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The Skyward Spectacle: James Gunn’s Gleeful “Superman”
Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird! A plane! It’s a plane! it’s James Gunn’s “Superman,” an incredibly amusing, campy, and unpretentious treat that appears on the screen like a lively, colorful comic book page that is a full blast of energy. In addition, this film is laughing loudly at itself, is very involved, and has an overt character, which in turn makes the film a never-ending joy ride, full of action, and of course, fun in its purest, undiluted form. Do you catch the drift? The resulting infusion of this happiness feels especially exhilarating as we had superhero movies full of “darker” themes for almost 20 years. It’s true, this as well became the norm, and it is Nolan’s “Dark Knight” trilogy which is to be thanked and/or blamed directly for the influence level of this “no jokes” concept that has stuck for so long.
Furthermore, those groundbreaking films took a then-unique perspective, seriously pondering the question: What if a costumed vigilante like Batman actually tried to operate within something resembling our own, real world? Ultimately, Nolan’s concept undeniably worked – and proved so incredibly successful that its shadow heavily influenced nearly every major superhero movie that followed it.
Embracing the Darkness (But Craving the Light)
Let’s get something straight: dark and gritty storytelling is not an issue per se. In fact, I do personally love that type of storytelling a lot. For example, I was a big fan of Matt Reeves’ current, hardcore thriller-influenced reboot, “The Batman.” But then again, when I’m watching a new modern-day comic book movie that is absolutely solemn, I tend to get very agitated and impatient. As a result, a consistent idea frequently sneaks in, “Is it really that difficult to be a bit more relaxed?”. Happily, “lighten up” is precisely the exhilarating mission James Gunn accomplishes with his “Superman.” Subsequently, this movie wholeheartedly embraces wonderfully absurd comic book logic, a world where seemingly everything and anything becomes gloriously possible, reality be damned.
Grounded Lore vs. Limitless Sky
Of great importance, the Batman movies directed by Nolan were particularly diligent when it came to over-explanation of each element of Batman’s lore, going so far as to make the most fantastic aspects of the grounded in gritty realism. In contrast, “Superman” of Gunn is built up with a brilliantly sharp contrast. Since we’re fundamentally dealing with a universe overflowing with superpowered beings who routinely don capes and defy physics, the film wisely realizes the sky is truly the limit. Therefore, absolutely nothing that spectacularly unfolds within this movie would likely ever occur in our mundane real world – and I am enthusiastically, unreservedly 100% on board with that exhilarating approach, primarily because the movie sells its own wild internal logic with infectious conviction.
At a moment of great suspense, for example, the wrongdoers introduce a seemingly innocent, small creature that eventually turns into an unexpectedly gigantic enemy that is now destroying the city. Nonetheless, the most striking thing is that no explanation whatsoever is given regarding such a shocking metamorphosis, and in my case, it was actually very well because I did not feel the least need for it. Instead, I was utterly content and thoroughly entertained just watching Superman heroically battle a gigantic monster.
Forget Franchise Building, Just Enjoy the Movie
Honestly, a huge amount of discussion swirls around James Gunn’s “Superman” being the intended launchpad for an entirely fresh DC movie universe. Furthermore, the talk constantly emphasizes Gunn starting completely over and attempting to revitalize the Superman brand. This effort comes specifically after Zack Snyder’s notably dark and serious interpretation of the character unfortunately failed to connect strongly with many viewers. My underlying piece of information is the following: I really am not interested in all the universe-building background stuff. Thus, when the time to watch the movie comes, my last worry is how it may prepare the ground for another movie, like a sequel, a prequel, or a different series.
On the contrary, I am concentrating on the movie itself that is being screened before my eyes, not a moment beyond its runtime. As a result, I won’t waste my time cataloging possible Easter eggs or looking into great detail to find out the steps James Gunn’s movie makes in order to pave the way for the future of DC, because the truth is that none of those outside plans have any immediate effect on my experience. What really matters to me the most is if the movie I just watched a hit or not.
Script Flaws Present, But Charm Wins Out
That enthusiastic endorsement isn’t to suggest, however, that Gunn’s script escapes without some noticeable problems. For instance, it undoubtedly displays too much of very simple and unambiguous dialogue. In particular, the characters very often unnecessarily explicitly disclose their exact intentions and motives either to the audience directly or to each other. Moreover, unfortunately, a lot of these forced moments sink like a lead balloon, feeling unnatural and clunky. Additionally, while the overall tone Gunn clearly aims for here is deliberately funny and lighthearted – sometimes even feeling like a full-blown comedy – not every attempt lands successfully.
