games Miss Everdeen, but they were games. Would you like to be in a real war? Imagine, thousands of your people dead. Your loved ones, gone.” “What do I need to do?” replies Katniss.
The Twist
How do Plutarch and Snow plan to get rid of Katniss? Cue the 75th Hunger Games. Every 25 years, there is a “Quarter Quell” that allows the Capitol to introduce a twist in the games. This year’s twist is that 24 victors from previous years will be forced to compete once again. Katniss and Peeta enter the games for District 12, both vowing to protect one another.
“I think these Games are going to be different.”
Haymitch says to Peeta and Katniss when discussing the Quarter Quell to provide a little bit of foreshadowing.
“Ready to go to work?”
God bless you Cinna. Those who have seen the first movie know how important Cinna’s work was to creating the Girl on Fire. Just because she won doesn’t mean the work is over. Cinna, Portia, Effie, and Haymitch band together to build the faux-romance story and give Peeta and Katniss and stronger chance at winning.
Meet the Other Tributes
Hello Finnick! I don’t know about you guys but I’m feeling pretty good about this one. Finnick Odair, from District 4, won the 65th Hunger Games when he was fourteen years old by using a net and trident. And yes, he’s wearing a fishing net.
This is Enobaria from District 2. When she became old enough to participate, she volunteered for the 62nd Hunger Games. She became famous for ripping another tribute’s throat out with her teeth and after the games she had her teeth cosmetically altered to end in sharp points, like fangs, and inlaid with gold to remind everyone of her savage victory.
This is Gloss, he’s a career tribute from District 1. I already don’t like him.
Finally, Johanna Mason! The axe wielding bad girl from District 7.
Training
Unlike the last games, Peeta and Katniss go into the training sessions to actually train. Up against these known-killers, they need all the training they can get.
District 12 Has Arrived
Dude, the CGI looks so much better than last year! The costumes are fantastic for the opening ceremony. Way to step it up. Do work, Cinna. And how hot does Josh Hutcherson look?
The Mockingjay
Again, the costumes are killing it. During her tribute interview, Katniss’s “wedding gown” transforms into a beautiful and breathtaking Mockingjay costume. Why is this important? The Mockingjay symbol (above) is the nation’s symbol for hope.
The Arena
You guys, we’re seeing much more of The Arena in this trailer than we did for The Hunger Games and I’M LOVING IT! Also, knowing what happens to Katniss right before she’s sent into The Arena and seeing it all over Jennifer Lawrence’s face. Whew! This is going to be rough to watch.
Watch the full trailer below. Initial thoughts? The quality seems to be better, the story lines are all there, I’m feeling good. What are you most excited to see?
2013, the year Hollywood decided to bring Linda Lovelace’s story to life. There are two films due out this year. The first, Lovelace, stars Amanda Seyfried. The second, Inferno: A Linda Lovelace Story, stars Malin Akerman. At first glance, I would say that Lovelace will be the better movie. It has a better cast that includes Peter Sarsgaard, Juno Temple, Sharon Stone, James Franco, Chris Noth, Adam Brody, and Hank Azaria. Also, it seems that this movie is going to be more about Linda Lovelace and her motivations. Inferno stars Sasha Grey and Matt Dillon. With a porn star in the line-up I’m guessing this movie is going for more of a shock value. Either way, we have a trailer for Lovelace (below) but no clips from Inferno yet. Lovelace is out August 8 and Inferno is TBD.
Leonardo DiCaprio makes it rain in the trailer for his new movie The Wolf of Wall Street. Out November 15th, Leo teams up with Martin Scorsese again for this new movie in which he plays a New York stockbroker in the 80s who refuses to cooperate in a large securities fraud case that leads to corruption on Wall Street. The movie also stars Jonah Hill, Matthew McConaughey, Kyle Chandler, Jean Dujardin, and Jon Favreau. Click below for the trailer (which includes an awesome glimpse at Leo’s breakdancing skills).
In latest Man of Steel trailer, we see a little more plot and a little more Lois Lane. This Superman is different than the spandex wearing superhero we’re used to. He not only pretends, but he desperately wants to be normal.
The trailer opens with Jor-El (Russell Crowe) taking in the turmoil at Krypton. We know that on Krypton, you are bred to serve a specific role in society: warrior, scientist, etc. But Kal-El is unique. He was born by natural birth, so there’s no way to know what he will become. To protect his son, Jor-El sends him to Earth. “He’ll be a god to them,” he says ““What if a child dreamed of becoming something other than what society had intended?” Every time they show that little boy point his hands on his hips with that red cape in the background, I get goosebumps.
As we know, Kal-El grows up to be Clark Kent, a child with extraordinary powers of strength. His adoptive father (the best looking man alive, Kevin Costner) wants him to keep his powers a secret. He explains to Clark, “You’re the answer son, you’re the answer to are we alone in the universe.” Clark replies, “Can’t I just keep pretending I’m your son?”
From there we see nomad Clark (Henry Cavill), drifting along, searching for his identity. And our first real introduction to Lois Lane (Amy Adams), the reporter on the hunt for the mystery man who’s responsible for so many life-saving feats. “For some he was a guardian angel, for others a ghost.”
Then we see Kal-El become the Man of Steel “In time you will help them accomplish wonders.”
Enter General Zod (Michael Shannon), a Kryptonian searching for Kal-El to join his side and align himself with Krypton rather than defend Earth, the planet that nurtured and raised him.
Outlining the plot, Superman explains his struggle, “My father believed that if the world found out who I really was, they’d reject me. He was convinced that the world wasn’t ready. What do you think?”
Finally, we see a conversation between Lois Lane and Superman (hello, chemistry):
“What’s the S stand for?” she asks.
“It’s not an S, on my world it means hope.”
“Well, here it’s an S,” she says. “How about — ‘Sup–” A squawk of feedback from the speaker system in the interrogation room cuts her off.
Here’s what we know, there is no kryptonite in this movie (creator Zack Snyder describes it as a glorified allergy). The real test will be Superman realizing his fate, and his weakness will be acceptance among the same people he’s trying to save. So, what do we think? Are we ready for this kind of Superman?
ROCK PAPER WATCH 