4. Man Of Steel Sets Up Fresh Dynamics For The Sequel
We're human. We like what we know, and uncertainty always means effort. That's why we tell each other the same handful of stories over and over again, and that's why franchises are so popular. In superhero movies, we love the identity of the hero to remain a secret until the dramatic irony can be pushed no further. As much as we like to make fun of Clark Kent's glasses, it's an expectation we have. Many of us might initially say we're relieved that Man of Steel gets that stuff out of the way by the film's conclusion, with Lois Lane and possibly also Perry White knowing who Clark really is, but again, this brings us into unfamiliar territory with Superman, and this makes some people apprehensive. I have no doubt this has been a factor in many reviewers' feelings about the relationship between Lois and Clark. The relationships in Man of Steel are already pushed to a much greater level even without a sequel. We applaud "normal" dramas that push the boundaries of character relationships, so why get upset when Man of Steel just switches around the toys in the sandbox a little bit? If we feel that apprehension, we should take some deep breaths and see where the movie goes.
Ian Boucher is many things when he is not writing for WhatCulture.com -- explorer, friend of nature, and librarian. He enjoys stories of many kinds and is fascinated with what different mediums can bring to them. He has developed particular affections for movies and comic books, especially the ones that need more attention, taking them absolutely seriously with a sense of humor. He constantly strives to build his understanding of the relationships between world cultures, messages, and audiences.
