Superman (dir. James Gunn)
By: Adam Freed
As far as comic book characters are concerned, there is no greater beacon for optimism and hope for the existence of humanity than Superman. In fact, the son of Krypton is so pure of intent that in the age of trauma informed anti-heroes, many have questioned the viability of Superman as a 21st century leading man. And while the concession must be made that DC Studios has sputtered in prior attempts to give franchise life to the Man of Steel, they appeared to be thinking about the problem all wrong. Hence DC’s titanic swing in poaching writer and director James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy, Suicide Squad) away from its far more successful rival Marvel Studios, in order to breathe new life and provide new perspective into the direction of DC. There is a comedic lightheartedness that Gunn brings to the table that may require moviegoers unfamiliar with his tone a moment to acclimatize. When all is said and done, James Gunn proves the right man at the right time to write and direct Superman, an audacious, funny and covertly sentimental reimagining of the famed comic book hero.
Rebooting a superhero franchise often comes attached to an anchor of monotony that is the “origin story”. Even the great Christopher Nolan couldn’t avoid the trappings of retelling the much covered Bruce Wayne history in his Batman Begins (2005). James Gunn wisely dispenses with this banality by dropping theatergoers directly into the action, and by opening Superman as the titular hero lies bloodied and broken in a desolate snowfield, apparently the result of losing his first conflict as an inhabitant of Earth. The decision to forgo formality paves the way for Gunn to paint with the full extent of his quirky and ambitious palette in pursuit of course correction for DC studios. The most notable weaponry at Gunn’s disposal is a cast who compliment and congeal with one another proving greater than the sum of their parts. In isolation, Clark Kent / Superman actor David Corenswet (Pearl, Twisters) may not elevate an Oscar contending film, but his chemistry with Lois Lane actress Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) is undeniable. Clark Kent, usually the straight man, here is undercut by Brosnahan’s ambitious Lois Lane making for an interesting new dynamic between the long storied lovebirds. Adding to Gunn’s memorable ensemble is Nicholas Hoult (Nosferatu, Mad Max: Fury Road) as a politically savvy Lex Luthor. Hoult’s ocean blue eyes and Cheshire grin betray none of the maniacal madness housed behind Luthor’s nefarious motivation. Most notable of the laudable casting decisions behind Superman is that of Edi Gathegi (For All Mankind) who plays Mr. Terrific, a brainy and charismatic character likely unknown to casual DC fans. Mr. Terrific is one of a handful of less celebrated heroes that Gunn uses to substantiate the balance of his initial DC effort.
Just as Superman absorbs his power from the rays of a yellow sun, Superman seems to grow in strength as it allows for its ancillary characters to demonstrate their worth to potential cynics. The result is a film that is never self-serious without becoming irreverent. James Gunn has become the master of dancing on the line between saccharine and sentimental (i.e. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3) a delicate recipe that has served his superhero work well. Considering the density of events plaguing the real world, the time has come for big budget popcorn filmmakers to dispense with the morose and downtrodden in favor of stories that radiate joy and promote a sense of optimism. There will inevitably be audiences let down who enter Superman with the expectation of a dark and brooding Matt Reeves or Nolan inspired superhero story. Gunn’s contrasting vision is vibrant and colorful, comedic and light while still maintaining its sense of purpose. It is a new era, and the dawn of something that feels desperately needed. Superman is far from a perfect film, but it just might be the perfect superhero film for the moment.
Target Score 7.5/10 - Bright, lively, silly, and heartfelt, James Gunn’s Superman, the writer and director’s initial foray into the world of DC, is sure to be as divisive as it is entertaining.