Today’s Superman is an earnest, well-intentioned hero in golden retriever form
James Gunn’s “Superman” and the Warner Bros. DC Extended Universe (DCEU) reset have been subject to audience apprehension.
On one end, we have those ecstatic about the optimistic energy coming to the once dark and brooding DC. On the flip side, some worry Gunn’s signature “Guardians of the Galaxy” humor will bastardize and turn the DCEU into a joke-filled offshoot of a struggling MCU.
Not to mention, Henry Cavill’s version of the Man of Steel has been largely applauded and would have continued to be beloved had Warner Bros. continued with the Snyderverse.
For a film that’s only just been released, “Superman” has already faced both praise from excited fans and criticism from those openly resisting Corenswet and Gunn. While there’s no denying the obvious tonal shift, this new-age Superman reflects an understanding of a character many have grown up with.
Undecided on whether or not you’ll be watching? Here’s a rundown on our thoughts on “Superman.”
David Corenswet’s Superman is a hero in golden retriever form
Discussions surrounding Superman live-action adaptations will always fall towards comparing its actors. Christopher Reeve will forever be a classic. Brandon Routh’s was short-lived yet underappreciated. And Henry Cavill was the Man of Steel in the flesh.
Corenswet has a lot to live up to, and yet he has separated himself from all previous interpretations with a bright-eyed, and often overly optimistic Superman.
Like Robert Pattinson’s Batman, Corenswet plays a much younger Clark Kent. He isn’t a seasoned hero fully trusted by the public. He makes mistakes, sees the world in black and white, and bases his actions on the simple desire to serve and protect. He’s a hero, like Pattinson’s Batman, who hasn’t necessarily understood the weight of their mantle, but acts because of a personal sense of duty.
Corenswet’s Superman wears his heart on his sleeve, is a little too trusting, and doesn’t always say the right things. He isn’t a stoic guardian, but will quip occasionally and wag his proverbial tail when his situationship of three months finally says ‘I love you’ back.
The film establishes early on that Lois Lane and Clark Kent have been casually seeing each other for three months by the time the movie starts
James Gunn skips narrative beats, and for the better
Like the MCU’s “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” we are introduced to a Superman who’s been on the job for a couple of years already. In fact, his backstory in this specific universe is flashed on a couple of paragraphs at the start of the film, like “Star Wars.”
Gunn understands that Superman’s story, like Peter Parker’s, has been told many times before. Instead of taking time to painstakingly show his escape from Krypton and his upbringing once again, Gunn uses that to introduce and acclimate us to a DC world where metahumans are normal.
Flashes of “Guardians of the Galaxy”
While we’re on the MCU comparison, the film is riddled with Gunn’s all-too-familiar fingerprints: a one-shot action sequence with a vintage classic playing in the background; the MCU-coded quips and jokes; and a flight scene similar to Will Poulter’s Adam Warlock in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.”
But don’t worry, Gunn isn’t necessarily cranking the comedy to the max. The movie does take it seriously when it needs to and simply sprinkles in a little laugh every now and then. Though, whether for good or bad, we can no longer say the DCEU is dark and serious, while the MCU is bright and sunny. They’re pretty much the same now.
For once, the non-powered reporters matter
Civilians and non-powered characters often don’t matter in a superhero movie’s climax. They’re meant to either run away from the fight, provide the hero with radio support from a safe distance, or be treated as damsels in distress.
Without spoilers, while the imminent threat is subdued by Superman, the main villain is only ever defeated with the help of the Daily Planet journalists. With a cast including characters like Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen, this recognizes their capabilities and place in the world without making them irrelevant and useless in the face of heroes and villains.
Side characters that make you hopeful for the DCEU
Even without any significant cameos or post-credit scenes that tease upcoming entries, these side characters were so good you’d want to see them again in future DCEU films.
Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor is a tormented genius who’d risk the entire world if it could help him kill Superman. The film shows how far he’d go to satisfy his vanity, and it would be interesting to see what more he’s willing to do.
Mr Terrific is a scene stealer who’s responsible for the majority of the laughs and chuckles in the theater. It’s the perfect redemption/return to superhero movies for Edi Gathegi, who didn’t get much screentime when he played Darwin in “X-Men: First Class.”
A budding cinematic universe won’t work with just the Man of Steel alone. And while only time will tell whether Warner Bros. will continue to buy into Gunn’s vision, “Superman” is a damn good first entry that will surely leave viewers hopeful for a fully-fleshed out DCEU.
