June 19, 2013

Wednesday, June 19, 2013 @msureporter

facebook.com/msureporter

Minnesota State University, Mankato

www.themsureporter.com

New VP For University Advancement Named

Former Vice President for University Development at Fresno State assigned.

SAM WILMES

news editor

Minnesota State University, Mankato, has named R. Kent Clark Vice President for University Advancement. Clark, the associate vice president for development at California State University, Fresno, will assume his new duties Aug. 1.

“Mr. Clark brings a record of notable achievement, knowledge and experience in the areas of development, gift planning and fundraising,” said Richard Davenport, MSU president via a press release. “His excellent background in managing comprehensive campaigns fits our advancement goals and our ‘Big Ideas, Real-World Thinking’ approach to global education. “ Kent has been a key leader in the planning, launching, and execution of higher education campaigns, some as large as $500 million,’’ Davenport continued. “I am thrilled to have Kent join our campus web photo community.”

New MSU Vice President for University Advancement R. Clark has focused on fundraising Kent Clark. at California State University. Through March, Clark has led a fundraising camState was his involvement in a campaign that paign at California State, Fresno that concluded three of the largest gifts ever given raised $214 million. He was also involved to the university. Clark helped land a $15 milwith strategic planning initiatives, includ- lion gift for a regional campus facility. He also ing overhauling the fundraising structure. helped secure naming donations of $51 million.

He changed the alumni affairs model as Clark, who is replacing Doug Mayo, received well as university strategic communicaa bachelor’s degree in food systems economics tions and branding. and management in 1989 from Michigan State Before his tenure at Fresno State, Kent University, a masters degree in Biblical Studies filled development and foundation posifrom Cincinnati Christian University in 1996, tions at Utah State University between and a certificate in fundraising management 2003 and 2011. From 2006-2009, Clark in 2002 from the Indiana University Center on was special assistant to the president Philanthropy. for principal gifts. During his tenure as Mayo had been vice president of University Utah State’s associate vice president for Advancement from 2008 until this spring, development from 2009-2011, Kent manwhen he was named CEO of the North Dakota aged seven unit development offices in State University Development Foundation and four academic colleges located within the Alumni Association. Jeff Iseminger has been university. the Interim VP for University Advancement One of Clark’s career highlights at Utah

Clark / page 2

MAN OF STEEL DOUBLE TAKE

WEDNESDAY

H 80 L 64

H 85 L 68

THURSDAY

H 84 L 71

FRIDAY

MSU Assistant Professor up for National Award

The 2013 Nurses Education Award will be announced in the fall.

web photo Nursing Assistant Professor Nancy Leibold is in the running for the 2013 Nurses Education Award.

SAM WILMES

news editor

A Minnesota State University, Mankato professor has received a prestigious national award. Nursing Assistant Professor Nancyruth Leibold received the 2013 Heartland/ Midwest Nurse.com Nursing Excellence regional winner in the Education and Mentorship category.

As a recipient of the award, Leibold will now be a candidate in the 2013 Nurses Education Award. The process

involves a blind review. The results will be handed down in the fall.

The Nursing Excellence award winner honors some of the best nurses in all areas of the country. Awards are given out in six categories: Education and Mentorship, Advancing and Leading the Profession, Clinical Nursing, Inpatient, Home, Community and Ambulatory Care, Patient and Staff Management, and Volunteerism and Service.

Leibold is thankful for the

Leibold / page 2

PAGE 6

SPORTS

5

INDEX: A&E

6

CLASSIFIEDS

7

Page 2 • Reporter

News

Clark “I see this role for me in a real position of strength: a university with a fantastic track record of success, but one with even higher aspirations. What could be a better opportunity than that? ” continued from 1 since May 1.

Clark is excited to join the Mankato community.

“I was blown away by the quality of the people of MNSU Mankato. I’m really amazed at the accomplishments that the University has had over the years, under President Davenport’s leadership. I feel really fortunate to get the chance to be a part of such a great place,” Clark said.

Clark is setting the bar high for his new position as well.

