Reel Review: James Gunn Brought Hope Back To Superman
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a spectacular superhero movie! For far too long, DC films have held a shaky reputation with audiences. Some were massive hits, while others were major misses. When filmmaker James Gunn took the throne as CEO of DC Studios, fans began to feel their faith renewed in what seemed like a dying universe that never truly got the chance to fly. Gunn’s first DC film, Superman, flies into theaters this weekend, and it’s safe to say that he might have saved DC from doom.
David Corenswet was born to play the Man of Steel. He brought Clark Kent’s tall, dark, and let’s face it, kind of dorky persona to life. His portrayal of the hero felt like watching Christopher Reeve don the cape once again. While Henry Cavill’s version of Superman deserves praise in its own right, it never sat right with me how dark his story felt. The character of Superman is supposed to be bright, both figuratively and literally.
While Cavill’s suit and world were drained of all color, Corenswet’s version leans into the bright, comic-like saturation that renews hope in what Superman is supposed to represent: the light. Many fans were skeptical of Corenswet’s suit, which embraced the red underpants look. Still, even that choice makes his version of Superman seem more approachable. He looks like the superhero every kid would draw in preschool, which is by no means a bad thing.
Many fans rank superhero actors not just for their portrayal of the hero persona, but also for the everyday person they play. For example, many love Andrew Garfield for his portrayal of Spider-Man, but other fans think Tom Holland has him beat as Peter Parker. Corenswet does a fantastic job of being both Clark and Superman, which is not an easy feat. The subtle stylistic choice the actor made to use different voices when playing Clark versus Superman is something fans haven’t seen since Reeve’s era. Corenswet embraced Clark’s bumbling, bull-in-a-china-cabinet, nerdy facade, and it never once felt forced. I even appreciate Clark’s decision not to curse. As corny as it might seem at times, it’s exactly what every kid’s childhood hero would do.
When I read the headline that Rachel Brosnahan would step into Lois Lane’s loafers, I was overjoyed. Her titular role in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel left no doubt in my mind that she’d be one of the best Lois Lane portrayals audiences have ever seen. With her quick wit, curiosity, and confident demeanor, Brosnahan played Lois perfectly. The chemistry between her and Corenswet was off the charts, making them one of the best Lois and Clark duos yet. If I could make just one note, give us even more “Clois” scenes in the next movie, please!
Not to be dramatic, but I would die for Krypto the Superdog. When it was announced that DC Studios was adapting Krypto for live-action, my faith in the film dwindled. However, I shouldn’t have forgotten that Gunn made one of the most beloved cartoon pups even more beloved in his iconic live-action Scooby-Doo franchise. I’m so sorry for doubting your vision, James. It won’t happen again. In all seriousness, Krypto was a delight throughout the film, and it made the story feel even closer to the Superman cartoons many audience members watched as children. I’ll keep this review spoiler-free, but anyone who has watched this film will know Krypto is also the catalyst that lets Gunn throw in an exciting cameo that sets up future DC films. Come to think of it, Gunn snuck in many beloved actors from his past films, along with some unexpected DC character cameos. But that’s all I’ll say for now.
Gunn’s version of Lex Luthor is pure, unadulterated evil. Nicholas Hoult played the bald-headed, wicked villain in a way audiences haven’t seen portrayed in live-action just yet. He was an unhinged, cruel tech mogul hellbent on destroying Superman. The second he threatened to kill Krypto, I was yelling for Clark to kick him into another dimension.
This iteration of Luthor seemed similar to a real antagonist the world could easily encounter: a genius billionaire with political weight and influence who wants control. That’s what makes Luthor such a compelling villain. While Superman was accused of wanting to lord over Earth with an iron fist, it was really Luthor who posed the greatest threat to humanity.
While the film took a bit to find its footing, it did a great job of introducing the Justice Gang, which clearly sets up the Justice League. Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl was incredible. Even though her screen time was limited, it seems safe to assume we’ll see her again. Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner’s Green Lantern was outright hilarious, with his bowl cut being a literal crime against humanity. Still, his character has a lot of promise for exploration in future Green Lantern stories. Of this trio, Edi Gathegi’s Mr. Terrific stole the show, serving as a faithful ally to Lois and Clark throughout the story. While it was ambitious to introduce so many beloved characters in one story, I think Gunn successfully integrated the Justice League without making the story feel cramped.
This Superman story explores the idea of purpose. It proves that Clark Kent, despite being an all-powerful alien, fully embodies the human spirit. Gunn’s iteration of Superman’s story felt like audiences were transported back to the days of Tom Welling’s Smallville. The story, albeit a little wacky, was heartfelt and endearing. This story dares to be bright in a time when superhero films often feel overly grim.
While Batman reflects the gritty underworld of humanity, Superman’s purpose has always been to represent a brighter ideal: the triumph of hope, love, and resilience. In recent years, Superman’s light has been dimmed to fit the darker tone of present superhero films. However, Gunn brought Superman back in all his glory. He doesn’t just know how to make a good superhero movie; he knows how to build a hero worth believing in. And in doing so, he reminds us why the world still needs Superman.
Superman is now playing in theaters.
