Man Of Steel

"What if a child aspired to something greater?"

Man Of Steel is the new superhero movie that has rebooted the Superman franchise. After the success of the Batman Trilogy, DC Comics has continued in its similar style by creating an origin story for America's most famous superhero.

In general, the film is directed incredibly well, with Zack Snyder using interesting and unique camera angles and techniques. Yet with one or two key scenes in the film, the camera that is focusing on the scene bobs slightly up and down. Although this is just a minor movement, it makes it incredibly hard to focus on the emotions and key plot points that are trying to be portrayed throughout the scenes.

The plot for the film is enthralling and exciting, as the story unwinds we learn more about how Clark came to be, and what has happened throughout his life. Numerous scenes of Clark's past are shown through flashbacks, which works well yet seems to interrupt the scenes that they are in between. Despite the story being full of exhilaration, the relationship being forged between Lois Lane (Amy Adams) and Clark Kent (Henry Cavill) seems to be rushed and lacking any real thought or feeling behind it.

This film features an astounding cast, with Henry Cavill exceeding as Clark Kent and as Superman. He is versatile, enchanting and (despite being British) a practically perfect fit for the part. Michael Shannon portrays General Zod with a pure energy that entices the audience to anticipate his every move against the Man of Steel. Amy Adams works well as the bold and courageous Lois Lane and Russell Crowe is intriguing as Jor-El, who is a key character to the story. Clark's Earth parents, played by Kevin Costner and Diane Lane, seem to work well together as we see their hopes and struggles through Clark's life so far, yet Kevin Costner seems to have a repetitive script, with each scene delivering similar speeches and teachings.

There is a huge use of CGI within this film, with most of it being used to an amazing level. The scenes of Superman flying are simply breath-taking, but General Zod's suit is entirely computer-generated, and through some points this is apparent, causing the suit to look rigid and his movement to be robotic. The fight scenes are remarkable, as each scene demonstrates the power and strength of each character involved. The special effects are also used well,with entire buildings crumbling onto unfortunate citizens of Metropolis, as well as creating astonishing ships and out-of-this-world technologies that draw you closer to the screen as you become captivated by their presence.

Overall, Man of Steel is a great continuation of the DC superhero reboot. The plot is fascinating, yet it seems to feature too many flashbacks and rushed relationships, whereas the graphics are inconceivable, and action bursts from each segment of the film. A masterpiece of film-making, with stellar performances from all of the cast members and a musical score that exuberates the films development and effect on its viewer.

Star Trek Into Darkness 3D

"You think your world is safe?"

Star Trek Into Darkness is the exhilarating new film that features incredible highs and lows for Kirk and his team aboard the Enterprise. The film is brilliantly directed by J.J. Abrams, as it really shows how spectacular each element of the film is.

The film follows on from the first film of the all-different re-boot. The film is predominantly based on Kirk finding out how to be the great Captain of the Enterprise that we all know he can be. This task does not come easy for Kirk, as many people and events stand between this goal, including the mysterious John Harrison who is played by Benedict Cumberbatch. John Harrison is a Starfleet Officer himself who turns into a criminal, forcing Kirk to go on a mission to find him, and bring him to justice. Some classic Trek fans may be slightly disappointed by some of the plot points and how they play out, yet those new to the Trek world will be utterly delighted by the story and how it is written.

The acting throughout the film is incredible to watch, as each actor portrays their character with such feeling and heart (although, not so much feeling for Spock) that we cannot help becoming engrossed with them and their characters and how they cope with the ordeals that are going on around them. Chris Pine excels yet again as Kirk, as he manages to perfectly balance Kirk's wit and over-confidence with his realisations of what is right and wrong. Zachary Quinto and Zoe Saldana are equally good as Spock and Uhura, and this film lets us see how their relationship develops and how them working together can put a strain on their relationship. The other famous members of the Enterprise; Sulu played by John Cho, Chekov played by Anton Yelchin, Bones played by Karl Urban and Scotty played by Simon Pegg, are all given quite the back-seat of this adventure, yet each character has moments where they make a real difference in the plot and how the film runs as a whole. One actor who stands out immensely, however, is Trek-newbie Benedict Cumberbatch, who is excellent at portraying John Harrison, a cryptic character who is diverse in his feelings and actions.

The special effects of this film truly are out of this world, with every detail from the Enterprise to the Transporter appearing incredibly realistic. The use of 3D in the film is not wasted, as it really engrosses the audience for some scenes, and it does effect the appearance of the film, yet it is not amiss if seen in 2D.

Overall I feel that the film is a great accomplishment by the whole team involved, as it is a witty, exciting and enthralling ride aboard the Enterprise. Although some original Trek fans may have to take a step back for this film, they should view it with open eyes, arms and pointed ears in order to truly grasp that it is different from other Star Trek films that have gone before.