Superman Review

I’ve lived in the ink-soaked pages of DC Comics my entire life. The site you’re reading right now was started as a way to help people find their way into the DC Universe. It’s a place whose characters and stories have always inspired me to be better. It may sound like a childish mindset to have with superheroes, especially now after they have infected everything. But why wouldn’t I want to emulate a man like Superman, who does everything in his power to make the world a better place, regardless of his faults, failures, and own shortcomings? Superman is a film that serves as a reminder that we should all want to be Superman. James Gunn’s Superman is a film that not only celebrates the beauty of Superman but also the wonder and absurdity of comic books, love, envy, and a full spectrum of other facets of humanity. The film is as strong as a locomotive, as fast as a speeding bullet, and made my heart leap over buildings in a single bound.

When we enter the world of Superman, we don’t enter a world taking its first steps into the sun, thankfully. This is a world of metas and monsters like the DC Universe I have always loved. It’s a big, bold, and weird world with all sorts of vibrant characters and their own personalities, each corner of the world beckoning to be explored. There was never a moment when I found myself questioning something’s existence or rolling my eyes at a reference because it was presented inorganically. Superman off-hand mentions an intergalactic zoo at one point, and that is a testament to how unafraid James Gunn is to lean into comic book logic. It’s a one-off line, but it speaks to these characters and what exists in this world. There is a great big beautiful DC Universe out there, and it is the one from the comics you love. There are so many moments that would be spoilers if I spoke about them, but it was like seeing panels come to life in a way I haven’t felt before. It was never a slightly veiled commercial for the military, but rather a world filled with gods and metahumans wearing bright, silly costumes.

David Corenswet plays a perfect Superman. This performance of Superman and Clark is absolutely that of a man of steel with quiet human vulnerability, which we see throughout the film. Something I found myself focusing on in his performance was his lips and smile. Corenswet conveys so much through the movement of his lips, whether pursing into a frown or slowly creasing into a smile during key points of the film. When you have a character who is a god like Superman, capturing his humanity is the key to making him relatable and someone you root for. Corenswet’s performance, along with Gunn’s character writing, makes this not just a Superman for all ages with a heart of gold, but one with a willingness to fight for what’s right despite the odds.

There is a moment where Clark and Pa Kent (Pruitt Taylor Vince) are sitting in front of their Smallville farmhouse, talking about the man he should be. It was one of those superhero moments that will be forever etched into my heart, like the “great powers/great responsibilities” speech, because it is so perfectly structured. It’s a scene that has something to say about choosing our own paths, doing what’s right, and what it means to be a hero. It’s a scene that’s bringing me to tears as I write this review.

The relationships across the film are a key element of what makes this soar at mach speeds. I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about the greatest journalist in all of fiction, Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan). Lois is a powerhouse in the film. Brosnahan brings such energy to the role that she calls Superman/Clark on his actions in a way that pushes him to be the best version of himself. Every scene the two share is like someone lit a case of fireworks in the room because the chemistry is so explosive that it’s dangerous. You will fall in love with Clois.

Relationships aren’t always positive or filled with love however. What if they are built on fear, hatred, and envy? Enter Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult). There is a level of machismo and dastardly scheming to this Lex that just isn’t seen in superhero media anymore. His superfluous speeches are to inflate his own ego with his lackeys around him to stroke his own god complex. There is so much to chew on with this performance and Hoult is chewing on every bit of scenery with this all-timer super villain role. Having Lex as the villain of the film disappointed me at first when it was announced, as someone who wanted to switch it up, but I was wrong. I was so wrong. This is what a Superman movie should be.

As someone who had their kneecap shattered by their dog, I understand loving a dog who has their quirks and Krypto is very much one of them. What you have seen in the trailers isn’t even the good stuff (or all of the film) but Krypto is used enough in the film to be such a fun addition and never a burden. There isn’t a time when this silly dog won’t make you smile because he’s a dog who just wants to play. It’s a fun way to introduce an element that no other superhero movie has dared to do: bringing in the weird stuff! The pets, the secret fortress, and having a world of heroes…

Now we get to what I want to talk about most… Guy #*&%-ing Gardner (Nathan Fillion). I was worried because of Gunn’s track record that he was going to make him a one-note joke and kill him, but he absolutely rules in this movie. But the real breakout of the Justice Gang is Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi), who takes center stage in the group. There is an incredible scene with him that I want to talk about but you will have to see for yourself! I do wish Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) was utilized a bit more but she did get some fun scenes.

I will write an entire essay about Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan) and Baby Joey after the film is out. They are a very big “this is why I love DC Comics” part of the film, but all spoilers. I just love the weirdos and James Gunn captures them in the perfect light.

John Murphy and David Fleming’s score is a perfect addition to the film. With the allusion, notes, and callbacks to John Williams original Superman (1978) theme, there is a mirror to the building that Williams did in his original piece in their own. It’s a build-up to introduce a world unlike our own, accompanied by a triumphant score featuring brassy horns that evoke a sense of heroism. It never feels like cashing in on the original theme, but understanding the groundwork of what came before to create something new. Good art is inspired by other art. Fleming and Murphy introduce so many beautiful themes and motifs in this that I am eager to explore them further once the score is released.

My love of DC Comics comes from seeing characters with extraordinary gifts of near god hood that choose to use them to make the world they live in a better place. I have carried those comic book ideals with me in my heart. I have loved looking at these bright costumes, characters, villains, relationships, and more for so long but now I am seeing them come to life without fear. That big blue Boy Scout flies high above it all to remind us that there is hope.