Hey everyone and welcome to a big, brand new review! Yes, that’s right I will be taking a look at a film that generated among the most conversation of any major movie this year, which is James Gunn’s stab at the Man of Steel. Ever since it was first announced, there has been so much speculation and pressure on what this film means for the future of DC as it is responsible for launching a brand new cinematic universe off of a brand that tried and ended up failing to sustain it for too long. As a massive fan of DC, I myself have been VERY curious in seeing how this would turn out as I love Superman as a character (Man of Steel was the first comic book movie I ever saw in the theater), and I think James Gunn is an immensely talented filmmaker who has not struck out once when it comes to comic book movies. His passion and love for comics and this character is so evident in every interview he has given and I was ecstatic to see how he would take on Superman, with the trailers and marketing materials only furthering that excitement. So, now that I have seen the feature, did it end up living up to all of the expectations set upon it? Let’s jump right in and see is this is a movie worth looking up for!
We are thrown (quite literally) into the thick of things, with Superman having been a protector of Earth for quite a bit now, and has been recently dealing with a conflict going on between the nations of Boravia and Jarhanpur, with the former trying to invade the latter. He is defeated for the very first time by a being known as the Hammer of Boravia which is shown to have some sort of connection to Luthorcorp, ran by billionaire, Lex Luthor, who sees Superman as something to be dealt with. Meanwhile Superman is also juggling a lot on his plate when it comes to his alter ego, Clark Kent, and working for the Daily Planet and maintaining a solid relationship with his girlfriend, Lois Lane (who does know his identity). Things get even more heated when Lex starts to enact a plan that would make the world turn on the Man of Steel, having our hero go on a mission to thwart this, before it is too late.
Throughout cinematic history we have seen many super hero origin stories done to death such as Bruce Wayne watching his parents getting tragically murdered or Peter Parker getting bitten by a radioactive spider. Kal El getting sent to Earth a baby when Krypton is destroyed, is certainly among the more notable, something James Gunn understands and surmises in some text at the beginning, after which it is off to the races with an already established Superman doing what he does in a world filled with Metahumans. Now, this approach is refreshing as it avoids retreading familiar territory, but it can also be risky as one needs to establish things in a way in which audiences can comprehend, while setting up the character well. Gun unsurprisingly does this exceptionally as this new DC universe feels fully fleshed out with the locations, character interactions, and more making this into a living breathing universe where there being super powered individuals is seen as normal, is very interesting and avoids in there being copious exposition dumps to explain every little detail. The way the story is structured is not the most conventional as the plot is loose with it being a series of events that happen, but weirdly works with each event we go through connecting to each other and being engrossing little stories in their own right, all tied together by Superman’s conflicts from an external and internal sense.
What Gunn here that I think is interesting is plop an ideal version of Superman that most people would recognize (the kind, optimistic hero who is willing to save the day no matter what) into a world that while fictional feels like our modern day in regards to the issues being dealt with and there just being a more world weary/cynical vibe to it (for understandable reasons). Thus, we see how Superman has to maintain his sense of hope in these circumstances and have them challenged in ways that are compelling and often feel relevant to issues of today from how political turmoil can muddy moral issues and prevent the right actions from being taken. There’s even some commentary about social media discourse creating false narratives that is very cleverly woven into the plot and it all feels realistic in the sense that if Superman existed in today’s world, I can see responses and situations occur as are presented in the film. It is also just unabashedly hopeful and human in a way that Gunn tends to excel at with his films, where it argues the value of human kindness and how important it is to maintain, even when the world throws everything at oneself to make it seem like it’s not possible. It is all told rather beautifully where the emotional beats go above and beyond. Aside from the strong messaging though, the film is a just a blast from start to finish with some hilarious comedy that comes in different ways and feels naturally woven into the proceedings and a perfect mix of super heroics and quieter character moments meant to let one breathe.
Speaking of super heroics, this is one huge highlight of Superman (would be weird if it weren’t). We get plenty of action throughout the picture and it is all quite spectacular to behold! It’s chaotic in a good way with so much being thrown at the screen, but in a way that’s fun and embraces a certain level of weirdness that one can really only find in the comics. They also do an excellent job in showcasing the power sets of out various heroes in fun ways with Superman’s abilities being portrayed incredibly, with his heat vision being a visual stand out in places. It’s especially exhilarating when takes flight as the camera takes on a swopping view where it almost feels like we’re Superman done in the style of the aerial flights from Top Gun: Maverick. My personal favorite smackdown involved a Kaiju running amok as it represents all of the best qualities I mentioned, while also having room for Supes to save some civilians, something I love to see as that is a big part of the character.
From a visual standpoint, this is a very good looking film with there being so many cool things being done in regards to how this DC universe is portrayed as we get to see amazing looking takes on the Daily Planet, the Fortress of Solitude, and even a pocket dimension (which especially has some psychedelic qualities). Cinematography (courtesy of Henry Braham) captures everything amazingly as the colors pop out so much in a way that is so appealing the CGI is very solid everywhere (Krypto is especially an impressive visual creation) and the practical effects and make up is seamless. The film just feels like a comic book come to life through all of this and this even applies for the way certain scenes are framed and how the camera moves around. I also cannot fathom not mentioning John Murphy’s score which just like other amazing Superman themes, is able to capture the senses of power, wonder, and hope all combined that is present in the character. There is definitely inspiration from the John Williams theme (though dang is it effective), but his take is able to stand on it’s own with some epic pieces that add a great deal to the proceedings. Plus, as usual with a James Gunn film there are some VERY well utilized needle drops here and there that do an excellent job in fitting with the scenes they are in.