“My goal is to help a great University become even better--and I want to do that by increasing the connection between the University and its community. I believe that MNSU Mankato is an exceptional university--and we need more people to be aware of that excellence, for our alumni to take even greater pride in being Mavericks and to show people who want to change the world with their

giving how MNSU can help them accomplish that,” Clark continued.

“In the future, the great universities of this country will be those who have outstanding faculty, students and staff. But they will also be universities who are closely connected to the communities they serve. I see a lot of that already in place at MNSU-I’m looking forward to expanding that connection even further, in short, I see this role for me as in a real position of strength: a university with a fantastic track record of success, but one with even higher aspirations. What could be a better opportunity than that?” Clark concluded.

Are you looking for an exciting and rewarding job?

New and valuable experiences?

A job that fits your class schedule?

The Harry Meyering Center has the job for you!

HMC is a non-profit agency committed to helping people with developmental disabilities lead full lives in the Mankato Community. No experience or special skills necessary we will provide paid training for needed skills!

As a Direct Support Professional for HMC, you will receive: • Paid orientation and training • Work schedules that consider your class schedule • Excellent wage: $9.18 per hour Monday-Friday and $10.18 per hour on Saturday & Sunday.

• Work-site close to campus and on bus route • Valuable and rewarding experience.

Currently accepting applications for: • Direct Support Professional Part-time One to three evening shifts during the week; every other Saturday and Sunday (8 hours rotating shifts); plus fill-in & holidays.

Contact Harry Meyering Center for more information at 507-388-8972 or apply on line at our website: www.harrymeyeringcenter.org

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Leibold “As I tell students, knowledge, basing practice on evidence and technical skills is not enough in nursing, because theraupeutic communication and interaction are also necessary for nurses.”

continued from 1

award.

“I feel very honored to be recognized as the recipient of the 2013 Nursing Excellence Award in Education and Mentorship for the Heartland/ Midwest Region of the United States,” Leibold said.

The Nebraska Wesleyan grad expressed pleasure over the award. “ I am privileged to receive this award and be a part of the Minnesota State UniversityMankato community. I enjoy interacting with MSU students, staff, and faculty and appreciate the opportunities that teaching at MSU has provided me.”

According to a press release put out by MSU, Leibold spent her teenage years working as a nursing assistant in a nursing home, with bigger

dreams of one day becoming a stockbroker on the New York Stock Exchange. After investing the money she made being a nursing assistant in the stock market, she developed close relationships with the residents where she worked, and decided to parlay that into a career in Nursing.

“My dream evolved into wanting to be a nurse, but not just any nurse,” Leibold said.

“I wanted to be a nurse that was up to date with the latest knowledge and skills, and provide caring, compassionate care to patients and families.

As I tell students, knowledge, basing practice on evidence and technical skills are not enough in nursing, because therapeutic communication and interaction are also necessary for nurses.”

Leibold earned her masters degree from Creighton University in 1993, Doctorate from the College of St. Mary in 2009, and has continued her education at MSU. The award, managed by Nurse.com, is given to a nurse who administers needed information to a future Nurse through administration and mentorship. These professionals support the development of nursing students so the students can become professionals.

The event is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson’s campaign for Nursing’s Future, and by The University of Phoenix Nursing Program.

LIBRARY SUMMER HOURS: Sunday • 1pm-9pm Monday-Thursday • 7:15am-7pm Friday • 7:15am-4:30pm Saturday • 10am-5pm LOOK FOR THE TEMPORARY ENTRANCE ACROSS FROM THE VOLLEYBALL COURTS

BEHIND PRESKA HALL.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

REPORTER STAFF - SUMMER 2013

POLICIES & INFORMATION

Editor in Chief: Reece Hemmesch (507) 389-5454

• If you have a complaint, suggestion or would like to point out an error made in the Reporter, call Editor in Chief Megan Kadlec at (507) 389-5454. The Reporter will correct any errors of fact or misspelled names in this space. Formal grievances against the Reporter are handled by the Newspaper Board, which can be contacted at (507) 389-2611.

