MOVIE REVIEW: We see if 'Superman' is a soaring start to the new 'DCU'
James Gunn, co-creator of the new DC Universe ( DCU) 'media franchise', has taken it upon himself to helm its first big screen outing.
David Corenswet stars as the Man of Steel and, thankfully, we dive straight into the action as there was no need for another take on Superman's origin story.
Truthfully, despite really enjoying Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy and Suicide Squad, I was nervous for this as the trailers hinted at a humour-heavy tone.
There is some of that here but it doesn't overwhelm the story Gunn, also on writing duties, is trying to tell and with the odd exception - turning Skyler Gisondo's Jimmy Olsen into a ladies' magnet - laughs are earned.
Raw emotion is often delivered - pretty much any scene involving Corenswet and Pruitt Taylor Vince's Pa Kent - and although we see very little of Corenswet's Clark, this is the most vulnerable cinematic Superman yet.
Corenswet excels, whether his Man of Steel is physically and mentally beaten, wrestling with his adopted humanity, sharing tender moments with Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane or soaring through the skies into battle.
There are a lot of characters but most get time to shine and Gunn doesn't burden his film with too many teases of what is to come in the DCU.
Brosnahan is a steadfast, initiative-taking Lois, Nicholas Hoult's hot-headed, manipulative Lex Luthor is a nice throwback to the hyper-intelligent inventor often seen in animated form, Edi Gathegi's deadpan Mr Terrific is a surprise scene-stealer and, as made obvious in the trailers, Krypto makes for a wonderful canine companion.
A late villain reveal is extremely obvious and, at times, there's an overload of CGI amid punch-heavy combat.
And Gunn makes a brave change to Superman's origin that may annoy some devotees - but I was on board with it.
Superman as a whole soars high on the comic-book movie scale as well as setting the stage for an exciting future for DC fans young and old.
● Are you excited for the new DCU? What characters are you looking forward to seeing on screen?
● Superman is showing in cinemas now.
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