Kicking off the newly re-launched superhero franchise – now known as DC Universe, as led by DC CEO’s James Gunn and Peter Safran – there’s certainly a lot riding on the latest big screen iteration of the iconic hero. But with the previous franchise baggage looming large, a perceived fatigue around superhero blockbusters and a certain fan base rooting for the downfall of Gunn’s newest instalment, will audiences still turn out for the Big Blue Boy Scout?
When tech billionaire Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hault) stokes public outrage against the once beloved Metropolis hero Superman (David Corenswet), can intrepid reporter Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), genius Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi) and Superman’s four-legged friend, Krypto, save him from the clutches of the supervillain and his goons, Ultraman and The Engineer (María Gabriela de Faría)?
Firstly, it’s genuinely so refreshing to see such a hopeful and optimistic outing for the Man of Steel, with Gunn’s tale akin to a classic adventure from Action Comics. It’s also undoubtedly the most comic book-esque version we’ve seen of the character yet. The film certainly isn’t afraid to wear its heart fully on its sleeve too, with central themes of finding your place in the world, justice and striving to find the best in people, along with featuring a bold political commentary on a certain shocking ongoing conflict.
However, Gunn’s latest instalment sadly buckles under a convoluted & often silly plot, with a clashing mix of tones throughout. Gunn ambitiously thrusts viewers into the action – thankfully sans origin tale this time round – but there’s simply just too much going on in Supes’ first solo outing to grapple with.
Gunn has assembled an almost note perfect cast, with David Corenswet bringing a wholly endearing nerdy-ness and vulnerability to Supes as he struggles to find his feet navigating his early career in Metropolis. This is undoubtedly the most sincere and hopeful the man of steel has felt on the big screen in a long time (he even takes the time to save a tiny squirrel!) and it certainly feels like he’s the earnest hero we all need in today’s ever conflicted world.
Corenswet also shares an insane chemistry with Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois, with the pair’s blossoming relationship (and fun bickering) helping to ground proceedings. It’s genuinely one of the best on screen iterations of the couple yet, alongside Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch in the recent Superman and Lois show. It’s just a shame viewers can’t spend more time with the pair, especially when they visit the adorable Ma and Pa Kent (Neva Howell and Pruitt Taylor Vince) in the idyllic Smallville.
Meanwhile, Brosnahan’s is excellent as the no holds barred investigative journalist. Thankfully the character is finally afforded the time to properly delve into her tenacious but passionate reporting, and she certainly holds her own against both Lex Luthor and Superman. Hoult excels as the despicable and egomaniacal villain, with a particularly shocking turn in his prison. However, it’s Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific – along with the adorably naughty Krypto – who are the real scene stealers of the show. It’s just a shame the Justice Gang, as a whole, fell somewhat flat.
There’s also certainly plenty for long term Superman and DC comic book fans to enjoy, as it’s jam-packed with easter eggs, wider connective tissue (one in particular is so heartwarming) & fun cameos throughout. It’s also certainly action-packed with plenty of fight sequences. But Krypto, Supes and the impressive Fortress of Solitude aside, there’s some very questionable VFX, with one scene in particular feeling like it’s been ripped from something akin to Minecraft. While Framestore deserves all the plaudits for bringing such an impressively lifelike rendering of Krypto to life, there’s no denying that the film does veer into cartoonish territory at times.
Verdict
Goofy, colourful and action-packed, James Gunn’s Superman is an earnest but overstuffed comic book adaptation of one of DC’s most beloved heroes. While it doesn’t quite hit the heights of Gunn’s previous outings, the central performances from Corenswet, Brosnahan and Cathegi all soar, along with the Krypto the dog, who consistently steals every scene he’s in!