NEWS EDITOR: Sam Wilmes.......................... (507) 389-5450

• The Minnesota State University Mankato Reporter is a student-run newspaper published twice a week, coming out on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Reporter generates 78 percent of its own income through advertising and receives approximately 22 percent from Student Activities fees. The Reporter is free to all students and faculty, but to start a subscription, please call us at (507) 389-1776. Subscriptions for the academic school year are $35.00 and subscribers will receive the paper within three to five days after publishing.

sports editor: Joey Denton.........................(507) 389-5227 Variety Editor: James Houtsma................... (507) 389-5157 ADVERTISING sales: Natasha Jones.............(507) 389-1063 Business Manager: Jane Tastad................ (507) 389-1926 ADVERTISING DESIGN MGR.: Dana Clark....(507) 389-2793

reporter-editor@mnsu.edu | (507) 389-5454

• Letters exceeding 400 words may not be accepted. The Reporter reserves the right to edit letters to fit space or correct punctuation. The Reporter reserves the right to publish, or not publish, at its discretion. Letters must contain year, major or affiliation with the university, or lack thereof. All letters must contain phone numbers for verification purposes.

Follow the Reporter on Twitter @MSUReporter or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/msureporter

Opinion: 2013 Marks best year in Maverick athletics history

Courtesy of msu athletics MSU’S Top 5 finish nationally in baseball culminated a school year unparalleled in MSU Athletic’s storied history.

REECE HEMMESCH

editor in chief

In collegiate athletics, the goal for individual programs and the athletic department in general is simple: win. As long as you are not using an extra advantage in any way, sports programs need to win at high volumes in order to separate themselves from the rest. The money, the off-the-field incidents and the academics are all important as well, but not as

much as their first ambition to win as many games and titles as they possibly can.

Being the sports editor of the Reporter for the last calendar year, I can tell you better than anyone that this school has a long, withstanding tradition of excellence in the world of intercollegiate athletics.

Don’t believe me? Just take a stroll through the athletics hall of fame in the Taylor Center and you will see what I am talk-

ing about; awards on awards and at the end of the hall, a few national championships that the Mavericks have produced over the years.

Though the 2012-2013 did not add any more coveted NCAA national championship trophies, the Mavericks were good, in just about every sport, in every season. Combining the fall, winter and spring athletic results of the teams that call MSU home, the Mavericks fin-

ished off 2013 undoubtedly as the best year in school history.

The Mavericks yielded not only a high amount of victories in there 18 intercollegiate athletic programs, but also added four regular season NSIC championships, combined with four more in conference tournaments to bring in eight total conference championships in one year.

The big stories of the fall: football and soccer, where MSU produced regular season confer-

ence championships in both sports, going a combined 25-1 in the two and both finishing top 10 in the country.

It was an all-out effort between the two squads, who both had there seasons ended a little earlier than some had hoped.

The football team made it all the way to the national semifinals, where they fell to Valdosta State (Ga.) 35-19 to end there prolific run. After a tough, shootout loss knocked the Mavs

MSU Athletics / page 4

“What was your favorite sport to follow this year at MSU?”

Brooke BArrett Junior- Excercise science “Football.”

ameer hamza Junior- biology “Basketball.”

celsey tiry junior- microbolgy “Hockey.”

ASHLEY ROSSMAN, SENIOR- COMMUNITY health “Basketball.”

Compiled by Haley Likness

victoria swiontek junior-nursing “Hockey.”

Page 4 • Reporter

News

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

MSU Athletics “MSU has been climbing more and more recently in their athletic department, and if this season should be any indication on what lies ahead in the near future, our Mavericks could be hoisting the Director’s Cup soon, or possibly making the trek sometime soon to join the University of Minnesota as the only other Division 1 school in Minnesota” continued from 3 out of the NSIC women’s soccer tourney, they put together a run of their own, winning there first two NCAA tournament games; defeating Central Oklahoma 1-0 and Central Missouri 1-1 in a 5-4 shootout win.

The shootout in soccer is a give-and-take method, the Mavericks experienced that firsthand, falling in the national quarterfinals to Grand Valley State 5-4 in penalty kicks, finishing the year ranked sixth in the final NCAA poll.

Though those two made all the noise, the other squads in the fall also played there part, as men’s and women’s cross country both brought in top-five finishes in the conference meet.

