Since 1938, Superman has soared to various statuses from odd concoction to multicultural figure to timeless icon of transcendent reality. He’s had an abundance of artful highs and critical lows the likes of which haven’t been seen by any other astronomically popular character in fiction. (Except maybe Sherlock Holmes, James Bond, Mickey Mouse, Batman, and Spider-Man). The majority of the population on this planet is familiar with him in some capacity as he’s riveted, perplexed, and/or inspired the masses for generations. Literally.
Throughout the century, Big Blue has become such an unstoppable phenomenon, every type of fan and non-fan has a favorite story, moment, fact, and/or portrayal of him. One can make the claim that those who haven’t even been born yet will be introduced to him thanks to their parents, friends, family, or strangers.
There’s been meticulously written books and collegiate examinations made about the hero. Countless debates on every conventional/unconventional level (including whom he can defeat with or without preparation time to whether his enemies are the unfortunate result of his existence), rigorous conceptual analyzations on his mythology and iconography, exploring how it represents timely societal issues and contemporary advancements. He’s the curly haired face of an entire brand in DC comics (with Batman of course) and the symbol of altruistic heroism. He’s existed for so long, his adventures and accomplishments have attained limitless proportions, crossing the realm of otherworldly as well as paradoxical.
He’s one of the most recognizable and adaptable characters in media history. Comics, films, shows, novels, radio, animation, and everything in-between. Heck, we’ve reached a point where even his counterparts and adversaries have received the same level of exposure and recognition, exceeding their original placements. The list goes on and on.
Next up, writer/director/dynamo James Gunn’s reign of the newly rebuilt and rejuvenated DCU started off with a propulsive, pervasive bang as the graphic, raunchy, and cynically unfazed “Creature Commandos” made their animated debut earlier this year. This was Gunn’s attempt to basically get out his coarseness and degeneracy right off the bat before going into family-friendly territory in his ever-growing itinerary of content for the new regime. Much to very little surprise, the series was a success for all the right reasons, crafting this new beginning in a unique way. And now we’ve moved onto the Man of Steel.
Since this momentous project was announced, the world heavily speculated on who could take over the suit and what the new universe revolving around him would look like. (Also the collective outrage over Henry Cavill no longer donning the cape too) Other queries quickly filled the webwaves on whether Gunn was up to the task of adapting the hero. Even with him being forthcoming on a bunch of details throughout the entire production and with the film finally being released, these cordial discussions, unfounded crusades, rampant arguments, and seething diatribes haven’t ceased in the slightest. Nearly everyone has thoughts on what The Man of Tomorrow means to them and if Gunn has succeeded in bringing him back to the big screen in a pertinent and engaging way.
Were the debates necessary from the start? Naturally. Superman isn’t just an average superhero, he’s the archetype superhero. The measuring stick. The catalyst. The template. The origination. The zeitgeist. Much like The Dark Knight and the Web-Slinger, Superman is undeniably, a way of life. So yes, discourse was not only necessary but inevitable. Yet, where my humble opinion differs is the statement that Superman can only be depicted in one contained version to be relevant. Since the character has existed for over 80 years, there’s been quite a few distinct alternatives made towards his design, alterations to his powers and shifts in his personality. Every creator (writer, artist, actor, etc) on numerous occasions for decades have lent their own perspectives to the character. And for the most part, they’ve worked. The reason for that being relatively simplistic — He can take it.
As stated before, the superhero has existed for more than 80 years, so whatever path is ultimately.taken with him can, in fact, work if given the chance to work. Believe it or not, some of the well-known and excitable concepts involving established characters are those that were taken outside of their source or foundational parameters. Outside of the box many try to confide them in. But, historically, that’s always been the case since the innovations of media. The characters changed and grew with the times because creators took the chances to do so. And again, they’ve worked. Think about it. Where would Batman be if we stayed in the Adam West era? Where would the X-men be if they remained First Class? Where would Spidey be if he dwelled on being an “Amazing Fantasy?” Yes, change is a part of evolution, otherwise these characters can become banal and stagnant. And who the hell wants that?
