MOVIE REVIEW: Superman – They got it right

1 month ago 10

With the country and the world in such trying times, it seems like a perfect time for Superman, doesn’t it? Yet with what feels like a waning audience for Superhero movies and this film starting a whole new direction for WB’s DC film franchises, it almost feels like James Gunn’s Superman has a lot more on his shoulders than many other films or even more than Superman can handle.

A new start with a new (to many people) actor, David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, this film has been under a microscope since it was first announced in late 2022. Here we have James Gunn, a beloved filmmaker best known for his work at Marvel Studios, now taking over DC Studios alongside his producing partner, Peter Safran, with the still-lurking fanbase of the previous DCEU and their ongoing campaign to restore the Snyderverse. Along with people who are now leery of DC as a whole because of the shaky output of the earlier DCEU projects, it made Superman the topic of conversation on everyone’s lips in the movie business this year. I’ve been excited for this for a long while now and I think the weight of the success of the whole movies business seems to be on its shoulders. I’m just hoping for a good live action Superman movie that feels a little bit close to what reading modern Superman comics have felt like for decades.

Superman begins with text stating that the Earth has metahumans, and they’ve been around for a long time. Superheroes are not new, and while Superman, despite being a relatively recent hero, is already established. The film, within a minute or so, tells you what you need to know about the new DCU and that we’re just getting right into a Superman adventure. After becoming involved in a conflict between two countries, all eyes are on Superman, with Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult, working to undermine Superman by destroying his reputation and eroding the trust the public has in him. Meanwhile, Clark and Lois, played by Rachel Brosnahan, are still figuring out their relationship. Corenswet does a fantastic job as Clark Kent/Superman as he’s an earnest, affable, and sincere young man. He wants to save people and protect the Earth’s population. Many of his struggles stem from the cynicism of the world he inhabits versus his own beliefs about his purpose. There’s a point where his inner world is shaken a little, and while it doesn’t break, what he does is add a significant amount of internal conflict to his character as Gunn makes his internal struggle and external struggles converge. Corenswet’s face emotes perfectly in each scene; you can easily see his concern, warmth, and sadness in each scene.

I bought that these two, Brosnahan and Corenswet, are Lois and Clark. They had good chemistry and felt like a believable couple early in their relationship. Brosnahan is perfect as Lois, you believe her as an investigative reporter and a whole human being. I enjoyed watching her story unfold while connected to Superman’s plight; she has her methods of protecting Metropolis and the world from Lex Luthor. Speaking of Lex, man, is Hoult a delight here as Lex Luthor. He’s arrogant, pompous, demanding, and evil. Yes, Lex is evil here, and there’s no land scheme; he doesn’t feel like another character (looking at you, Batman v Superman), he’s just Lex Luthor. I feel he’s the character who feels the most influenced by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s All-Star Superman. There’s an exuberance in his performance as Lex. I don’t think we’ve seen on screen to date the true “I HATE SUPERMAN” Lex on screen until this one. I hope they can get him to cameo in all types of things, with how much I loved this performance.

The other superheroes in the movie significantly contribute to the story; they don’t distract, but rather work well as different types of counterpoints to Superman and his methods. Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner is like seeing the Giffen/DeMatteis/Maguire version of the character come alive in a way that I never expected to see—all that charisma on screen to play such a lovable jerk. Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl is small in terms of what she does, but it is an entertaining and solid take on the character. I liked how they gave her a hawk-like scream when she attacks. The real breakout star here, though, is Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific; he is the most active in the story, along with having one of the best setpieces in the film that gets a Gunn needle drop. The way they visualize his fighting style with the T-Spheres is hard to explain, but needs to be seen. Gathegi is both cool and smart, with little patience for foolishness. He has great scenes with both Superman and Lois. As a long-standing Mister Terrific fan, it was great to see him in such a cool light and hear people cheer him on in the theater.

For me, this is Gunn’s best superhero movie, and it works as a great Superman movie, big summer extravaganza, and sets up the DCU so well. The dialogue strikes the right balance between seriousness and humor. The humor feels natural and fits. Even with elements like the Daily Planet not having a lot of screen time, it feels like a workplace and not just a setting. Gunn and the filmmakers do a great job of making the entire world feel tactile and lived-in. Lois’ apartment suits her character, while Clark’s suits his. The Superman robots aren’t just set dressing, either; they add to Superman’s character. I was quite surprised by how quickly the movie delves into core comic book Superman elements, including his robots, the Fortress of Solitude with its advanced super-science machines, and, of course, the superdog Krypto. One of the best CG dogs I’ve ever seen, he is a big part of this movie, and while I think it might not work for some more cynical folks, most people will love it, and comic Superman fans will delight in seeing everything Krypto does.

There is so much in this movie that I liked that I could go on and on. Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen might be the best Jimmy Olsen ever. Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho is one of the best makeup and VFX you’ll see this year. I think Superman is a great movie and can shoulder the burden put upon it. It works for everyone and should make people feel good at a time when it’s hard to feel good; it also gives you a nice little piece of hope to get you through your day.

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