Superman is excellent. James Gunn’s reboot/do-over/last gasp attempt to get a DC Comics Cinematic Universe off the ground has hit the ground running. Is it perfect? No. But is it entertaining? That’s a big yes. Gunn truly seems to understand Superman as a character and what makes him so appealing and enduring.
Right away, he sets out to demonstrate to audiences that this isn’t the Snyder-verse. This isn’t a brooding, emo, edgy-Hot Topic Superman. He’s a beacon of hope and light and joy. He’s silly and fun and most of all, he wants to do the right thing.
Cleverly, Superman does away with an origin story. Instead, the opening moments of the film are dedicated to a series of subtitles getting people up to speed. Three centuries ago, the first Metahumans (DC’s lingo for super people) appeared. Three decades ago, Superman arrived on earth. Three weeks ago, he intervened in the invasion of Jarhanpur by aggressor Boravia. Three minutes ago, Superman lost a fight for the first time…
…Superman (David Corenswet), beaten and bloody then crashes into frame, landing in the snowy landscape and we meet the film’s true breakout star for the first time; Krypto.
Superman Review
Krypto is such an utter joy and delight you wonder why he’s never appeared in a live-action Superman film before. Dog owners will recognise and relate to poor old Superman being trampled and beaten up by Krypto who’s just showing him some love when he needs it most. Krypto is the beating heart of Superman and no, for all of you who are worried, the dog doesn’t die.
As for Superman, he’s just been pummelled by the Hammer of Boravia for his interference in the Boravian invasion. After some quick First Aid courtesy of Superman’s charming robot 4 (Alan Tudyk) and the yellow Sun, Supes heads back to Metropolis for round 2. It’s soon revealed that Lex Luthor (played gloriously by a petulant, unhinged Nicholas Hoult) is behind the Hammer of Boravia and the invasion of Jarhanpur which is all wrapped up in his single-minded desire to kill Superman.
With the stakes and story set, Superman falls into a comfortable, if a little predictable, rhythm as Luthor works to undermine Superman and Superman fights for what he thinks is right.
A highlight of Superman is the “Justice Gang” made up by Green Lantern Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion stealing every scene he’s in) Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) and Mr Terrific (Edi Gathegi). I was concerned that having so many additional characters would either overstuff Superman or make it confusing but thankfully neither are an issue. The Justice Gang are skilfully woven into the fabric of Superman’s story without pulling focus from Big Blue while still fleshing out the DCU’s world and laying the groundwork for the future; Maxwell Lord anyone?
Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) has a lot to do in Superman and thankfully, is never the damsel in distress. In fact, it’s quite the opposite as she’s shown to figuratively and literally save Superman more than once. Unfortunately, the rest of the Daily Planet Gang don’t get treated as well. Not for lack of trying, but simply because there’s not enough real-estate or time in the film.
Light Spoilers ahead for characters that appear in Superman
Both Skyler Gisondo’s Jimmy Olsen and Wendell Pierce’s Perry White do what they can with their material, but in a movie that already features Superman, Lex Luthor, Lois Lane, Ultraman, The Engineer, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, Mr Terrific, Metamorpho, Rick Flag, the Kents, Supergirl, Peacemaker and Maxwell Lord, it’s hard for everyone to get their time to shine.
Thankfully, Gunn never forgets who the star of the show is and Superman remains the focus. Jumping into a world where Superman has already been operating for years allows Gunn to look at things you may not expect. A large portion of Superman is devoted to Superman suffering something of an identity crisis. He’s trying to do good and what he thinks is right. He’s trying to save lives but is it more complicated than that? He’s always believed he was sent to Earth to protect humanity, but a mid-movie revelation, engineered by Luthor, puts that into question. Who is Superman if not Earth’s mightiest defender?
Thankfully, Superman doesn’t get too bogged down with these themes and Superman himself remains upbeat and positive throughout. And that’s what the DCU needs. DC Comics have gotten this reputation of being dark and edgy of the last few years. They can, of course, be that way, but DC Comics are also incredibly weird, silly and fun. There are so many weird and wonderful characters in DC Comics and Gunn has really nailed that side with Superman. Similarly, he never makes the mistake of giving Superman the Batman treatment, which was Snyder’s greatest crime.
Like everything else in Superman, the action is incredibly fun. This is not a superhero movie that kids can’t come along and enjoy. Like Superman himself, this movie is for everyone. There are some brilliantly choreographed fight scenes — Mr Terrific’s orbs are a real highlight — but the action is always served with a side of humour, and a wink and a nod to the audience. Guy Gardner’s handling of a giant monster threat first with a muzzle and then with oven mitts is brilliant. DC is silly again, thank god. Unfortunately, the film’s ending involving the wholesale destruction of Metropolis, crumbling skyscrapers and mass evacuation is less interesting. We’ve seen it too many times now, let’s do something different yeah?
Overall, Superman is a joy and a delight though with Krypto absolutely stealing the show. Corenswet’s Superman is charming, sweet and a little naive which is just the way he should be. All of the groundwork has been laid for the DCU with Superman and so far, things look bright. With the MCU’s struggles in recent years, perhaps now is the right time for the DCU to step up and make superhero movies fun again.
Superman certainly fits the bill and makes me excited for what’s to come.
Leo Stevenson attended a screening of Superman as a guest of Warner Bros. Australia.