The men brought in second place and three top 10 finishers in Josiah Swanson (4th), Josh Mellman (6th) and Garrett Eklof (9th) while the women finished tied for fourth with Kaelyn Williams receiving the highest Maverick finish in 12th.

MSU relied heavily on transfers Jarvis Williams and Zach Monaghan to lead the men’s basketball team to a 28-5 regular season mark. The squad would make it all the way to the Division II Sweet 16, falling to Winona State 76-73 in heartbreaking fashion at the Taylor Center.

The women of the hardwood also capped off a tremendous effort in 2013, going 26-6 and finishing second in the regular season and the conference tournament. Just five years removed from their national championship team in 2008, the Mavs fell in the second round of the central regional to Emporia State, 69-67.

Wrestling has always been one of the key sports at MSU, triggered by head coach Jim Makovsky and his winning ways. 2013 was no different as MSU finished with a 10-3 record, placing second in the NSIC, third in the Super Region 3 and ended the season ranked no. 8 in the country. The Mavericks sent four individuals to the NCAA tournament and accepted third place finishes from Alphonso Vruno and Cody Quinn.

Though hockey is the only sport that is Division I at the university, the Mavericks have suffered in recent years, until Mike Hastings took over the reigns this time and led the Mavericks to a 24-14-2 record one year after the team was not even close to the .500 mark.

If you have yet to see a pattern developing of strong showings in the athletic season, the spring will definitely have you convinced.

It started with both golf squads following up on top-5 finishes in the fall with a second place bid from the women and the men finishing tied for fourth.

The women had Tabitha Kunst and Alyssa Kalthoff finish in the top 10 individually in the spring NSIC tournament and the men’s Greg Werner took home third to lead the way.

The men’s track and field team brought a plethora of awards back to Mankato in legendary head coach Mark

Schuck’s last season at the reigns. Schuck himself would take home an NSIC coach of the year honor while Jerrell Hancock and Tandy Juell swept the athlete of the year awards in both track and field respectively.

The season was capped off as junior Chris Reed threw the shot put 65’-7’’ in the National Championships, breaking his own school record and taking home an individual national championship for the Mavericks.

With just the squads on the diamond remaining, the Mavericks really took it home in their last two sports to finish up as both the baseball and softball teams battered their competition en route to 40-win seasons in both sports. Softball swept the conference championships, before coming up a game short in the regionals as NSIC-foe Winona State advanced on.

The baseball team truly saved the best for last in 2013 as

they ended their regular season 42-9 and in second place behind St. Cloud State. It would be the Mavericks with the last laugh however, as MSU took home the conference tournament and ousted St. Cloud State in regional play to advance to their second straight College World Series.

Behind the dominant pitching of Jason Hoppe and Harvey Martin, the Mavericks made it to their first national championship in the sport of baseball but eventually fell to Tampa to finish runner up in the country.

Though the squad felt their end of the season ranking could have been one spot higher, there work did not go unnoticed.

With the second place finish in baseball, the Mavericks finished in fourth place in the Learfield Sports Directors Cup, a moving trophy awarded to the highest ranking in overall athletics for each division based on 14 intercollegiate sports, seven

for each gender.

MSU came in behind Grand Canyon (AZ), Grand Valley State University (MI) and Ashland (OH), meaning in the last year, the Mavericks had the fourth-best athletic program in Division II. Though when the last out of the national championship baseball game was made, the campaign officially ended for the Mavericks, but not to worry.

MSU has been climbing more and more recently in their athletic department and if this season should have any indication on what lies ahead in the near future, our Mavericks could find themselves hoisting the Directors Cup sometime soon, or possibly making the trek to join the University of Minnesota as the only other Minnesota school in Division I athletics.

Come Check Us Out! Call Today!

FREE Parking on Campus

Heat & Water included

Quiet, Wooded Area

Picnic Area with Grills

1 & 2 Bedrooms

Swimming Pool

Laundry Facilities

Starting at $390

Visit our website: www.mfdc.com/glenwood www mfdc com/glenwood

115 Parkway Avenue Mankato, MN 56001

MSU Students... This is where home is.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Sports reporter-sports@mnsu.edu | (507) 389-5227

Sports Stat of the Day: In the 136 playoff games that Lebron James has played in so far, He has only been held to single digits in the scoring column one time. That happened when he only scored eight points against the Dallas Mavericks when the Mavericks took the series in 2011.

