If there has been one cornerstone of pop culture in the United States that has remained intact over the last century, it’s Superman. With his red undies and the iconic “S” on his chest, Superman has been the subject of countless comics, movies and television shows.
In the latest addition to this long list of interpretations, director James Gunn takes the helm of a new era with “Superman.” The result is an absolute joy ride filled to the brim with an undeniable heart.
“Superman” works as a snapshot into the already busy life of Clark Kent (David Corenswet), who, in universe, has been operating as Superman for the past three years. When we meet Kent, he’s just suffered his first defeat at the hands of Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), beginning Luthor’s quest for his ultimate goal: the demise of Superman.
At first, “Superman” feels quite jarring. As its opening sequence renders Kent’s beginnings as Superman in just a single sentence, the film immediately throws the audience head first into Kent’s life. The relationship between Kent and Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) suffers most from this sudden shift. We meet the pair as a couple experiencing a rocky beginning to their relationship — their first scene together builds to a fight that leaves the pair jaded. Brosnahan and Corenswet’s charming chemistry does the legwork in convincing viewers the two are a couple, yet the script leaves too much of the pair’s dynamic to the audience’s imagination.
The film also takes an interesting focus on Superman, emphasizing his identity as an alien sent to live among humans. The central conflict hinges on a video message from his parents Luthor has recovered from Superman’s hidden base. Fully restored by Luthor’s team, the message Kent believed to be a directive to serve humanity turns out to be one pushing him to conquer Earth. This places Kent in tension with a society that has begun to see him as an outsider, especially due to his role in stopping a war between two foreign countries that has people questioning whether an alien could — or should — impact foreign politics.
These two plot lines constitute the backbone of the film, emphasizing the beauty and power of a human connection when we put our differences aside to help one another. Gunn’s execution of this message is generally effective; however, there is not always such a smooth connection between these two plot lines. The shifts in focus make for a somewhat tumultuous third act that attempts to resolve two differing conflicts. At the movie’s best, it’s a cohesive story that focuses on the power of kindness, but at its worst, it feels overstuffed and unfocused.
However, “Superman” is ultimately engaging, creating a unique universe through its surprisingly interesting visuals. In a romantic moment between Kent and Lane, blasts of warm color light up the room as the Justice Gang, a team of heroes, destroys a bioluminescent octo-squid monster. There’s also a soft hue that washes the film, coloring Metropolis in a cool filter that makes its world feel almost fantastical — as if taken straight out of a comic book.
The film’s characters no doubt drive the uniqueness of its world. Gunn is no stranger to building a superhero ensemble, and his skills remain effective in constructing charming characters out of the heroes often left out of the spotlight. Alongside Superman is the Justice Gang, consisting of Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) and Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi), whose time on screen is filled with charming, dry banter. Gathegi in particular is an absolute scene-stealer as Mister Terrific with his serious, all-work demeanor that overlays a strong determination.
For the little screentime they have, Kent’s coworkers at the Daily Planet are still dynamic characters as they scramble to publish their expose of Luthor. Brosnahan’s Lane shines the most in this environment as a headstrong, smart reporter that goes to the literal ends of the Earth to find both Kent and the truth. Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo) is also another standout, as he goes to his own supposed “limits” for the story, resulting in a recurring gag that ends in an unexpectedly sweet conclusion.
As the titular character, Corenswet is a wonderful Superman to watch. There’s an innate sweetness to Corenswet reminiscent of a gentle giant, helping to craft a hero who cares deeply about the people he has promised to serve. Next to him, Hoult delivers a superb performance as Luthor — sharp and vicious, as well as just slightly off-kilter in his genius. Against Luthor’s foul nature, Hoult brings just enough vulnerability to the character to make him pitifully sympathetic.
Gunn’s “Superman” is certainly a strong start to the newly branded DC Studios as it returns to the basics of what makes superheroes so compelling in the first place. While the sheer force of its action is sure to amaze, “Superman” truly saves the day by inspiring hope for what the best of humanity could be.
