“I’m as human as anybody. They’ve always been wrong about me. I love. I get scared. But that is being human. And that’s my greatest strength.”
Back in 2002, I went to the premiere of the first Spider-Man movie with Tobey Maguire. Watching Peter Parker go from an nerd to a superhero was amazing. I remember the moment he finally figures out how to swing through the city and the people in the theater were excited. But then I heard a woman behind me whisper to her boyfriend,“As if!” That still makes me laugh. I mean, we’re watching a movie about a kid bitten by a radioactive spider, and that’s the part she found unrealistic? That’s the fun of superhero movies, escaping into a world of fantasy.
Lately, that fun has been missing. Many superhero films have gotten darker, and more serious. That’s why James Gunn’s new Superman movie feels refreshing. It brings back the excitement and heart that makes us love superheroes in the first place. The movie feels like a comic book brought to life, bright, bold, and full of action.
After seeing Superman twice over the weekend, here are some of my thoughts.
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THE CAST
The casting in Superman absolutely perfect! David Corenswet really embodied the look and spirit of Superman. His performance was sincere, and full of heart. Rachel Brosnahan was also fantastic as Lois Lane, bringing a strong performance to the role. Her and Corenswet had great chemistry, and at times, she even gave off Margot Kidder vibes that fans of the original films will appreciate. Edi Gathegi’s Mister Terrific was a combination of cool confidence with humor, and Nicholas Hoult completely stole the show as Lex Luthor. Every scene he was in had this intense, and he felt more ruthless and dangerous than any version of Lex we’ve seen before. Nathan Fillion as the arrogant Green Lantern Guy Gardner was a hilarious highlight, and honestly, I wish we got to see even more of him and the rest of the Justice Gang. This cast brought the DC Universe to life in a fun and exciting way.
WHAT ABOUT THE STORY?
The pacing is fast, and the story moves quickly from one moment to the next and the special effects are amazing. Every moment felt like a comic book come to life, from Superman flying through the sky to the super-powered battles. It’s not trying to look gritty or overly realistic but it embraces a comic book quality and I love it.
There is a little of something for everyone in the film. From action, romance and moments that will shock some fans and anger others. While I agree that some die hard Superman fans might not like these changes, I feel that it isn’t a detrimental to the overall story and future movies. It could have been worse – I’m looking at you, “The Last Jedi!”
Even though there is a large cast of heroes, the movie doesn’t get bogged down or lost with trying to fit them all in. In fact, I felt that it only added to the fast paced adventure and, speaking as a comic book nerd, didn’t fill these parts with unnecessary scenes of Clark and Lois discussing their relationship. Of course, that’s just my old man opinion.
“Was the movie filled with jokes like in Marvel movies?”
At first, the humor felt a bit much, kind of like Guardians of the Galaxy, but it actually works. It adds a lightness to the film that fits Superman’s hopeful personality. The humor really comes out when he interacts with the other characters who have more brutal ways of doing things and tend to “roll eyes” over his positive outlook. This Superman isn’t trying to be cool or edgy, he’s just trying to do what’s right. And in today’s world, that might be the kind of hero we need most.
Related: People Magazine Gets Personal with the New Man of Steel, David Corenswet
THE FANDOM
I am puzzled by what some have been focused on…
There are parts of the film that you can criticize and I will do so in a future podcast but, lately, I’ve been reading all the heated debates online between James Gunn fans — often nicknamed the “Gunncultists” and the Zack Snyder loyalists, known as the “Snyder Bros,” arguing over who the better Superman is: Henry Cavill or David Corenswet. Honestly, I think both actors are fantastic in the role. Henry Cavill brought a powerful presence to Superman, and while Man of Steel had its flaws, Cavill himself gave a strong and memorable performance. I do wish he had been given another chance in a more uplifting film. On the other hand, David Corenswet has stepped into the cape with heart, charm, and a real understanding of the character. He is Superman now, and he’s doing a great job. This constant online battle feels juvenile and only hurts the fandom. We’re all here because we love Superman. Can we just put aside the fighting and like all the films and versions?
That being said, overall the film has been embraced by the fandom as the box office numbers are showing. In my own experience in the theater, the audience is excited and engaged and are definitely loving Corenswet as the new Superman and James Gunn’s story. While I am in favor of criticism and there this movie is not immune from it, this “battle” in the fandom is tiresome.
FINAL THOUGHTS
James Gunn’s Superman is a fresh, and hopeful take on the “Man of Steel”. In a time where a lot of stories feel dark or overly serious, this movie brings back a comic book feel. It shows us that being a hero isn’t just about fancy costumes or saving the day, but it is about kindness. And that’s what I loved about this Superman movie.
Afterall, “Maybe kindness is the real punk rock.”