FOR MORE COVERAGE OF your favorite Maverick TEAMS VISIT: MSUMavericks.com

Here we go again

For the 47th year in a row, the Minnesota Vikings are starting their NFL season right here in Mankato as they try to improve on a 10-6 season in their 2012-2013 campaign.

JOEY DENTON

sports editor

As July 25th draws closer and closer, the swarm of purple and gold fans who will be crowding stadium road fighting for autographs, are getting antsy with anticipation for the 2013-2014 Vikings Campaign to begin.

After shocking the nation with their 10-6 regular season, the Vikings organization provided a great offseason and once the team pulls up to the now construction filled campus, the season officially starts.

With a new light on the Vikings, the squad and their fans are bringing some different expectations than years past. The NFL has seen what this team can do, and with some young talent and key veterans, reaching the playoffs doesn’t sound like a joke any more, it’s now an expectation.

For the first time since 2005 the Vikings and Vikings fans have a 100 percent certainty of who will be taking the snaps in week one in Christian Ponder. After Culpepper, training camp in Mankato took the national spotlight with questions and doubts of who was going to throw the ball. Once Brett Farve came in to the picture, training camp turned in to a frenzy with the anticipation of his debut in the purple and gold.

To think he couldn’t get any more attention, the quest for his return took the national stage as Jared Allen, Steve Hutchinson and Ryan Longwell head to Mississippi to bring him back for another season.

As Ponder can relax and focus on being the starting quarterback, most of the excitement surrounding Mankato is on whom he will be throwing to. With the loss of Percy Harvin, last season’s leader in receptions and receiving yards, the Vikings brought in the former Viking killer in two-time pro bowler receiver Greg Jennings. As Vikings fans are use to booing number 85, the viewing gallery will be filled with cheers and the occasional “Ah! Greeeggg Jennniiings!” and, “I put the team on my back,” references from the famous Youtube sensation.

The state of Minnesota takes great pride for Minnesota athletes who make it to the professional level, especially Maverick nation. This summer, the Mavericks have two of their own to cheer for as receivers Adam Thielen and Lamark Brown run routes and catch passes for a spot on the 53-man roster. After Thielen led the NSIC in receiving yards (1,176) and led the Mavericks in touchdown receptions (8) and receptions (74), the Detroit Lakes native found his way to the Vikings’ Rookie Minicamp. After showing what he can down on the gridiron, he became the eighth Maverick to sign with the Vikings.

When Brown was a Maverick, he demonstrated his superior athletic abilities every Saturday and those abilities have given him chances in the NFL. The Hazelwood, Mo. native got his first opportunity with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent, but was cut. In 2012,

Training Camp Schedule

Archived Photo

Thursday July 25th - Players Report to Training Camp Friday July 26th - First Practice Saturday August 3rd - Scrimmage / Night Practice Friday August 9th - Preseason Game vs. Houston Texans Thursday August 15th - Camp Comes to an End Friday August 16th - Preseason Game at Buffalo Bills

Make sure to pick up a copy of the MSU Reporter: Training Camp issue during the August 3rd scrimmage

Brown was signed with the Buffalo Bills practice squad. Now, he is back in the great state of Minnesota with a chance to play as a Viking.

As all of the Maverick fans will be pulling for number 19 and 87, there is a great amount of competition, which hasn’t been said about the receiving core for the past few seasons. In the 2014 draft, the Vikings drafted Cordarrelle Patterson with the 29th overall pick and he possesses great size and speed for a deep threat for the Vikings.

Even though he didn’t post any stats that open people’s eyes, the high-flying receiver Jerome Simpson will be returning for a second year in purple and gold. With all of his off-the-field antics wiped off, Simpson will be ready to fight the receiving core for the no. two receiver spot.

