The new Superman movie is the hit that fans have clamored for and deserve! And Cleveland fans are going to go crazy!
James Gunn’s latest foray into the world of DC comics is a blast, a cutting combination of action, drama, humanity, politics and yes, just the right touches of humor. What makes this film different from other superhero beat-‘em-ups is Gunn himself. This guy actually READS comics.
He knows who the characters are supposed to be, not just costumes and capes. Since he wrote the script as well as directing it, fans can see dozens of scenes that were based on, or inspired by, the source comics.
The cast is, well, super. David Corenswet is perfect as both the Man of Steel and his alter-ego, Clark Kent. The change in voice and demeanor when he goes from one to the other is impressive.
Rachel Brosnahan is a powerful, confident Lois Lane in the spirit of Margot Kidder; more than a damsel in distress, she actually is crucial to the story.
The breakout star of the film is Krypto the superdog! The pooch deserves more screen time.
The city of Cleveland shines as the setting for the film. Locals will love spotting the locations downtown.
The scene of Superman and Lois floating inside the old Cleveland Arcade must be made into a poster. Now.
The plot is sophisticated. It starts with Superman single-handedly stopping a war between two mythical European nations (cough, Russia and Ukraine.) But doing so raises many questions: What gives him the right to impose his will on foreign nations? Was he acting as an agent of the United States? If he has that much power, how can he be trusted?
The best part of the film is the supporting characters. They are not just window dressing; they are important to the plot and, we hope, future stars of their own movies or television shows.
Edi Gathegi’s Mr. Terrific (terrible name, but accurate) is a scene stealer. The enigmatic character is a spot-on reflection of the hero from the Justice Society of America comics. Nathan Fillion actually makes Guy Gardner (Green Lantern) likeable, even with all his arrogance intact. Isabella Merced, a Clevelander, makes the most of her role as Hawkgirl.
Nicholas Hoult is a good Lex Luthor, a little young perhaps, but his justification for his pathological hatred of Superman because he is an “illegal alien” rings true.
My only gripe with the casting is turning Ma and Pa Kent into a couple of country bumpkins. Those characters are too good to waste on stereotypes.
Be sure to stay for the two post movie scenes, they are worth it.
Hopefully this movie will be a smash and encourage DC/Warner Brothers to branch out with more comics characters under Gunn’s skillful eye.
Superman is a jewel, a film with something for everyone.
Leave a Reply