Knock on Wood

Are audiences ready for a new beacon of hope to shine on the big screen? It has been decades since Christopher Reeve inspired so many with his warm, charming, and authentic performance as the big screen’s first Man of Steel. But in a time when the world is swirling in perpetual negativity, people could really use a hero on the big screen that gives them hope again. James Gunn has taken the reins on the DC Comics properties and will be the one to bring them to the big screen with a fresh and nuanced take. There was only one place to start for a brand-new DC cinematic universe, and it was their most powerful and inspiring hero.

Does Gunn bring the right story to life in this first cinematic entry of the new DCU? First off, there is a lot going on in this film. The opening text gives some perspective on where in Superman’s career the film takes place. This is a Superman who has been doing his thing for years at this point, and the world around him is fully realized. Gunn treats Superman like a comic book with a healthy stream of characters coming in and out of the story, with a complex web of dynamics and connections between this giant ensemble of characters. On the one hand, it is exciting to see such a vibrant and rich comic book world in action. On the other hand, it is an overstuffed cinematic experience that will certainly confuse some audience members and leverages a lot of shorthand, hoping the audience will keep up. Gunn relies on a lot of verbal exposition to even set up this world and characters, which leaves a good chunk of the early dialogue clunky and obvious. Once the narrative gets going, though, all these threads start to come together in a more cohesive and poignant way. But Gunn is too talented as a writer to leave audiences too disappointed with his words – he’s still able to deliver plenty of funny moments with his sharp, witty dialogue.

What are the thematic elements that anchor this big, bold, and weird comic book film? Gunn injects a larger political context around immigration, conflicting countries in the Middle East, and oversight that all ring true and feel organic to Superman’s own journey. Superman is an alien, and his purpose on Earth (as dictated by his birth parents) becomes a large part of the film’s conflict. In a time where negativity and hate swirl around immigration policy, Superman offers up a refreshing reminder of just how important immigrants are to their chosen homes. Gunn dabbles in espionage, conspiracy, and geo-political strife through Lex Luthor (played here by Nicholas Hoult), and much of that conflict also feels quite timely. But Gunn is also able to convey some powerful feelings through the lens of Superman. This is a film with a heart from a bygone era, and it’s beautiful to see. Superman is good, kind, and just. He and Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) have a beautiful connection. Luthor is nuanced and nefarious, and unsurprisingly, here he represents so many powerful people of today who would rather use their skills, intelligence, and resources for self-satisfaction instead of raising the tides for all of us. There are so many juicy thematic elements sprinkled throughout this film (involving so many different characters), but naturally, many of them get shortchanged when you only have 130 minutes to tell your big, sprawling story.

Does Gunn bring the goods from behind the camera as well? You can tell there is a special cinematic voice behind Superman, and it gives the film a unique feeling. There is a brightness to it that is rich, illuminating, and powerful. This visual presentation feels like it reinforces the thematic focus of hope and light. Sometimes the film can feel a bit artificial, but in general, this feels like a rich cinematic experience. The visual effects are quite impressive (including the giant dragon-like beast that Superman is forced to fight). There are other places where the effects get unruly, though, and don’t quite reach the standard of realism (especially in the effects-heavy finale, where things go completely off the rails). The action in the film is impactful, bold, and exciting. When you are dealing with Superman and many of his villains, you are bound to see tons of flying, throwing, and rag-dolling, but Gunn crafts some action sequences to really show off with, including a fresh and unique sequence featuring Lois and Mr. Terrific (a character never before seen on the big screen!). Gunn finds a good balance between his brash attitude as a filmmaker and the earnestness of old-school Superman. This film feels like a fully-realized vision that is unabashedly weird and strange, so be prepared for that. The music from David Fleming and John Murphy dabbles in John Williams’ iconic theme, but delivers its own voice and impact that can be felt throughout the film. There are plenty of moments that feel epic and valiant, in no small part due to Fleming and Murphy’s resonant score.

How does the cast fit into this massive blockbuster? David Corenswet IS Superman. He embodies this character so deeply and effectively. This is still a young man who is naive to Earth and to human beings, so we see him frustrated and struggling. But the earnestness and joy that he brings to Superman shines through, and you know for a fact that he will stand up for good. Brosnahan embodies the intelligence, drive, fighting spirit, and charm of Lois like few actors would have been able to. She was the perfect casting for the role, and her chemistry with Corenswet sells every bit of tension, connection, and love between these iconic characters. Luthor is treated as a young tech billionaire this time around, and Hoult channels a neuroticism, insecurity, and brashness that makes for the perfect embodiment of what Luthor is meant to represent in this DCU. He might not be an actor (human or animal), but Kryto was one of the best parts of the entire film: adorable, dangerous, and a wild card. There are a few standout supporting turns throughout the film (and plenty more talented performers who are just there for a few lines here or there). Edi Gathegi is a real standout as Mr. Terrific – he has a cool demeanor and presence, delivers plenty of great one-liners, and offers up a fresh take on a superhero. Nathan Fillion is fun as the prickly Guy Gardner with his horrible hair, brash overconfidence, and general smugness. Anthony Carrigan (who many might know as a breakout star of Barry) is Metamorpho, and gives this potentially nothing character so much empathy. Skylar Gisondo brings a fun energy to Jimmy Olsen. There are plenty of other actors who only get fleeting moments of spotlight, but they are all a part of the rich and fully-realized world Gunn put together for Superman.

Superman is not perfect…but it is perfect blockbuster fun. It’s not one of Gunn’s top-tier efforts, but it’s undoubtedly a great launching point for the DCU, as well as a fantastic introduction to Corenswet as our new Superman.

Check out more of Shane’s reviews at The Wasteland Reviewer blog!