When Joe Webb came out of the tunnel in the NFC Divisional

playoff game as the starting quarterback, the hype of the Vikings taking a W from the Green Bay Packers just disappeared. People can’t blame him for the loss due to his inexperience, but with Ponder being the starting quarterback, it’s time for Joe Webb’s new, yet familiar project – wide receiver. The 6’4”, 220pound receiver possesses the tools to become a great receiver, but once again he is lacking inexperience. It will be interesting to see how far his athletic ability can take him in this organization.

The defensive line for the Vikings has always been the main focus for the Vikings defense.

They may be big and ugly, but they definitely get the most attention.

And they will be adding some more excitement as the Vikings’ first pick of the 2013 draft, defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd, steps on to the Mavericks practice field. With his 6’3”,

303-pound frame and his strength, Floyd could bring back the wall the Vikings provided when Pat Williams was stuffing running holes.

One difference fans will notice about the Minnesota State campus when pulling in to camp is the two towers that blocked the sun at night practice. On June 29, the Gage Towers will be torn down.

Hopefully all of the extra debris will be taken away from campus by the time the Vikings roll in, but the towers will never be taken away from the players and coaches who have stayed in the non-air conditioned rooms and the crazy memories they have spent in them. With the exception of one year, the organization has stayed in those towers since the beginning and they will never be forgotten.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

A&E

UPCOMING EVENTS: World War Z - Friday June 21, Cinema 6 / Nationwide I Ought to be in pictures - June 25 -29, ANdreas Theater Bend of the river cookout - Saturday june 29, Land of memories park buckcherry in concert - Wednesday July 3, Vetterstone amplitheater

reporter-arts@mnsu.edu | (507) 389-5157

‘Man of Steel’ Double-Take Review JAMES SCHUYLER HOUTSMA’S TAKE Despite being the most iconic superhero out there, Superman has had just five big screen adventures, with only one reaching beyond the general consensus of “really good.” Richard Donner’s Superman is still hailed as a quintessential superhero movie while its three sequels saw the effect of diminishing returns, whereas Bryan Singer’s 2006 revisit, Superman Returns, was generally met with a resounding “meh.”

Now, Man of Steel has arrived to bust down our doors.

This is not your father’s Superman. He still stands for doing the right thing but gone is the campy humor and tongue-incheek joy the character is widely known for, instead adapting the material for the complexity of modern superhero movies.

Maybe this is due mostly to the fact that Superman can often be a very cut and dry, plain character (read: boring). Nothing can hurt him, he always does the right thing and the people he surrounds himself with are usually just as cookie-cutter.

Honestly, this movie is all the better for dumping the old and trying a new approach because even if it’s far from perfect, Man of Steel has succeeded in doing something that needed to finally be done: make Superman exciting.

Man of Steel’s savior is its simplicity. By focusing the story into a straightforward sci-fi actioner, the filmmakers have allowed for the themes in the story to flourish, such as finding your place in the world, choosing your own destiny and a father’s wisdom. These themes help bring a richness and emotional satisfaction that this character deserves and will hopefully continue to display.

David Goyer of Dark Knight trilogy writing fame follows a pattern of similar strengths found in the recent Batman movies, utilizing several flashbacks to explain why our hero becomes something greater and delivering the raw emotional moments that elevate both movies.

The opening 15 minutes on Krypton are surprisingly realized and put any sci-fi elements in the recent Star Trek sequel to shame. Likewise, Zod’s threat

to Earth plays out much like a grand scale alien invasion plot, which sits well in this universe.

Superman Returns was largely criticized for its lack of action, plane scene excluded. No one is likely to find issue there with Man of Steel. In fact, it’s now gone to the other extreme.

Director Zack Snyder knows a thing or two about over-the-top action and for some it may be too much (with good reason).

Just like Star Trek Into Darkness and even Iron Man 3 among other blockbusters, Man of Steel exists in halves: the first half is made up of character building moments and emotional beats while the second half dives headlong into balls-out action scenes.

True, the first hour or so is definitely more rewarding on a story level but it’s not as if the action half is boring (this is what some people solely want to see in a Superman movie) -- it’s more like having a hyper puppy: fun and amusing but occasionally draining.

What may push people past patience is the instances of wholly unnecessary action (giant robot tentacle thing, anyone?), Superman inadvertently causing more catastrophic damage, product placement more rampant than Supes’ Kryptonian adversaries and a controversial choice our hero is forced to make (for my money, it’s an appropriately buzz-worthy one).

