by MIGUEL FERMIN
Superman is a triumph! The return of the original and most iconic superhero to the big screen has been a long time coming. When James Gunn took over DC (along with Peter Safran), he knew that the right way to start again in cinemas had to be with this character. As he and his crew worked on this movie, he was transparent about the honor, frank nervousness, and responibility he felt. Unlike with previous projects where Gunn had free reign to completely reinvent D-list comic characters, here, he had to truly honor the legacy of Superman. When that first trailer dropped with the electric guitar version of the classic theme, there was this sense — this hope — that this film was going to not just be an epic summer blockbuster return for DC, but also be something special. And this hype and hope grew, and now, it’s finally here. It’s a bold foundation and bright vision for the future of the DCU. It’s the comics come to life as colorfully as possible. Most importantly, it’s Superman… the quintessential man of steel : corny, hopeful, and full of genuine goodness.
Classic Superhero, New Concepts
Gunn has recently said that this is his first superhero movie. He means that this is his first traditional superhero movie. He’s proved his talent and skill with Guardians of the Galaxy at Marvel, and The Suicide Squad, Peacemaker, and Creature Commandos at DC. In his own words at the fan event, those were crabby characters. This is a story about a classic superhero: the classic superhero. In the leadup to the film’s release, Gunn has repeated many times that at the core of Superman is a man who truly believes in goodness. It’s safe to say that Gunn has fully succeeded in capturing that core essence.
He may refer to this as a traditional superhero story, but it’s far from being a traditional movie. For what is supposed to be both a franchise and universe starter, this movie is unafraid with its pacing and world building. It is always ready to introduce new characters and concepts. It proudly reintroduces sci-fi elements as an integral part of the Superman mythos. There are already different heroes in this world, and there are also many villains for Superman and friends to fight. The action is dynamic, as there is consistently creative use of power sets. Even just the flying is awesome to behold because of fluid cinematography. It’s as if a camera is strapped to a drone or even a jet, and it’s flying with the characters at these incredible speeds. And even with all of that and many surprises in this movie, its best quality is that core that Gunn has taken care with. In these action sequences, what’s most impressive is how capable Superman is at saving others. In this complicated narrative, what stands out is Superman trying to help and inspire others.
Captivating Corenswet
It’s a genuine feat that every single character is perfectly cast. David Corenswet deserves the accolade because he is Superman. There’s been many great portrayals over the character’s long history. Not since Christopher Reeves took on the role has there been such a captivating interpretation of Superman and Clark Kent. With Gunn’s direction, Corenswet delivers a performance that’s vulnerable, endearing, and moving. Shoulder-to-shoulder with him is Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and their romance is equally challenging and sweet in a believable way. Where Superman trusts everyone, Lois questions everything, and that tension is where the heart is at. The two leads have electric chemistry together, but they also bounce off the rest of the cast exceptionally well. Corenswet is Superman. Brosnahan is Lois Lane. And Nicholas Hoult is Lex Luthor. Hoult as Superman’s nemesis is the best the character has ever been in live action. This film remembers that beyond all the powers, Superman should be a genuinely good person trying his best. It also finally remembers that beyond the corrupt businessman, Lex should be a petty and envious mad genius. This main trio are the characters perfectly portrayed.
This movie has way more than three characters, and even with short screentime, they’re able to own their scenes. The Justice Gang is an interesting addition. Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl is fun and likeable, but Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner (Green Lantern) is more fun because he’s so unlikeable. Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific is the real standout among the supporting cast, and he might become a fan favorite in the future. It’s a good choice that The Daily Planet is made important again. Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen and Wendell Pierce as Perry White are great. Even with their few scenes, Neva Howell and Pruitt Vance as Ma and Pa Kent bring so much heart. But of course, the real greatest character is Krypto the Superdog.
As a kid, I grew up with the Saturday morning cartoons of the DCAU (Superman: The Animated Series, Justice League Unlimited, etc.). Aside from the comics, this film is as close as it gets to capturing the excitement and craziness of that world. I caught myself smiling wide at different points, not merely out of nostalgia, but I realized that moviemakers and moviegoers alike are ready to embrace comic worlds as they are. It’s no longer about imagining gritty versions of characters if they were real in our world. It’s DC’s world, and it’s able to be as zany as it wants, while also tackling contemporary issues head-on, both through original world building.
Everyone’s Superhero
“This is a movie about goodness. This is a movie about hope. There’s so much bitterness, so much anger in the world. This is about a guy that’s different than that. This is a movie for all of us.” That’s what James Gunn said to my audience before the special preview that took place a few weeks back. After that preview, I recall walking away thinking about how cool all of the creative decisions are. The action and flying is unlike what I had seen before with this character. The DCU feels so much different and for the better. The movie is bursting with color. Now that I’ve experienced the full film, I recall walking away thinking about what Gunn was talking about. It’s a superhero story because it’s a human story. Superman is the perfect superhero because he’s not perfect at all. He tries to do good and gets hurt for it but he keeps on trying. Superman is inspiring and he is everyone’s hero. This is my Superman, and I can’t wait to see more of him.
