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With James Gunn taking lead on the redirection of the DC Comics cinematic universe, many are wondering if he can find a way to course correct the rather erratic movie offerings based on the popular comic books. His CREATURE COMMANDOS animated series has already given us a small taste of his vision, but this weekend we get a new SUPERMAN movie (originally titled SUPERMAN LEGACY) flying into theaters. David Corenswet is the new Clark Kent / Superman, filling some big shoes, especially after the fan-favorite turn by Henry Cavill in the rather misguided Zack Snyder films. In the interest of full disclosure, I’m a huge Superman fan, and while I didn’t hate Snyder’s efforts that started with MAN OF STEEL, I think it’s safe to say he didn’t really understand the character and made some bold changes that definitely divided fans. Gunn on the other hand is a true comic book enthusiast, even going so far as to consult with Superman comic book creators to get valuable input on his new take. The end result is a movie that actually feels like a comic book, and is one of more hopeful superhero movies we’ve seen in quite a while. I will do my best to keep this review free of major spoilers, as there’s a lot that is best saved for the moviegoing experience… if I talk about it below, it’s only because it’s already in the trailers.

The new film opens with exposition text that quickly explains this is a world inhabited by “metahumans” (superheroes and villains), and that Superman is a thing that exists, forgoing any sort of origin story we already know so well. We also are introduced to Superman (Corenswet) as he loses a fight with a super-powered villain, and must seek healing shelter in his arctic Fortress of Solitude, even relying on his dog Krypto to get him to safety. We learn that Superman tried to stop a war between two third world countries, and one of those countries sent a powerful warrior to attack him for revenge. This sparks the debate of whether or not even Superman should interfere with political or territorial battles in other countries. Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) is dating Clark Kent, but as she and Clark are competing reporters, they are deciding to keep their relationship a secret from their co-workers. She also questions Clark’s actions as Superman, and whether he’s considered the full consequences of those actions. In the meantime, Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) is determined to bring down the beloved superhero of Metropolis, due to his obsession with power and his envy of Superman’s popularity. Lex will stop at nothing, and has his own metahumans assisting him in his mission to bring down Superman, who is also finding help from The Justice Gang, a small team of metahumans who haphazardly help those in need. Their leader is Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), a Green Lantern gifted powers from a cosmic ring, and he’s joined by Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) and the tech-savvy Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi). As Lex’s plans are revealed, he eventually captures Superman, leading to Lois and others doing what they can to help him before things get really out of hand.

As I watched the new movie, I became quickly aware that this is made to appeal to the next generation of moviegoers, the video game-addicted influencer generation of short attention span techies… yes, I’m starting to really feel my age. There is a hectic breakneck quality to the new SUPERMAN movie that demands you pay attention and keep an open mind, and there’s a lot being thrown at you all at once. That said, this film feels and looks more like a comic book than any other superhero movie I’ve seen to date. Yes, there are a lot of characters, but they mostly feel purposeful, with the one exception of the Daily Planet staffers, which are a bit over-packed. In addition to Lois and her Editor in Chief Perry White (Wendell Pierce), and of course Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo), we’re also introduced to Cat Grant (Mikaela Hoover), sports writer Steve Lombard (Beck Bennett) and others, but only Lois and Jimmy have much if anything to do. There is one Daily Planet staffer named in a key scene that I’m pretty sure doesn’t get a single line of dialogue, likely due to editing for time, and other actors that were cast who are simply missing from the final cut… anyone know what happened to Christopher MacDonald? I get the feeling writer/director James Gunn had to sacrifice quite a few moments in the final cut – there are even scenes in the trailers that are not in the final film.

The cast is really solid, led by a strong performance from David Corenswet, who is excellent as both Clark and Superman, feeling more like a real guy that a handsome movie star. Gunn was smart to cast him, and he embodies the role perfectly. This Superman has emotions and doubts, and just wants to do what’s right whenever and wherever he can, but he’s also realizing his differences make him a questionable presence for some, and he’s constantly learning how to be a better hero. This is the most sincere portrayal of the character we’ve seen to date, really thoughtful and honest. It’s different and at times unexpected, but it’s exactly what it needs to be. Hoult as Lex Luthor is less the Gene Hackman take and more of a Elon Musk-esque tech billionaire narcissist. He plays it smartly and with just enough nastiness to make you genuinely want to see him taken down. My only complain with Lex is we never see or get a sense of how he got to this point, but his bitterness and anger has clearly been building for a while. Rachel Brosnahan feels very authentic and realistic as Lois, and she’s a terrific actress to be sure, but I felt like there wasn’t much depth to the character here, possibly another casualty of the editing process. Ma and Pa Kent are standouts in this effort, with Pruitt Taylor Vince shining as Clark’s earth father, delivering an incredibly effective emotional moment that very much humanizes the God-like hero. I also enjoyed Nathan Fillion’s cocky performance as Guy Gardner, and Edi Gathegi is really likable as Mr. Terrific. Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl is sadly underwritten, but gets some cool moments regardless. Skyler Gisondo is also very solid as Jimmy Olsen, played here more as an unlikely ladies man rather than the gee-whiz fanboy of Superman we know from the comics. Gunn found a way to breathe new life into that classic character.  Frank Grillo shows up briefly as a government big wig and father to Rick Flag, but I also felt like there was more to his character that didn’t make the final cut.

There’s plenty of action here to keep moviegoers entertained and excited, though some of it may be a little hard to follow for those not immersed in Sci-Fi lore. There are odd elements like pocket universes and other out there themes that might have some scratching their heads, but for comic book fans it should all seem to fit. Gunn definitely wanted to deliver an ambitious effort for his take on Superman, and it works well as a refreshing look at the popular hero. There’s smart and relevant commentary about how the press spins perception on things (and can be manipulated), and even the annoyance of internet trolls, but there’s no heavy-handed agenda behind the narrative.  Certain internet hate channels (and even FOX News) have tried to say that this movie forces points of view on immigration issues and “woke” concepts, but that’s just not true, outside of the obvious fact that Superman is himself an immigrant – he’s literally an alien who came to Earth in search of a better life, but I guess some didn’t realize that’s always been the case.  There is one major ret-con Gunn does involving Superman’s Kryptonian parents, and particularly their wishes for their son, and it’s more than a little jarring, but I also understand why they did it as it really makes the importance of his Earth family that much more significant. And yes, for those wondering about Krypto, Superman’s beloved dog, he is a total star here, and really steals the scene whenever he’s on screen. I love that Gunn made the pooch a unpredictable and unruly pet, it really adds to the charm of things. Also excellent is John Murphy’s powerful score, which makes solid use of the classic John Williams theme when appropriate.

SUPERMAN is a very fun experience, and a great way to introduce the new DC Studios cinematic universe. It’s a step in the right direction in a time where many are feeling superhero movie fatigue, though it’s also clearly a movie made for the next generation of film fans, and that’s fine. Some may find it chaotic and even a bit confusing, but the crowd-pleasing moments (of which there are many) far outweigh the shortcomings. The Man of Steel is back and better than ever, and the sense of hope this movie delivers is highly palatable. I could feel the positive energy of the crowd in our advance screening, these people loved what they saw and were feeding off the energy of the film. Next year we’re getting Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El aka Supergirl in her own movie, continuing the concepts introduced here, so I think it’s safe to say DC isn’t slowing down at this point. If this new movie is any indicator of what’s to come, I’m very optimistic for the future. Be sure to stick around for not one but two credit scenes. Also, if possible, see this in IMAX, it makes excellent use of the format.

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