Why the World Doesn’t Need Superman*

Some thoughts I had while I saw Man of Steel today with my dad.

Bad News first:

– The script seemed choppy, like key plot points were forced, instead of finding a way to them organically.
– The destruction in the film seemed a little too much, especially for the ending. Metropolis was destroyed, and yet he’s just going to waltz into the Daily Planet for a job? Why are they operating like normal? Of course they could be hiring if half their staff died, shouldn’t some of them still be in a state of shock? Are they too busy pushing out stories to help with clean up?
– Why did no one say Metropolis? I saw Smallville written on things, at least they got that bit.
– I think the story was overburdened with previous superman origin stories, and wanted a different approach. Only problem is, they forgot their audience has seen them too.
– Superman always seemed like a simple story to me. Why did it need to be overburdened with so much destruction and CGI? I might have enjoyed it more if they destroyed less buildings. (They could still fight the same)
– Come on you guys!

The Good News:

– The world has discovered Henry Cavill. Who is in great form in this film. (I am a fan of The Tudors and Stardust, I saw this guy coming, but the rest of the world might not have)
– Michael Shannon. You are amazing. But do you ever smile? Call me!
– Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent was spot on casting. I’m going to be quoting his lines to my children.
– Diane Lane! Amy Adams! Ayelet Zurer (she was Lara)!
– And could I forget Russell Crowe? No, no I couldn’t.

In conclusion, I’m completely torn as to if I liked it or not. The Screenwriter in me says ‘No! Stay back!’ but the fangirl in me says ‘Come on, you love Highlander, and it has way more issues than this’ to which I’d reply, ‘Yeah, but this doesn’t have it’s soundtrack done by Queen’. So since I can’t decide, I’ll leave you with the epic video from Highlander, “Princes of the Universe”

You’re welcome. Cheers.

The Remodel

It’s like a rebirth – not changing the foundation, just knocking down the walls to become more functional, perhaps more stylish, perhaps more – moreness.   Remodeling is what I tell my students they have to do when they need to restructure a rewrite – they’ve got the foundation, just need to change the size of the kitchen, or even move the front door to make the house more accessible.  Metaphors can be fun.  Some I can tell listen, others I can tell a different approach might be necessary when they hand me the same paper back for their rewrite.

But now, it’s summer – more time.  Perhaps this should be called ‘more’ – more of me out there, more movies to watch, tales to be told, and adventures to be had.  I like adventures, and here I’d like to share my writing adventures. I’m going to attending a writing seminar at my school this summer, where I’m sharing a rewrite of a script. Then there’s a steampunk novella I’ve got ideas for. Oh and the other Grad Students in the program (seven of us total) want to shoot some shorts this summer. I’m hoping to shoot the only short I’ve had published – “The Piano Bar”. I’ll create a link to share with everyone.

With the remodel, we’ve taken up the floor, and set up some frames for a buildout.  This blog I hope will be about motivation.  I need to get this train going – this ship sailing.  I’m not usually a fan of metaphors, but they seem to work here. I’m stripping everything I know out from under me and want to start anew.  Will it work? I’m not sure.  I’m nervous to fall into my old routines, but that won’t get my stories out there, it’s been proven in all the years before.

So now there’s no floor – and an outer husk of what’s to come.  Watch this space.  I’m hoping for great things.