DC's hope for the future has arrived. James Gunn's Superman is a spark of light that finds a balance between heart and humor, ushering in a new era for the studio with this much needed breath of fresh air.
Superman Review
As much as I am a Marvel Comics (and MCU) fan, my very first experience with superheroes came from watching the old Christopher Reeve's movies with my uncle as a kid. Superman introduced me to the world of heroes and taught me what it meant to be one. The big blue Boy Scout was always looking out for those around him, saving who he could, and just trying to make the world a better place. There have been a lot of Supes since then on the big and small screen to varying success. I might be in the minority, but I liked Man of Steel though I see the issues people had with him killing Zod. (I stand on the hill that he seemed pained by it and it really was the only option left to him.) But not since those original Reeves' movies have fans gotten a Superman who is great at being both Clark Kent and Kal-El.
Superman is a spark of light and hope for the new DC universe. Though not without flaws, it's a breath of fresh air for the studio, ushering in a new era while showing love for its roots. This DC Studios knows it's making superhero films not gritty, crime dramas. The action is exciting, the score beautiful, and longtime fans will enjoy all the nods to the original Supes and the comics he was born from. James Gunn once again strikes a solid balance between heart and humor, for a solid, fun, and sincere take on the last son of Krypton.
Three years after his debut as Superman (David Corenswet), our hero crashes into the snow near the Fortress of Solitude, beaten, bleeding, and in need of help. That help comes from a rambunctious Krypto who (eventually) drags him back to the automatons waiting to heal him. He doesn't know this, but one of Lex Luthor's (Nicholas Hoult) goons is tracking him, looking for the hideout. His recent fight (and loss) to the “Hammer of Boravia” was just a distraction Lex concocted to further his plans of ruining Superman's life.
Just like its hero, this movie is sincere, good-natured, and proudly wears its heart on its sleeve. It might seem a little corny at times, much like his “what the hey” country sayings, but thanks to Corenswet's performance it's charming, nerdy, and sweet. It is also very much a comic book movie, maybe the most comic-like one Gunn has come out with. There are deep cuts, primary colors splashed all over the screen, and lore that you either know or you're willing to accept at face value. Taking the Spider-Man: Homecoming approach, Superman assumes its audience is familiar with the Man of Steel and doesn't bother with explaining his origins, powers, or even why he has a super-powered pet dog. Some aspects of his past are mentioned as needed for the plot, but for the most part you know who Clark Kent is and Gunn isn't concerned if you don't. I appreciate this, because if I have to hear Batman's sob story one more time I might start siding with the Joker.
That comic book flair is fun, especially for those of us that love to read them. But that also means there is a slight downside if you're not prepared. There is a lot going on in this film. Not only is there Superman/Lois (Rachel Brosnahan) and Superman/Luthor plots to work through, there are several other characters thrown into the mix as well. Some are Superman regulars, like his co-workers at the Daily Planet while others are other superheroes/villains meant to expand the universe at some point in the future. Oh and throw in a geopolitical conflict for good measure. It's like jumping into a comic series right at the climatic battle when you haven't read the issues preceding it. Thanks to dynamic, grounding performances by its leads, the chaos doesn't matter. You're locked in and ready to roll with whatever comes next.
Corenswet's Superman embodies what it means to be the big blue Boy Scout. He is unassuming as Clark, yet confident as Supes, capturing the duality of this character with ease. There is a warmth to his performance, and as I mentioned an earnestness and sincerity that permeates the screen. It is reminiscent of the late Reeve's take (the definitive Superman) that will bring a smile to your face. Brosnahan, meanwhile, is the best Lois Lane since Margot Kidder. She's inquisitive, no-nonsense, and whip smart. She's not one to swoon over Clark because he is Superman or vice versa. An early scene where she interviews Superman about his interference in a war, does the work to establish their relationship, emotions for one another, and Clark's doubts about himself.
Hoult is excellent as the unhinged, obsessive, and sometimes pouty Lex Luthor. He is outwardly jealous of Superman, spending his incredible resources and smarts in an attempt to defeat him. Hoult plays him composed one moment and on the verge of a massive breakdown in another. And he is clearly having a good time with the absurdity of it all. The Daily Planet crew is present if a little underused. Skyler Gisondo’s Jimmy Olsen gets something to do other than be comic relief. Then there is the “Justice Gang,” led by Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner/Green Lantern. Also on the team are Edi Gathegi’s Mister Terrific (who looks and sounds like Robert Downey Jr.'s character in Tropic Thunder), and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl. If anything they provide a shake-up in the visual fights and show us that even the god-like Superman can't be everywhere at once.
The action for the most part is well-shot, although a few fish-eye moments could've been cut in my opinion. Still Gunn and his Guardians of the Galaxy cinematographer Henry Braham go big, splashing the screens in color, explosions, while heroes and villains pop up and go off in various comical ways. David Fleming and John Murphy's score invokes John Williams' classic themes while making it their own. This is a film that very much pays tribute to the Reeves-led ones that came before it as well as the comic books that started it all.
Verdict
Superman brings hope and a spark of light that is bound to restore faith that the DC universe can thrive alongside its Marvel counterpart. At its heart, this is a film about belonging and purpose, about how acts of kindness can really and truly make the world a better place, even when things seem at their darkest. Corenswet is a natural as Superman/Clark Kent as is Hoult as Lex and Brosnahan as Lois. Gunn balances the heart with the humor, injecting the DC movie-verse with some much needed levity. Superman as a character is optimistic, charming, and open. As a movie, it is all those things as well as a solid fun time, that makes you forgive the overstuffed plot and the frantic third act race to the end. I want DC Studios to succeed, because it means healthy competition between the two juggernauts and that's not a bad thing. Who knows, maybe down the line we will get a crossover on the big screen like we've had in the comics. Either way, things are definitely looking up.
Superman is in theaters July 11. It is rated PG-13 for violence, action and language with a runtime of 2 hours and 9 minutes.
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