Review: Superman

Directed by: James Gunn

Written by: James Gunn

Starring: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan

Rating: [4/5]

Ever the symbol of hope and all that is good. Getting a solo film of the boy wonder superhero comes far and few between when compared to other comic book heroes of the same level of popularity. Receiving another iteration and having it work splendidly well warms the heart, and it makes sense given the talent assembled to bring this project to life. While overstuffed in moments, this iteration of Superman does everything one could possibly want in a film centered on this hero. 

After intervening in a conflict between two nations, Superman (David Corenswet) begins to face some criticism in the way he navigates without regard for the politics involved. This presents the perfect opportunity for sworn enemy Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) to utilize all of his resources to not only destroy Superman but also turn the public against him in the process. 

With the latest standalone Superman movie dating back to 2013, and the likes of Batman and Spider-Man receiving multiple reboots, it felt like the Last Son of Krypton needed his day in the sun. Given the general dourness that hangs over a Batman film, the ability to craft something much more light-hearted and positive as Superman makes sense, and we got the perfect director to start this gravy train. 

James Gunn has crafted one of the best superhero film trilogies to date with Guardians of the Galaxy, and given how well he balanced power and emotions in each of these movies, he fit right in with the tone needed for this character. As much as Man of Steel has its own merit, it had a general darkness and bleakness to it, whereas Gunn’s interpretation aligns with what most would want in a film centered on the Man of Tomorrow. Everything that makes Gunn’s work shine bright in the past makes its way into this film to all of our benefit. 

When the cast announcements continued to pour in as production began, a concern that grew arose from the sheer number of characters within the film. Not only do we need to establish David Corenswet’s Superman for the first time, but also the likes of Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and Lex Luthor. This film also sought to add in Krypto the dog, a couple of super villains, and a host of other heroes such as Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), and Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi). While it did feel overstuffed in moments, the sprinkling of these characters throughout only helped further establish this Superman in the way they aided and challenged him throughout. 

This film does not serve as an origin story in the way we witness Superman start his journey. Rather, we see him as an established figure within the community, allowing for a jumpstart in the story where we can forgo the formula of him figuring it out. He holds values that differ from villains’ and other heroes’ alike, and the tension does not stem from him learning how to be a superhero but rather from political ones and how he represents a singular nation, whether he wants to hold that mantle or not. This specifically transpires in the conflict between Boravia and Jarhanpur. A conflict that sure has some similarities to geopolitical issues occurring in our contemporary times. A specific interview between Lois and Superman distinctly points this out, which adds a wrinkle to the imagery of the Man of Tomorrow that no story centering on this superhero ever tackled. It adds a seriousness to the story that works well with the levity that comprises the majority of the film. 

Of course, when starting out a new Superman movie, the casting plays a major role. Of all superheroes, Superman carries a specific look that matters, as he does not spend time behind a mask. They did a great job in finding and casting David Corenswet in the lead role. He just has the look for this iteration of Kal-El, where he has this boy scout appearance and the energy to match. He pairs well with Rachel Brosnahan, who was the biggest revelation as Lois Lane. She brings a spunk that has not been felt since Margot Kidder back in the 70s. Their pairing worked exquisitely well, as they will become the foundation of any forthcoming films. 

Filled to the brim with positivity, humor, and pretty much everything else one should expect, Superman hits all of the right notes. We get introduced to a fairly seasoned superhero who must contend with quite the challenge placed before him. He has much to learn, and this instance puts him in a place where he must define himself compared to others around him. The cast surrounding Corenswet and Brosnahan each do their part to make this metropolis a lively one. Not much to disparage other than the inevitable CGI-punch fests that no Superman film will avoid, but this film, above all else, exceeded expectations and delivered a fun viewing experience.