It’s fair to say that DC movies have not been a fan favorite for some time, especially since back in 2013 when Zack Snyder’s ambitious and dark universe began. Impressing some but not all, the decline in box office and audience enthusiasm clearly showed that something needed to change to bring it back to its best. Superman is the first installment since acclaimed comic book director James Gunn’s takeover and creation of the ‘DCU’, thrusting audiences into a new rendition of a familiar world.
The trailers, marketing, and casting have garnered much anticipation for this new direction, with a lot of pressure on Gunn and co to deliver. Today, it finally hits the big screen, with a decent box office prediction. Brimming with action, heart and humour, the movie not only signifies everything a comic book movie should, but a Superman movie – it’s fun, it’s entertaining and most importantly, it’s full of hope.
The story thrusts us into a world in which Superman is already an established hero. This avoids the need for yet another origin story and ensures we are placed right inside the action. We enter his life at a time when recent events have started to alter the public’s view of him, and through some clever work from evil mastermind Lex Luthor, his morality and main goal are called into question. It’s undeniable that the plot has a lot of moving parts, and even more characters, including not only the Daily Planet team and Lex and his cronies, but the ‘Justice Gang’ featuring Hawkgirl, Mr. Terrific, and Guy Gardner’s Green Lantern.
Despite this, it never feels over-stuffed, and the writing ensures we are fully up to speed with who they are and what motives they possess, without feeling too information-heavy. Seeing Superman attempt to regain his positive public image whilst dealing with Lex’s maniacal outbursts and political conflict both at home and abroad provides an easy-to-follow, digestible, and entertaining storyline. The Justice Gang is there to help where it’s needed, and the Daily Planet serves its purpose of getting the truth out there, whatever it may be. Everyone is here for a reason, and both the plot and characters manage to avoid convolution.
If this movie gets anything completely perfect, it’s the casting. Since our first look at David Corenswet (Pearl) donning the red and blue suit, fans have known he was the ultimate choice, and within the first few frames of the movie, he proves it. Corenswet embodies all the best, most likable attributes of both Superman and Clark Kent, to ensure he is a man of, and for, the people once again. He’s a perfectly clumsy Clark and a very layered, complex Superman, and he embodies him beautifully. Starring opposite as fan-favorite reporter Lois Lane is Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), who is quite easily the best Lois we’ve had since Margot Kidder back in the 70s and 80s. Her chemistry with Corenswet is perfect, and she’s incredibly determined and strong, as Lois should be.
This time around, our can’t-help-but-love-him villain Lex Luthor is played by Nicholas Hoult (Nosferatu), who adds yet another impressive turn to his ever-growing roster. Angry, headstrong, and clever, Hoult has the ability to make us simultaneously love and hate Lex. Whether he’s kidnapping Krypto the Dog or knocking his pens on the floor for his staff to tidy up after him, he’s as despicable as he should be, and becomes quite the scene stealer. Due to the amount of characters on screen, the cast is stacked, with tremendous performances from Anthony Carrigan (Death of a Unicorn), Nathan Fillion (see basically all of Gunn’s previous work), and Isabela Merced (Alien: Romulus). However, a real standout is Edi Gathegi (Twilight) as Mr. Terrific. He’s funny, holds an excellent power, and plays a big part in coming to Superman’s rescue. He’s bound to be a fan favorite.
When you strip it all back, Superman is an entertaining comic book movie that pulls together all the correct pieces. Firstly, it has action aplenty, with many well-shot fight sequences and more than enough scenes of Superman doing what he does best. Whether he’s scrapping with Luthor or fighting a kaiju, those buying a ticket for the superhero essence alone will leave more than satisfied. It also balances this nicely with heart, embodying important messages about hope and being a good person. Through sweet conversations with his Kansas parents and not even leaving the city’s squirrels in harm’s way, Superman’s natural desire to help and save the planet is the beating heart of the movie. The script touches on conflict that seems all too real in today’s world, doing so in a way that gets us thinking whilst feeling natural within the movie.
Fans of his prior comic book work, including Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, will be happy to see Gunn’s humour make a welcome return. Knowing when to go at it with the jokes and when to rein it in, it never oversteps the line, and any comedy involved nearly always lands. It even has a lovable sidekick in Krypto the Dog, who manages to kick ass despite often disobeying his master and refusing the listen to commands. He looks utterly adorable, and every time he is on screen, it’s impossible not to smile. The soundtrack is fun, the original score from John Williams is revamped and used to elevate the scenes it’s placed in beautifully, and the screen is consistently popping with color and life.
Superman’s biggest achievement is that it makes its titular character the Superman we know and love again. He embodies strength, humanity, and hope, giving the people someone to look up to. The performances are excellent, the plot is entertaining, and from a technical standpoint, it’s superbly made. The script might be balancing a few too many characters and ideas, but for the most part, James Gunn not only makes it work, but also makes it excellent. Entertaining from start to finish and full to the brim with heart and humour, Superman provides the theatrical experience that can make you feel like a kid again. This is a small step for the DCU, and a giant leap for Superman.
Grade: A
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