Walking into director James Gunn’s ‘Superman’, I had low expectations. With my superhero movie expertise extending only as far as half of 2008’s ‘Iron Man’, I was certain I wasn’t the target audience.
Spanning 11 remakes, the tale of ‘Superman’ continues to resonate time and again. Opening up with a humorous exchange between Superman (David Corenswet) and his super-dog Krypto, audience members quickly learn via text on screen that Superman has just lost his first battle ever, only three minutes prior.
Immediately, you feel connected to Superman. Seeing the other films or being a fan of the comics doesn’t matter as Gunn places you alongside Superman during a very human moment of failure.
If Corenswet was charming in a cape, that charm only grew as he donned glasses, tousled his hair and transformed into the awkward yet endearing Daily Planet journalist, Clark Kent.
His colleague and romantic interest, Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), may be in awe of Superman’s abilities but that doesn’t mean she loses her journalistic edge. Lane faces a constant internal battle between being there for Superman as a partner while maintaining her journalistic integrity.
Corenswet and Brosnahan’s chemistry is palpable as they move from kissing in the kitchen to Lane interviewing Superman for the first time, on the record. Lane is not playing softball as she hits Superman with question after question on his true motives for stopping the war between fictional countries Boravia and Jarhanpar.
The interview depicted the hot and cold nature of the pair’s relationship as the pair quickly transitions from a sweet, intimate moment to Superman becoming exasperated with Lane’s questioning. It was an excellent directorial decision by Gunn, providing the audience insight into the film’s central conflict and war in an entertaining yet casual way.
Despite agreeing to the interview, Superman becomes fed up with the conversation and storms out of Lane’s apartment.
The following scene would’ve been a great opportunity to explore Lane’s possible growing resentment toward not getting a full interview, as we are told moments before the interview, Kent ‘interviews’ himself as Superman consistently. Instead, there is a quiet resentment from Lane and a declaration that she’s ‘not good at relationships’ that falls flat as the statement is never expanded on.
The inclusion of the “Justice League” composed of heroes Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi), Hawk Girl (Isabela Merced) and Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion) was a fun addition and didn’t feel random, even though I wasn’t familiar with the characters prior to watching. Their ‘no mercy’ fighting style provides a healthy juxtaposition to Superman, whose main priority is causing as little harm as possible.
Mister Terrific was the standout from the group. From his comedic timing to epic fight scene set to indie pop song “5 Years Time” by Noah and the Whale, Gathegi makes you want to follow up on the character as soon as you leave the theater.
Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), a corrupt billionaire seeking to destroy Superman, exploits the hero’s genuine care for all creatures by breaking into his arctic lair and kidnapping Superman’s dog Krypto.
Without giving too much away, Luthor’s manipulation of Superman’s kindness toward others is excruciating to watch. Although you hope there will be a happy ending, the stakes feel high enough to keep you fully engaged. Despite Luthor’s torture, Superman never once sinks to his level or demeans him for being an outcast, making you want to root for him even more.
Superman’s love for all living creatures, from humans to his dog to even the squirrels he saves from building debris sets him apart as a hero. It is his humanity that makes him super, not his powers.
All of the action sequences in this film were excellent. Corenswet established Superman as someone we should and want to care about, with each fight scene leaving me on the edge of my seat. None of the scenes featuring battles felt violent for the sake of being violent. There was a solid rhythm of conflict, followed by resolution.
The film’s biggest plot twist completely changes Superman’s worldview and self-image. Gunn taps into the human experience of believing yourself to be one thing and having to grapple with the fact that some people perceive you as another.
Superman’s constant desire to be good comes at the cost of his mental and physical well-being, providing a metaphor for the burnout you experience from not allowing yourself to recharge. Although some spectators online have commented on how Superman’s human qualities make him a “boring” character, I found it to be both refreshing and moving to see such relatable situations on the big screen.
Although Corenswet has made jokes during his press tour about his “flying face”, Superman’s flights across the Metropolis city skyline were nothing short of heroic. Featuring sweeping shots of the ‘S’ emblem on his chest, movie-goers left the theater feeling that maybe, just maybe, good always wins in the end.
This Post Has One Comment
This version of the character turned me into a fan. I used to always write Superman off, then I watched this movie and the theme of heroism, kindness and hope made me feel something. It made me want to cheer when he came to save the day.
I’ve seen the film a few times, and have started watching the old Superman animated series from the 90s, and am having a blast learning about the character and his adventures. I hope to pick up some of the comics at some point.
All in all, I think this movie was something I needed, a fun time with a message of hope. I’m curious to see where this universe goes.