Written & Directed By James Gunn; Starring David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, and Isabela Merced.
Based on the popular DC comic book superhero created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster. This film follows Superman (David Corenswet)’s journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as reporter Clark Kent. When billionaire Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) conducts a plan to turn public opinion against him, the Man of Steel must prove to the world that he is their protector.
Growing up in the late 1990s/early 2000s, I only had a vague familiarity with Superman. It wasn’t until 2010 when I streamed Richard Donner’s 1978 film on Netflix, and was blown away. Since then, I’ve seen every single solo live action movie, and liked most of them. This actually marks Warner Brothers' third attempt to revitalize the iconic character for the big screen within this century following 2006's Superman Returns and 2013's Man of Steel. The latter mainly established the DC Extended Universe. This one is also rebooting that franchise which will now be known as the DCU.
Throughout each cinematic incarnation, different directors have set different vibes. With Donner, he set a lighthearted tone. When Richard Lester took over (for II and III), he set a more comical tone. When Zack Snyder took on Man of Steel, he set a more realistic tone. In James Gunn’s hands, he successfully harkens it back to the lighthearted roots of the character. After all, Superman has always been seen as a very optimistic superhero. In this day and age where there are crises going on all over the world, we could all use a real-life beacon of hope.
Not only is the tone lighthearted, but Gunn also imbues his brand of humor into the proceedings at certain points. Many of which got some well deserved laughs from the audience. The comedy in this movie may not be for everyone, but I didn’t mind it. This is a very fantastical world where certain people have larger than life superpowers. It’s not meant to be taken seriously. Speaking of which, as someone who was raised in Northeast Ohio, I really appreciated seeing Cleveland represented as Metropolis. To add to the experience, John Murphy & David Fleming’s musical score feels contemporary while also incorporating such fresh covers of John Williams’ iconic theme music.
What has always been a tradition throughout each iteration is casting an unknown actor in the coveted role(s) of Clark Kent/Superman. It began with Christopher Reeve in 1978, continued with Brandon Routh in 2006, Henry Cavill in 2013, and now David Corenswet. As the latter is the latest to don the cape and tights, he approaches the indestructible Man of Steel with quite a bit of vulnerability. Thus, it makes things easy for the audience to latch onto him. Although the biggest scene stealer throughout the whole movie would have to be his adorable superpowered dog, Krypto. Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t highlight the other human actors.
Of the big screen Lois Lanes we previously got this century, they either weren’t well cast, misdirected, or both. Yet Rachel Brosnahan perfectly portrays her as the intrepid reporter we all know and love. I also appreciated how Lois in this iteration actually felt like a member of the team as she helps Superman on his journey. Not to mention that both she and Corenswet share great onscreen chemistry. All due respect to the recently deceased Gene Hackman, Nicholas Hoult might just be the best Lex Luthor we’ve ever gotten in the movies. He’s like the first actor to approach the role as a straight up menacing villain as opposed to a comical one.
Skyler Gisondo makes for quite a memorable Jimmy Olson, the young photographer who is also Lois & Clark’s colleague at the Daily Planet. Sara Sampaio is a ton of fun as Eve Teschmacher, Luthor’s assistant and girlfriend. Each member of the Justice Gang - Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern, and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl - are great additions to the cast. Although I’d really like to put in a good word for Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell, who both play Jonathan and Martha Kent. Of all incarnations I’ve seen of Clark’s adoptive human parents, they’re the ones who felt most like Kansas farmers.
For the very first feature film produced by DC Studios, I’d say it’s off to a really exciting start. This Superman is definitely one we need for this generation. It explores topics that are relevant, but in a very entertaining manner. Thus, those who haven’t particularly cared for some of the more cynical-driven superheroes movies from more recent years will appreciate this. Plus, it’s refreshing to see the first installment of a Superman saga that doesn’t retell the origin story and instead gets right to the chase.
Rating: 4/5
Based on the popular DC comic book superhero created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster. This film follows Superman (David Corenswet)’s journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as reporter Clark Kent. When billionaire Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) conducts a plan to turn public opinion against him, the Man of Steel must prove to the world that he is their protector.
Growing up in the late 1990s/early 2000s, I only had a vague familiarity with Superman. It wasn’t until 2010 when I streamed Richard Donner’s 1978 film on Netflix, and was blown away. Since then, I’ve seen every single solo live action movie, and liked most of them. This actually marks Warner Brothers' third attempt to revitalize the iconic character for the big screen within this century following 2006's Superman Returns and 2013's Man of Steel. The latter mainly established the DC Extended Universe. This one is also rebooting that franchise which will now be known as the DCU.
Throughout each cinematic incarnation, different directors have set different vibes. With Donner, he set a lighthearted tone. When Richard Lester took over (for II and III), he set a more comical tone. When Zack Snyder took on Man of Steel, he set a more realistic tone. In James Gunn’s hands, he successfully harkens it back to the lighthearted roots of the character. After all, Superman has always been seen as a very optimistic superhero. In this day and age where there are crises going on all over the world, we could all use a real-life beacon of hope.
Not only is the tone lighthearted, but Gunn also imbues his brand of humor into the proceedings at certain points. Many of which got some well deserved laughs from the audience. The comedy in this movie may not be for everyone, but I didn’t mind it. This is a very fantastical world where certain people have larger than life superpowers. It’s not meant to be taken seriously. Speaking of which, as someone who was raised in Northeast Ohio, I really appreciated seeing Cleveland represented as Metropolis. To add to the experience, John Murphy & David Fleming’s musical score feels contemporary while also incorporating such fresh covers of John Williams’ iconic theme music.
What has always been a tradition throughout each iteration is casting an unknown actor in the coveted role(s) of Clark Kent/Superman. It began with Christopher Reeve in 1978, continued with Brandon Routh in 2006, Henry Cavill in 2013, and now David Corenswet. As the latter is the latest to don the cape and tights, he approaches the indestructible Man of Steel with quite a bit of vulnerability. Thus, it makes things easy for the audience to latch onto him. Although the biggest scene stealer throughout the whole movie would have to be his adorable superpowered dog, Krypto. Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t highlight the other human actors.
Of the big screen Lois Lanes we previously got this century, they either weren’t well cast, misdirected, or both. Yet Rachel Brosnahan perfectly portrays her as the intrepid reporter we all know and love. I also appreciated how Lois in this iteration actually felt like a member of the team as she helps Superman on his journey. Not to mention that both she and Corenswet share great onscreen chemistry. All due respect to the recently deceased Gene Hackman, Nicholas Hoult might just be the best Lex Luthor we’ve ever gotten in the movies. He’s like the first actor to approach the role as a straight up menacing villain as opposed to a comical one.
Skyler Gisondo makes for quite a memorable Jimmy Olson, the young photographer who is also Lois & Clark’s colleague at the Daily Planet. Sara Sampaio is a ton of fun as Eve Teschmacher, Luthor’s assistant and girlfriend. Each member of the Justice Gang - Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern, and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl - are great additions to the cast. Although I’d really like to put in a good word for Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell, who both play Jonathan and Martha Kent. Of all incarnations I’ve seen of Clark’s adoptive human parents, they’re the ones who felt most like Kansas farmers.
For the very first feature film produced by DC Studios, I’d say it’s off to a really exciting start. This Superman is definitely one we need for this generation. It explores topics that are relevant, but in a very entertaining manner. Thus, those who haven’t particularly cared for some of the more cynical-driven superheroes movies from more recent years will appreciate this. Plus, it’s refreshing to see the first installment of a Superman saga that doesn’t retell the origin story and instead gets right to the chase.
Rating: 4/5