Even if the second half drops the character development the first had for more wow-factor moments, the cast assembled here is still impeccable -- seriously, they nailed it. Henry Cavill delivers the earnest, good-heartedness of Clark Kent all while exploring a more conflicted version. Amy Adams’ Lois Lane goes through a few adjustments that make her a stronger, more believable female character. Michael Shannon is held back as Zod but still exudes the requisite menace and the likes of Russell Crowe, Kevin Costner, Antje Traue, and Laurence Fishburne all get their supporting moments in the yellow sun.

Thanks to the team of Snyder, Goyer, producer Chris Nolan and composer Hans Zimmer, what we have here is a technically masterful, fulfilling movie that keeps the ball rolling full steam ahead, enough so to even

make you miss some of the bad dialogue here and there. While it may run more than a bit long, the gorgeous, Malick-esque camera work, Zimmer’s epic score, and the cast’s terrific performances set the movie in its own territory.

There are no doubt those who will say that this movie is lesser for its more serious tone and that the supposed magic of Superman is gone. Don’t be one of those people. The magic is still there, this time supplemented by some actual weight. Man of Steel finds a good tonal midground between the dire Batman movies and the weightless Marvel movies, providing the fun sci-fi action adventure this series deserves while giving a reason to care about the danger.

It may be overlong and it may go overboard (“over” seems to be the operative criticism here) but it’s never boring in its excesses. It may not be an instant classic but it stands on its own and is a promising new start. Say what you will about where Man of Steel stands in Superman lore, in the lore of superhero movies and summer blockbusters, it lifts off.

ANDY SIMON’S TAKE With superhero movies generally taking a darker turn over the last decade, foregoing the light colors, self-referential humor and witty humor in favor of playing it straight and grounded, one of the last remnants to make that conversion was Superman.

Last seen returning to Metropolis in Bryan Singer’s ill-imagined Superman Returns, the last son of Krypton still wore his red underwear on the outside, stood for truth, justice and the American way and lived very much in the heightened reality of superhero-world.

Over the last eight years director Christopher Nolan and co-writer David S. Goyer crafted the critically and financially successful Dark Knight trilogy, which received thumbs up from fans for getting the character of Batman ‘right’ and setting its tragic tale in a realistic setting and accolades from critics for the series straightforward and complicated storytelling.

Now with Nolan producing, he, Goyer and director Zack Snyder have taken the same governing principles of the Dark Knight

trilogy and subscribed them to Superman, making for some mixed, but enthusiastically stellar results.

Superman is long thought of as the ultimate immigrant, but that perspective is dropped and instead Man of Steel approaches it from two concepts: (1), emphasizing the ‘man’ in the title, acknowledging that beneath the strength and morality, there is a complicated man, as full of faults as the rest of humanity, and (2), twisting the story into a ‘first contact’ tale, where the arrival of General Zod prompts the emergence of Superman – or rather for the purposes of this movie, a not fully-formed Superman.

Similar to Batman Begins, Man of Steel is interested in showing the emotional and moral journey of Clark Kent, from hiding-in-plain-sight farmboy with powers, to making his decision to be the hero the world needs – mostly in non-linear order. This is of paramount importance, whereas Singer’s movie expected audiences to connect with Superman simply “because,” here Snyder and Goyer earn that connection from the audience. From the visually stunning and emotional rollercoaster of the first eighteen minutes depicting the war and sacrifice of Krypton, to Clark’s torn decision to do what’s right in the face of planetary rejection, Man of Steel is all about character and should be praised accordingly for it.

Audiences need to fall in love with the man underneath the American icon and this movie does that. He’s relatable, he’s someone that we’ve seen and can connect to — the outsider that never fits in, the drifter, the man with uncertainty. Clark Kent has never been better depicted or, for that matter, portrayed, as he is by Henry Cavill, perfecting the Superman charm and righteousness. Likewise for Lois Lane (played to perfection

by Amy Adams), giving superhero movies a much needed strong female role who inserts herself into the action and is paramount in the resolution.

