REVIEW: Superman

‘Superman‘ is the first big blockbuster of the DC Universe, following Peacemaker and Creature Commandos. It is the first solo Superman film since 2013 and as a Superman fan, this is such an exciting time, as we usher a new era and generation for Superman into the world. I had the pleasure of watching it last week, thanks to Warner Brothers UK and here is my non-spoiler review.

‘Superman‘ introduces us into a world of already established superheroes, it is filled with wonder, science-fiction tropes and comic book action. The film follows Superman (David Corenswet) after he stops a war with Boravia and the people of Jarhanpur. He was acting on his own behalf, but after a bit of convincing from Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), the people of Metropolis and the government aren’t entirely sure of his actions and intentions on their planet. Regardless of their beliefs, it’s up to Superman, The Daily Planet and “The Justice Gang” to defend them and reveal the truth behind Luthor’s lies.

The story itself is solid and though Director, James Gunn started penning the script for this YEARS ago, the plot points are incredibly relevant today which really gives us a sense of what it would be like if Superman were truly real at this moment in time. Belonging, media perception and hope are the big themes in this film, which when it comes to a character like Superman, it really hits the nail on the head. I will say though there are sometimes drastic differences in tone through the film which isn’t off-putting, but is very noticeable.

The visual effects are excellent, awe-inspiring in fact, there are too many moments to mention but all of those parts in the footage that has been released that people complained about… that has all been cleaned up. The flight sequences are incredible, you can really see how Gunn used ‘Top Gun’ as inspiration for those moments. The same can be said for the action sequences, so many of those moments are ripped straight out of a comic book and it was genuinely thrilling to see Superman use some of his powers in ways we haven’t seen before. Not to mention, seeing Superman and Krypto go toe to toe with those who pose a threat was incredible and there is a real sense of teamwork, not just between Superman and Krypto, but everyone that Superman interacts with. That peppered with practical effects such as the Superman Robots and The Fortress Of Solitude really make this film stand out. The score really pulls on the emotions of the film too, with Gunn used to using a soundtrack in his movies, this makes for a really nice change as the film is score focused. The score by John Murphy is incredible and electrifying, it incorporates the iconic theme from John Williams and every single time I hear it, it brings tear to my eye, it is beautiful and used frequently throughout the film which I loved.

David Corenswet is Superman, he gives an excellent performance. This is Superman straight out of the comic books, he’s sincere and really has that aura, of course combined with those cheesy one-liners, saving animals and giving people a second chance. One thing that really struck me is seeing Superman with children and showing what Superman means to the children of the world and that was one of the most emotional moments for me, especially as a parent. Admittedly, we didn’t see as much Clark Kent as I thought we would have, but I did really enjoy the moments we did get.

Krypto absolutely steals the show, a lot of people think of Krypto as being a silly addition to a film – a superpowered dog – but I have to say he is perfect. As an owner of a puppy, this interpretation of the character is so relatable and the CGI is absolutely incredible, he looks so realistic, you will truly believe a dog can fly. There are tonnes of adorable and hilarious moments featuring him. My only issue with this portrayal is something that he does toward the end of the film, whilst Krypto isn’t particularly trained, part of me doesn’t entirely agree that he would take that action.

We know there are a lot of characters introduced in this film, but it is done so expertly. As well as Superman, we are introduced to Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), Jimmy Olsen (Skylar Gisondo), Lex Luthor, The Engineer (María Gabriela de Faría), Ultra-Man, Perry White (Wendell Pierce), Steve Lombard (Beck Bennett), Eve Teschmacher (Sara Sampaio) and more. I will say that I personally wasn’t a big fan of Jimmy Olsen, whilst Skylar Gisondo is an excellent actor and this isn’t a comment towards his performance, I just felt that this Jimmy was different to what I know and love about him in the comics, perhaps as we see more of the character we will get to see that unfold, but there were a few moments I felt myself almost disappointed in the character.

With that said, each of these actors nailed their respective roles, that can especially be said for Lois Lane and Lex Luthor. Lois is every bit as feisty as you’d expect her to be and Rachel captures her personality perfectly, giving young women a worthy role model. Her relationship with Superman is great too, whilst she is tough-skinned we get to see a soft side to her as she starts to question their relationship and whether it will work or not. Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor is perfect, he is cold, calculated and absolutely 10 steps ahead. This Lex will quite literally stop at nothing to get what he wants and Hoult brought that to life expertly, he’s an incredible actor and I never doubted him. This is one of the scariest and most lethal Lex’s we’ve come across, proving himself as a genuine threat to Superman, though there is one questionable part to his character and that’s his actions toward women.

In terms of “The Justice Gang”, we don’t see as much of them as I thought we would, they really are there to support, but we get a flavour of their character and this really allows us to believe that this is an already established universe and really does leave open the opportunity for their stories to be told in future projects. But what we do see is perfect and I had a great time seeing these characters on the big screen. A big standout for me was Mr Terrific (Edi Gathegi), it seems a lot of people underestimate his capabilities being “the smart one” and he proves himself in every way possible, I can’t wait to see more of him. The same goes for Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan), he was simply fantastic in the role and I really loved how he showed his trail of thought when it came to creating those elements.

This film is FILLED to the brim with Easter Eggs, references to other DC characters and lore and there are also several surprises and cameos. I won’t spoil what they are but some the Easter Eggs really show the level of detail and depth that James Gunn has gone into to make this film a part of the DC Universe. Not only that but those cameos really lead the way forward for this universe, allowing the other projects that have been announced a good stepping stone.

‘Superman‘ is the summer blockbuster that the world needs right now. James Gunn has brought a new era of Superman to life and it is everything a comic book fan of any age could possibly want. Watching this film is like opening up a comic book and it is an excellent introduction to the DC Universe, with all the right messages, leaving viewers wanting more. If this is what James Gunn’s DC Universe looks like, count me all the way in!

‘Superman‘ hits cinemas on 11th July, with early preview screenings happening from the 8th. Be sure to stay seated, there is both a mid credit and post credit scene.