Possibly the most crucial aspect to nail down for this had to be the casting as these will have to be performances that audiences gravitate towards, if they want to be invested in this universe going forward. Thankfully, I think Gunn chose very wisely for this! David Corenswet not only looks the part, but is frankly exceptional, with his portrayal hewing most closely to Christopher Reeve in regards to his sense of optimism and willingness to do right, however he is able to make the part feel like his own with some added nuances. There’s a bit more frustration in this version, with every action he makes garnering some sort of conversation, despite him doing the right thing to protect people and I like that the script doesn’t hold back from showing the struggle and cost just doing the right thing can have, but that it is all worth it in the end. This is furthered conveyed in an interesting change to his background that I appreciated as a risking storytelling decision, but plays into what it means to choose one’s actions and I like how it all plays into the immigrant aspect of the character (which contrary to what certain people say, is a huge and important part of his character). However he is also able to have fun with his nice guy personality contrasting well with the cyncial world around him and that dynamic is interesting to watch unfold and he delivers certain one liners with a refreshing amount of sincerity and commitment to the role Cornswet plays all of this perfectly and he also makes for a great Clark Kent when those scenes come, as he makes makes for a solid bumbling reporter who nonetheless also has a kind heart. When it comes to his dynamic with Lois Lane, I thought that was also phenomenally handled. Rachel Brosnahan is excellent, having a fiery energy and wit to her that makes the character entertaining and the chemistry between her and Cornswet is impeccable. She has some wonderful moments of romance with him them trading fun dialogue, while also having interesting, mature conversations regarding Superman’s place in the world. One can understand why Supes feels for her and just how much she shapes him as a human and I really liked that she never really ends up playing a damsel and actually plays a key role in how the story wraps up.
Rounding out the main trio of characters here is Lex Luthor, who is played by Nicolas Hoult in what may be my favorite cinematic incarnation of the character (though Gene Hackman is close). This Luthor is just a mean narcissistic A-hole who is refreshingly unsympathetic, seeing Superman as not worthy of the attention given to him, failing to understand what the world sees in an alien like him. Hoult relishes the chance to go over the top, while also nailing the times where is a truly calculating threat (though deep down is just a sad, pathetic man). It’s an excellent contrast to Superman and this will likely go down as one of the more fully realized hero villain dynamics in recent memory. When it comes to some of the other more notable supporting players, I appreciated how a lot of the non super powered folk come into play throughout the film. From Skyler Gisondo’s fun take on Jimmy Olsen (much more of lady’s man here it seems), to Sara Sampaio’s entertainingly aloof, but also capable, Eve Teschmacher, to Neva Howell and Pruitt Taylor Vince’s warm portrayal of Ma and Pa Kent respectively (the latter espicially getting some great material to chew on in one scene), these are all characters who regardless of screen time are able to get something that makes them stand out. It fleshes out Superman’s world, while showing the value just having normal people without superpowers in these movies can have as it adds an extra layer of humanity to all of the crazy stuff that goes down.
When it comes to how the film incorporates all of the various DC characters that are present, Gunn is able to utilize them all very well, putting his ability to create fully realized ensembles to good use. Each of them gets the spotlight in some way and gets something to do without feeling unnecessary or like they overshadow Superman’s story. The fan favorite (and among my personal highlights) is Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific, the third smartest man alive, who is so much fun with a smart a** personality that provides great laughs and his come backs are often very clever. His fellow Justice Gang members also entertain with Nathan Fillion making for the perfect Guy Gardener, proving to be a likable a**whole, and Isabela Merced bringing some neat deadpan energy to Hawkgirl. I was also very fond of Anthony Carrigan, who brings a surprising amount of humanity to his character of Metamorpho, and I loved how how he ended up factoring into the proceedings and the make up on him is exceptional and accurate to his look in the comics. Oh and how could I forget Superman’s greatest ally in this film, Krypto the Super dog, who is a perfect example of comic relief done right as he is hilarious when onscreen and never overstays his welcome. He’s essentially “what if an actual dog had Superman’s abilities” and that is just inherently amusing and there are some wonderful gags involving him and he actually is involved in some crucial story moments as well as some nice little emotional bits here and there to showcase Superman’s humanity.
Overall, I found Superman to be everything that I was hoping for it to be and then some. It is a terrific story for the Man of Steel that delivers an interestingly told plot, well done pacing, interesting themes that relate to the character, spectacular action, impressive craftsmanship, compelling character work, and a perfect ensemble cast. It is probably not going to please every single person as I could see this take not being for everyone, especially if one is not fond of Gunn’s sensibilities. However I think a lot of fans are going to be happy, and if one is just looking for a very fun time, I think this delivers and is a solid entryway into DC. I’m just so relieved, given the immense pressure set upon this movie, that it ended up delivering for me on every single level. As a fan of the character and DC in general, this just nailed everything that I thought it needed to and even went a little above and beyond in some aspects. It is truly the start of a promising new universe that I for one cannot wait to see more of!
Rating: A+
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