Ultimately, she does have two or three moments of ‘damselin-distress’, but her strength of character and depiction outweighs such small follies.

Man of Steel excels in so many departments, but there are

some deterrents. Before nitpicking, however, these areas should be absolutely commended: the performances all around, from the megalomaniac portrayal of General Zod by Michael Shannon to the angry yet compassionate Perry White by Laurence Fishburne, there isn’t a single actor that doesn’t give it their all. Direction from Zack Snyder, opting for hand-held cinematography to show an alien world in a relatable visual style, is glorious. The beauty of Krypton, the believability of flight, the toppling of buildings, the soaring through the skies of Metropolis between Superman and Zod — all simply breathtaking, proving that when not relying on slow-mo, Zack Snyder can craft one hell of a movie. One year after flooring listeners with his Dark Knight Rises score, Hans Zimmer returns with such an emotionally moving composition and super-rousing Superman theme that it will undoubtedly be one of the top scores of the year.

That said, there are weak areas. Who Clark Kent is, this need to save people and the moral compass he possesses, originates from the Kents and is essential in understanding this character. Ultimately, this is where Goyer fails at capturing his essence, because Clark’s choices and emotional journey isn’t as well fleshed out. In the finale Superman faces an impossible choice and although the situation necessitated that action, it goes against the immovable moral core of Superman, which is that there is always another option than the one he chooses.

There are areas in the script that could use some retooling in the Clark Kent department.

What’s important here is that Man of Steel really, finally, (mostly) got Superman right and made him relevant again and loved by audiences. This was the best story they could have told to reintroduce Superman to this new era of superhero storytelling and the emotional fallout of the events of this movie will be fascinating to see continue in the sequels (and the inevitable Justice League pic based off box office receipts). Small nitpicks aside, Man of Steel is a superb success in all departments and only gets better with repeat viewings.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013 (507) 389-1776 www.themsureporter.com FOR RENT

MISCELLEANOUS

MISCELLEANOUS

5 OR 4 OR 3 OR 2 OR 1 bedroom houses/apartments. Available right now. Some for next year.

Many to choose from. Check out our website. www.ottoH.com owner/agent or call 507-6251010.

6/19

We are a loving, fun filled family of 3. Live in western Minneapolis suburbs.

We are home study approved.

Interested in an open adoption.

Open to multicutural adoption.

Learn more and contact us at: http://www.adoptingmn. com. 888-446-1143. Email: tomandmaryfrances@yahoo. com.

10/24

SECONDHAND BOOKSTORE & exchange, South Front st. across from Fillin Statin Coffeehouse.

All types of leisure reading.

Browsers welcome. Once read.

388-8144. Mon-Sat 10 to 5 pm.

6/19

Let us be your designated driver!

• Local & Long Distance - Call for a quote!

• Serving the Mankato area since 1961.

• Experienced drivers.

• Reliable service at fair prices.

• Prompt, courteous service.

Now offering discounts to students and veterans!

Our variety of cars and minivans are sure to meet your needs.

No charge for extra passengers.

388-7433

Open 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

The MSU Reporter is looking for Student Advertising Sales Representatives for next year.

We need outgoing students who are comfortable meeting potential clients in person and maintaining communication with them on a weekly basis.

Position requires 20 hrs./week during daytime business hours and must have access to a vehicle.

Students from all fields of study are encouraged to apply.

Stop by the Reporter Office (CSU 293) for an application or for more information.

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

"I'm moving off campus. Now what?" www.livekato.com A great source for tips to help the transition from dorm to off-campus life.

INFORMATION ABOUT: • Renting • Being a good neighbor • Alcohol rules • Parties

UNIVERSITY SQUARE

• Safety (Police & Fire) • Transportation & Parking • Volunteering • City codes & News

VILLAGE APARTMENTS

Minnesota State University, Mankato

Brought to you by the city of Mankato, MSU Reporter & University Square Village © City of Mankato, Minnesota

|

10 Civic Center Plaza Mankato, MN 56001

|

Call 311 or 507-387-8600

|

311@city.mankato.mn.us

Page 8 • Reporter

Advertisement

Wednesday, June 19, 2013