Movies

PETER HOSKIN reviews Superman: It’s a bad sign if Superman isn’t even the hero of his own movie

BBG News

Christopher Reeve’s portrayal of Superman convinced us that a man could fly, while Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel demonstrated that he could even break necks. The 2013 film concluded with a fierce battle between Superman and General Zod that destroyed half of Metropolis. Eventually, after causing significant damage, Superman decided to stop. With sorrow in his eyes, he bent Zod’s spine out of alignment. Ouch!

In a refreshing departure from previous portrayals, the latest incarnation of Superman, portrayed by David Corenswet, presents a markedly distinct character; one that could be described as a welcome contrast or adjustment, following the brooding and somber tone of Zack Snyder’s interpretation of the DC Comics universe.

Upon our initial encounter, he’s openly wounded and battered, having collided with the frosty soil of the Arctic following a crash. However, it doesn’t take long before he emits a distinctive call, summoning a canine hero cloaked in a cape – none other than Krypto.

Later on, some humorous robots join the fray as well. Not much time passes before Superman manages to say one word: ‘Wow!’

Certainly! Wow, it’s definitely unusual, almost too much to take in, but still hopeful. Superman seems to have regained his sense of humor, which probably explains why James Gunn was chosen to direct this movie and also oversee the whole new line of DC films – as he brings that comedic touch to the table.

In simpler terms, Gunn created the remarkable Guardians of the Galaxy series, which stands in contrast to Marvel Studios. His work can be considered unusually humorous and unconventional among filmmakers. The rest of this discussion primarily, if not entirely, supports the choice to hire him for this role.

Instead of the customary introduction, Gunn creatively skips over it. We won’t find a scene depicting baby Kal-El arriving in Kansas, nor will there be much detail about his upbringing by Ma and Pa Kent.

In contrast, Corenswet’s portrayal of Superman is currently involved with reporter Lois Lane, played by Rachel Brosnahan from The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Lois is privy to his secret identity matters.

In simpler terms, Lex Luthor’s (Nicholas Hoult) wicked schemes are already quite developed and even appear in the unusual prelude. These plans involve international wars, explorations of different dimensions, creating common superbeings, as well as all his usual schemes.

It moves at an incredibly fast pace. Just as you become accustomed to the image of a flying canine, you’re already witnessing Superman fighting a massive, drooling, 100ft-tall monster with assistance from a fresh, eccentric superhero squad: Green Lantern (played by Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) and Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi).

Every scene contains at least three punchlines, with at least two landing nicely.

However, over time, the movie’s strengths eventually turn into its flaws. Gunn’s portrayal of Superman is always restless and quickly moves from one thing to another without pause.

Or, more concisely:

The film’s strengths ultimately become its drawbacks as Gunn’s Superman never stays still for long, constantly moving on to the next challenge.

It seems like our hero’s quality time with us is minimal or perhaps non-existent, especially when it comes to portrayal by Corenswet as Clark Kent.

In the movie, significant characters like Perry White, portrayed by Wendell Pierce, have limited screen time, approximately 30 seconds.

Interestingly enough, the most thrilling action scene, the one that elicited the loudest applause during my viewing, was dedicated to Mister Terrific on his own.

Occasionally, it feels like this version of Superman is barely the main character in his own film. Instead, he’s competing for focus with countless comic book allusions.

Alternatively, he’s struggling with the script’s uneasy, jarring transitions. It’s challenging to accept its sudden preaching – ‘You are defined by your decisions…’ – amidst such absurdity.

Instead, the artificial, computer-generated finale is particularly hard to swallow, featuring the towering structures of Metropolis tumbling down and smashing together – a scene reminiscent of Man of Steel.

In summary, it’s an average film with a unique blend of strengths and weaknesses, making it quite remarkable in its own right.

Previously, we’ve seen characters like Superman and Terribleman. Now, we’re introducing a new character: Okayman. Right now, Superman is playing on the big screen at your local cinema.

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2025-07-11 02:04

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