'Superman' review: James Gunn brings the fun back to superheroes with the DC Universe

Yahoo

5 days ago

It's important to stress what a huge lift it is to make a Superman film. He's a beloved character that has inspired people for decades, and been a beacon of hope for many. So it takes a strong vision to really create something that will satisfy audiences.
But with the new film Superman, James Gunn did something critically important: He brought fun to the table in a big way. While it's something you may have expected from his work on Guardians of the Galaxy, Superman, Lois Lane, Lex Luthor and even the adorable pup Krypto inject refreshing new life into the legacy Superman films.
Superman release date: July 10Director: James GunnCast: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Skyler Gisondo, Sara Sampaio, María Gabriela de Faría, Wendell Pierce, Alan Tudyk, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Neva HowellRuntime: 129 minutes
The film begins three minutes after Superman's (David Corenswet) first defeat to the Hammer of Boravia as we see him collapse into the snow, calling on his dog Krypto to save him. Once Superman is healed by sunlight, with the help of droids, he's played a message from his parents. But damage to the hologram means he only gets part of his parents' message from his destroyed home planet.
In Metropolis, Superman is facing some heat for inserting himself into an international conflict as Boravia invades neighbouring Jarhanpur, but he maintains he's doing so for the betterment of humankind.
But all this conflict is linked to Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) and his LuthorCorp, with larger and more sinister plans in sight.
It's understandable to go into Superman cautiously optimistic. We've all felt the Marvel Cinematic Universe-led superhero fatigue.
For any superhero film, it's really a fantasy world, and previous films with similar characters in the same genre might have taken themselves too seriously. Gunn wants to take you on a fun ride and opens you up to silly laughs, with the film even poking fun at itself, particularly the parts of the Superman story that could never be possible in real life.
While Gunn has clearly worked to lean into the humanity of the title character, and an example of someone who is pure in his intentions to do good, it's evident, but doesn't hit as hard as the comedy. Which is completely fine in my book, but will depend on your expectations for this film.
David Corenswet is a spectacular Superman, it's like he was made to play the role. He has the charisma you expect from this iconic superhero, but his approach feels fresh, while that's largely due to Gunn's approach to the character.
For Lois Lane, I appreciate that Rachel Brosnahan's version of the character feels like she has more agency in her career and her relationship. We see her disagree with Clark about their work as journalists and international conflict, for example. Could we have had more time to dive into her story? Yes, and I would have loved that, but I also understand that the movie is called Superman.
Edi Gathegi's Mr. Terrific is a scene stealer in the film. It's a great character that is really essential in moving the main conflict and narrative points forward.
But that's not the case for all the supporting characters. Isabela Merced's Hawkgirl, for example, could have benefitted from more screen time as she feels particularly under-utilized. While Nathan Fillion really comes in just for punchy comedy moments, they actually really work in their limited quantities.
My biggest complaint in movies that live in this genre is that they feel like they prioritize visual spectacle over story. While there are certainly moments that have been crafted for that visual "wow," and times where it feels overstuffed, Gunn succeeds in really being relentless in his pacing to get keep your focus. While that's bound to be too much for many, I'm someone who's just happy I was never completely bored.
It can feel like a scattered story, but that's where you have to commit to the silliness and goofiness that Gunn is leaning into for much of the film.
If nothing else, it's worth the ticket price to see the dog Krypto. He'll instantly put a smile on your face.