James Gunn takes another swing at the DC Universe with Superman, and while it’s not a home run, it’s certainly a solid step in the right direction for the franchise. Here’s my breakdown:
Casting:
First off, the casting is mostly on point. David Corenswet playing Superman truly nails the character. He balances strength with vulnerability, offering a Superman who feels both powerful and incredibly human. His portrayal of Clark Kent is relatable, and he really brings that “Boy Scout with a heart of gold” energy that’s crucial to the role.
Lois Lane, portrayed by Rachel Brosnahan, also shines. Her chemistry with Superman is palpable, and she does a fantastic job of blending intelligence, determination, and compassion as a supporting character.
Then there’s Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult. While I’m not usually a fan of casting choices for such iconic roles, this version of Luthor feels fresh and sinister in all the right ways. It’s a smart interpretation, one that keeps the essence of the character but gives him a modern edge.
Now, the casting of Green Lantern… let’s just say it was a bit of a miss for me. The character came off as a little too goofy, and honestly, he reminded me of Stuart from Mad TV. Not exactly the energy I was hoping for in the role.
On the flip side, I thought the casting of Mr. Terrific was… terrific. Edi Gathegi’s portrayal was sharp, confident, and grounded. He really added a layer of depth to the film’s ensemble, and I’m excited to see more of him in future installments.
As for Hawkgirl, Isabela Merced, I felt fairly neutral about her character. She didn’t stand out as much, but she wasn’t a detractor either.
Direction:
Gunn has done it again. His direction is crisp, and it feels very much in line with his previous superhero work. The pacing was tight, and there’s a strong balance between action and emotional beats. Could Gunn be the savior of the DC Universe? At this point, it’s hard to argue against that. His knack for blending humor, heart, and action seems tailor-made for these larger-than-life characters, and he’s breathing some much-needed life into DC.
Storyline & Execution:
The story here works well. It’s engaging without leaning too heavily on over-the-top battle sequences, which is a refreshing change. The movie’s pacing allows the characters to develop organically. The film doesn’t get bogged down in unnecessary backstories; it assumes you know who Superman is, and it moves forward from there.
The action scenes are done well. They’re grounded enough to be believable but still epic enough to satisfy superhero fans. Superman’s powers are showcased in a way that feels real within the film’s universe, and none of the battles ever felt excessive or out of place.
Dialogue:
Now, there’s a bit of cheese here and there, particularly in some of the dialogue. It feels very much in line with that “wholesome Superman” vibe, but at times, it teeters a little too far into the realm of “cheesy.” Still, it’s easy to forgive because it stays true to the heart of Superman’s character, who’s meant to embody ideals of hope and goodness.
Comedic Relief:
One highlight of the film was Krypto. A brilliant use of comedic relief that really lightened the mood without undercutting the overall tone. His moments on screen provided just the right balance of humor, and it was a fun touch that kept things from feeling too heavy.
Tie-ins & Universe Building:
There are plenty of references to previous DC films, which fans will enjoy spotting. However, as much as I hoped these tie-ins would lead to the next big step in the shared universe, they don’t quite deliver on that front. One scene (which I won’t spoil here) does hint at future developments, but overall, the film doesn’t push the broader narrative forward as much as I had hoped.
Post-Credit Scenes:
For those sticking around for the post-credit scenes, I’ll say this: there are two. But honestly, you’re not missing much if you decide to skip them. They’re more fan-service than anything substantial and left me, and many others in the crowd, feeling underwhelmed. It’s safe to say that these scenes don’t set up anything crucial for the future of the DC Universe.
Final Thoughts:
Superman is a fun, well-crafted film that balances character development with action. Some of the casting choices didn’t hit the mark for me, and the cheesy dialogue may turn some off, but overall, it’s a step in the right direction for the DC Universe. If Gunn continues this trajectory, he might just be the hero that DC needs to bring their universe back to life.
Rating: B-
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