Superman: A promising start to the beginning of DC’s revamped franchise

It has been more than a decade since the last Superman solo film graced movie theatres everywhere. In the age of Hollywood remakes, one may have questions about the necessity of another Superman film, wondering how it will compare to previous adaptations and meet the expectations of fans. Considering James Gunn, the writer and director, is no stranger to comic book movies (CBMs), Superman proves to be an adaptation that true fans have eagerly awaited. This review will contain minor spoilers.

The film opens with a reimagining of the iconic score, originally composed by John Williams, accompanied by a Star Wars-style opening crawl (of some degree). While this is not an origin story, the introduction is well-suited for both fans familiar with this universe and newcomers alike. The film establishes that Superman has been active for three years, allowing the audience to dive straight into the action. David Corenswet’s portrayal of both Clark Kent and Superman feels destined; he truly understands this character on a molecular level. Some moments may remind fans of the 1978 movie starring Christopher Reeve, particularly in terms of his mannerisms, appearance, and charisma. Corenswet portrays the character with complete sincerity and humanity, adding a flair of boyish charm, and delivers one of the best iterations for a new generation to admire and grow up with.

Rachel Brosnahan reminds viewers that Lois Lane is more than just a love interest; she is a fully developed character in her own right

Superman and Clark Kent would be incomplete without the deuteragonist, Lois Lane. The film takes a new approach to their relationship, one that has never been depicted before in live-action film, where Lois has already discovered Clark’s secret, and they have been dating for three months. Their relationship in the comics, dating back to their initial debut, as well as in many subsequent adaptations, is a significant one. Lois and Clark’s relationship is legendary, making them one of the most enduring love stories, not just in comic book history, but of all time. Rachel Brosnahan reminds viewers that Lois Lane is more than just a love interest; she is a fully developed character in her own right, and the film does a great job of depicting this through her endless determination and ambition, as well as the side of her that ultimately sees the humanity in Clark.

David and Rachel do an outstanding job of portraying their electrifying dynamic. One notable scene from the trailer makes it into the final cut of the film, where Clark offers Lois the opportunity to interview him as Superman. The buzz around this scene has been discussed since the trailer’s release, and devoted fans of their relationship were eager to witness it. The back-and-forth between David’s Clark and Rachel’s Lois is exciting, as Lois grills him about his involvement in a foreign conflict and Clark’s defensiveness regarding his actions, providing the audience with a basis for understanding who their characters are. The chemistry between them throughout any scene is palpable. Lois, who questions everything she knows, contrasts beautifully with Clark, who sees the good in everyone he meets and wants to help others.

Luthor’s ambition, envy, and deep-seated hatred for what Superman represents to the citizens of Metropolis (and the world) serve as a brilliant drive for the story and his character

Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal of Lex Luthor can be described as embodying generational hatred. His characterisation is genius, echoing that of the comics, as someone who truly hates Superman’s guts and is very much self-aware of it. Hoult’s Luthor is a formidable presence, with a particularly striking scene set in a pocket universe that establishes him as a villain to be feared by viewers. The Engineer, another addition in Luthor’s arsenal, adds depth to Luthor’s agenda. Her powers are vividly showcased on the big screen, creating a sense of anticipation whenever they are used. Luthor’s ambition, envy, and deep-seated hatred for what Superman represents to the citizens of Metropolis (and the world) serve as a brilliant drive for the story and his character.

The film introduces several other characters in the DC universe, including Metamorpho, Hawkgirl, Guy Gardner (Green Lantern), and Mr. Terrific. Although they do not have much screen time, they make a strong impression whenever they are on screen. I was particularly impressed by the action scenes, especially one with Edi Gathegi’s Mr. Terrific, which were well-choreographed and directed. These characters form a group tentatively called “The Justice Gang,” hinting at a future Justice League team-up, especially since the Hall of Justice is shown as a work in progress in the film. The scenes set in the Daily Planet were enjoyable, and I hope we see more of this crew in future adaptations. James Gunn’s decision to include Krypto in a live-action film for the first time added fun, and made it more relatable for audiences. The iconic needle drops, which are a feature of Gunn’s comic book films, fit the movie well.

While the original tagline for Superman may be “truth, justice, and the American way,” the film’s message aligns with that of the latest, “truth, justice, and a better tomorrow”

In a world where CBMs play it safe with political themes, Superman takes a rather bold approach. In the film, he clashes with the U.S. government after becoming entangled in a conflict between the fictional countries of Boravia and Jarhanpur. Superman stops Boravia’s military, which is heavily funded by the U.S. and Lex Luthor, from invading the defenceless Jarhanpur. It’s unclear whether James Gunn intended for this story to be an allegory of the real world, since both countries exist in the comics but were adapted to suit the context of this film. When asked in an interview, Gunn emphasised the fictitious nature, clearly leaving it for viewers to interpret. While the director may be cautious with his words to avoid alienating certain movie-goers, addressing political issues is essential to Superman’s character, as evident since his comic book debut. Most CBMs often present these matters neutrally, suggesting that “both sides are to blame,” which is not always true. I was relieved to see this film not take that route. By making this conflict a central part of the story, Gunn demonstrates his understanding of what defines Superman: his unwavering commitment to helping humanity, regardless of the consequences he faces, and the lasting impact of his actions. While the original tagline for Superman may be “truth, justice, and the American way,” the film’s message aligns with that of the latest, “truth, justice, and a better tomorrow.”

Superman serves as a symbol of hope and a champion for the oppressed, delivering a message that is more important than ever, while striking a balance between the character’s serious and comedic elements. Whether you are a dedicated comic book reader or someone who enjoys a good superhero film, Superman offers something for everyone, making it an iconic adaptation straight out of the comic book pages. This film establishes a strong foundation for the new franchise to build upon, leaving ample room for exploration of characters in this universe. Ultimately, it is heartwarming to think that a new generation will look up to and have their own formative experiences with superheroes through this film.