“Superman” is a triumph in a monstrous sea of mediocre remakes and continuations; it stands out as something new and worth telling.
The film is the first installment in James Gunn’s new and expanding DC Universe, setting up what could be the comeback comic book fans deserve and Warner Bros. needs.
Often, superhero media has the habit of forgetting the personality and meaning behind these heroes, using their aesthetics while absconding their purpose.
Superheroes are supposed to be models for morality and who we should strive to be, and Gunn’s Superman is the hero to look up to.
Superman has always been a symbol of kindness and hope, and for the first time in a long time, a movie has captured this. David Corenswet plays the perfect Superman, full of love for humanity and all living things and holding kindness and love above all else.
Heralding back to when Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster first put pen to paper and created the pinnacle of superheroism, Superman is someone to believe in. “Superman” is great, not just because it’s a return to form, but because it’s incredibly important in a time of apathy, hate and cynicism.
“Superman” feels like a comic book come to life, from the bright colors to the epic soundtrack and exciting story. It reminds audiences of reading a comic book for the first time, hidden in some corner of a library or book shop, combing through panels and bubbles trying to find yourself — and maybe a new best friend.
“Superman” is a love letter to all superhero stories and a manifestation of what they all should be.
This film would not be as great as it is without the creativity, talent and care of thousands of artists and actors. The sound design, sets and costumes were all so distinct and gorgeously crafted to make the world of “Superman,” especially Metropolis, feel lived in. From the chaotic world of the Daily Planet to the cozy, book-filled home of Lois Lane, these creatives made a world you’d want to join.
Each scene is filled with intention and heart. There is such a deep knowledge and care for all of these characters, and it shows. Corenswet in every way is Superman. Even before he was cast, there were jokes about Corenswet being Superman, and he has proven those true. Throughout the press tour, he and Gunn emphasized the importance of doing Superman’s character justice.
When Corenswet is on screen, he embodies the happy-go-lucky farm boy and caring neighbor that tries to save every living thing, no matter how big or how small.
Superman is also a model of positive masculinity: strong, caring, kind to others and willing to show emotion and stand up for what’s right.
Lane is perfectly cast as well. Rachel Brosnahan is Lane in every respect: a talented journalist with the utmost integrity and electrifying spirit that you can’t help but love. Together, Brosnahan and Corenswet play a couple easy to root for with a love you’d hope to share with someone.
As Clark Kent, Corenswet somehow transforms into an awkward yet charming journalist, who belongs with his friends at the Daily Planet. The cast of characters introduced from the newsroom to the Hall of Justice are all fun and used well by the narrative, which opens room for future stories, and hopefully a Mr. Terrific movie and Jimmy Olsen show.
When it comes to talented acting on the part of the “Superman” cast, Nicholas Hoult is an absolute standout. Playing everyone’s favorite hater Lex Luthor, Hoult sells the rivalry and brings real life to the character. His rage and hatred for Superman is not only palpable, it proves the thesis of the story.
Luthor in this movie is a stand-in for quite a few people and ideas and stands as a criticism to a culture that allows the rich and those in power to enact whatever future they wish onto the wider population, as well as a world that pushes hatred, apathy and cynicism. Luthor says he hates Superman because he’s an alien and better than him.
Over and over, Luthor states that this story is a battle of brains versus brawn, when in fact it is hate and power versus love and kindness. Luthor says Superman is wrong for being an alien — “inhuman” — but Superman’s love for humanity and care for earth is what makes him human and what makes him, him.
We need Superman in a time when apathy and cruelty seems to win constantly. The character first appeared during WWII, when the Nazis had been in power for years, and he stood as a symbol of hope and goodness. In a time when everything seems to fall apart, let’s hope Superman can once again be a symbol for all that is good.
There is beauty in the pride and overwhelming love for “Superman” at this moment in time. Parents get to introduce their favorite character to their children, people wear his symbol and feel an overwhelming hope. “Superman” shows us that loving humanity, standing up against bullies and being kind is not weakness, but strength. It’s something beautiful to watch people leave a movie and want to be better.
There are so many things to take away from this 130-minute adventure, but the most important is kindness. “Superman,” in its simplest form, is a symbol for hope and kindness. To be kind isn’t always easy, but it does make the world a better place.