With Gunn’s valiant vision, we’re given one of the most vulnerable and emotional interpretations of The Last Son of Krypton yet. In this story, we’re dropped right in the middle of an unofficial sequel, where Clark Kent aka Superman (David Corenswet) must contend with an obsessive and unhinged Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), a new relationship with headstrong Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), trying to save the people of Metropolis, and the world. Also helping mankind is the Justice Gang — Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), and Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi). Even with a portion of the populace that views him as untrustworthy and problematic, Supes still tries to do the best he can to help while searching for understanding, acceptance, and setting an example on what genuine goodness is. Truth, justice, and a superpowered doggie named Krypto wrecking havoc ensues….
From bombastic start to epic finish, this rollercoaster ride never lets up as we get intense action, grand locales, charismatic performances, dazzling effects, and veracious commentary. The influences from multiple source material is apparent with this right away as Gunn emphatically meshed his subversive style of storytelling with the Silver/Golden Age of Comics in addition to “All-Star Superman” and “Superman The Animated series.” Plus, there’s definite “Justice League Unlimited” emphasis too. The whole shebang being an indomitable breath of fresh air, finding its own spirited, colorful, and fundamental groove amongst the far more grim fares that dominate the superhero genre presently. It’s not to say that this doesn’t have its dark moments but as everything progresses and gets pretty wild, so much of what Gunn was originally going for becomes clear.
This just feels like a bonafide Superman tale of modern times and yesteryear combined in faithful synchronicity. The many elements of the character, focusing on his relationships, identity crisis, convictions, duality, missteps wrapped in a nerdy, nearly- invulnerable body. Plus the understandable inclusion of fear, anger, anxiety, insecurity, loneliness, and depression as Supes must fight dangers, mistrust, prejudices, and much more that surrounds and tests him. But, in a wonderful twist, this journey is also about the people in his life that support, inspire, and save him too. Powerful stuff.
Performance wise, the cast in front and behind the camera was incredibly solid. Got to give props to Gunn’s snappy and wholesome script, his enthralling direction, and the gripping spectacle of Henry Braham’s sprawling cinematography. As far as in front of the camera goes, while I could go into each player extensively in not only how they served the plot swimmingly but embodied their roles wonderfully, that would make this review a novel so I’ll say everyone does a spectacular job bringing these characters to life. Not to mention the chemistry between them all was fairly electric and impactful. I dare say this ensemble was one of the best of the year. Hands down. And I can confirm that Fillion’s Guy Gardner and Gethagi’s Mr. Terrific were indeed the ultra cool scene-stealers of this film. And I’m beyond stoked that these two characters are getting the spotlight they’ve deserved for years.
Yet, if you’re wondering about my thoughts about David Corenswet as our hero, well, his performance is echoing how I felt about Cavill and Tyler Hoechlin from “Superman and Lois.” He intricately made the role his own while channeling the legends like Christopher Reeve, Tom Welling, and George Newbern. While it’s going to take some time to determine where he stands amongst the other Supes, it’s little surprise that he implicitly ROCKED this in every aspect. Completely and Supremely.
Coincidentally, while there’s tons to gush and analyze over, this feature isn’t perfect. The plot does tend to get a bit overstuffed and convoluted at times. And while the brightness and colors are exquisite and beautiful throughout, there’s sections where it kind of hinders a bit from what’s transpiring. Plus the special effects were severely overblown in parts. However, even with some flaws, there’s little denying that Gunn, the exceptional cast, and spectacular crew have managed to capture something unmistakably rich here. At a time where there isn’t much of it in reality, experiencing a Superman film that stands firmly on the side of unflinching optimism and perseverance in the face of adversity and uncertainty really brings something to the forefront that we need right now — Hope. Of course there’s other themes abound like the truth being what matters most, showing kindness above hatred, accepting yourself, finding your purpose, and finding resolve in your vulnerability, but the main draw of this story is simply hope. The kind of hope that outshines the depravity of our worst because of the purity of our best.
As I’ve said before, the new regime started off with a kinetic bang and has majestically soared to new heights of strength, justice, openness, and humanity. Now, whether it will stay there in the metaphorical and literal clouds remains to be seen. But, as of right now, at this moment, we undoubtedly believe once again that a man can fly…and inspire us all to strive to be better.
And that’s pretty damn Super, man.
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Review written by Marcus Wilturner
The Super Network 