Superman – Review
I have been waiting for a really good Superman movie for a long time. Superman Returns was a disappointment. Man of Steel was good but had some issues. Nowe we have been given James Gunn’s Superman.
This is the Superman movie I have been waiting for.
Like Man of Steel which kicked off the shared universe before it, this movies is the cinematic introduction to a new shared DC universe. Creature Commandos was the actual beginning but this is the first movie in the new universe.
If this failed, it would put more than just this movie or character in question but the entire plan for this shared universe.
Thankfully, Superman kicks things off right.
There is much that is different to what has come on before. This is not an origin story. Not only has Superman been around for three years according to this movie, there are other heroes as well.
Also, this movie feels more “comic book-ish” than previous movies. The other movies were more modern movies with comic characters. This felt like a comic turned into a movie.
I will not spoil anything for those who have not seen it. The plot will be left to you to discover.
Most people know that there are other heroes in this movie. This includes Mr. Terrific, Green Lantern (Guy Gardner), Hawkgirl, and Metamorpho. Some were concerned that this was stuffing too much into the movie.
I thought that they were used very well. Mr. Terrific was… well, terrific. I hope to see more of him. I would totally love to see him in his own movie. Guy Gardner was done very close to the comics. Hawkgirl and Metamorpho did not get much time to shine but they have potential.
Before getting to the portrayal of Superman, I want to mention two other major characters.
I think this is the best Lex Luthor that we have ever had. This really tapped into him as a mad scientist and not just as a rich tycoon drunk on power. Lex was perfect.
Then there was Krypto. I was not sure when I heard that Krypto was involved. This could have been pretty bad. But they were able to use Krypto very well and he definitely added to the movie rather than taking away.
What about Superman?
This was a fantastic portrayal of both Clark Kent and Superman. There was definitely a nod to the Christopher Reeves’ Superman. This was not an all-powerful Superman. This is a Superman that fails and wrestles with his mistakes.
This Superman feels it when he gets hit. He cannot do it all and he need to rely on others. Superman literally will need to be rescued by others.
Was this the perfect movie?
Probably not. There were a few pacing issues. Not surprising as there is a lot in a just over two hour movie.
However, the story was great. The acting was amazing. The fight scenes were fun. The wider DC Universe was set up.
Most of all, this movie has heart. It makes us laugh but it also makes us feel. There is a certain emotional experience that I look for in a movie and I got it here.
If this is start of what is to come, then James Gunn has demonstrated that he deserves our confidence.
I’m definitely looking forward to the next DC project and the next Superman movie.