Indeed, some of the stabs at humor fall decidedly flat (I’m looking pointedly at you, particularly unfunny gaggle of nerdy comic-relief henchmen). But crucially, despite these existing issues, “Superman” ultimately soars high above them. This success happens primarily thanks to a wonderfully game and committed cast who fully embrace their roles. The movie’s spirit and style are obviously inspired by an old-fashioned, “gosh wow,” “aw shucks” attitude that soon becomes not only attractive but also moving. In the end, the film flies out with the first scene being very exciting, only to further hold the viewers’ interest throughout with its high energy level.
A Refreshing Non-Origin Setup
Happily, “Superman” thankfully avoids being yet another tedious origin story retread. Instead, the film reveals right from the dramatic jump that in this specific world, superheroes (or “metahumans,” as they’re officially termed here) have actually existed publicly for a very long, long time. But intriguingly, within roughly the last three years or so, a startlingly new and uniquely powerful hero has dramatically emerged – Superman.
He appears to be, quite simply, the most formidable metahuman ever witnessed. Accordingly, the majority of the population around the world commonly acknowledges the fact that Superman, being indeed an alien, was originally from the unfortunate planet Krypton. At present, on the whole, the reaction of the general public to the figure of this giant blue boy scout remains exceptionally and solidly friendly. However, the film naturally plants a compelling question: realistically, how long can that widespread public goodwill and acceptance possibly last?
Corenswet’s Winning Superman
David Corenswet shines brightly as Superman, who also lives as the charmingly nerdy Daily Planet reporter, Clark Kent. Significantly, Corenswet brings out the character as one utterly likable and particularly of good nature every time. He also naturally exudes loads of real charisma during the whole film, which makes it absolutely effortless for the public to actually see him as a super true hero. Furthermore, director James Gunn makes a particularly wise choice by clearly showing us that this specific version of Superman is definitely not unbeatable. Yes, he is undeniably super strong and can perform all sorts of amazing feats, but Superman also visibly gets his ass kicked on multiple distinct occasions during this movie.
In fact, our very first look at him actually shows him bloody and noticeably bruised. At that vulnerable moment, he’s even calling out for help from Krypto, an absolutely adorable super-dog who proudly wears his own little cape and is quite fond of gleefully causing mayhem. Crucially, this CGI creation, Krypto, stands out as a real highlight, mostly because the film very wisely lets him act exactly like a real, excitable dog … who just happens to possess extraordinary superpowers, creating delightful moments.
Brosnahan’s Sparkling Lois Lane
Interestingly, Superman’s secret identity isn’t actually a complete secret for everyone. Several key people already know who he really is behind the glasses. This select group definitely includes his girlfriend and coworker, the intrepid and famously sugar-loving reporter, Lois Lane. Rachel Brosnahan plays Lois with the absolutely perfect amount of sharp intelligence and fiery spark. Additionally, Corenswet and Brosnahan share truly crackling, electric chemistry together on screen. Hence, the iconic part where Lois fearlessly interacts with Superman in person emerges as one of the most talked-about parts of the movie due to how flawlessly the two artists play off of each other, thus establishing an interesting relationship. In her essential meeting with the superhero, Lois not only mentioned but also stressed the fact that not all people adore Superman totally.
The whole time Lois was interviewing, she was direct, mentioning the issue that not all are admirers of Superman. For one major thing, the Man of Steel very recently interfered directly in a complex international geopolitical incident. Specifically, he got deeply involved in a looming, dangerous war between two entirely fictional nations. Naturally, in Superman’s own mind, he felt completely justified in taking those actions. However, as Lois quite fairly points out, no one officially appointed or democratically elected Superman to be the self-appointed guardian of the entire world – he simply decided to take up that immense responsibility and powerful mantle entirely on his own initiative. Understandably, this unilateral approach doesn’t sit well with certain powerful people.
Hoult’s Hate-Fueled Lex Luthor
This situation absolutely does not sit well at all with Lex Luthor, an immensely wealthy billionaire who is openly and admittedly obsessed with Superman. Lex has spent an absolute fortune tirelessly trying to discover or invent a way to definitively defeat Superman. His core motivation is strikingly simple: he profoundly hates the very idea that this handsome, charming alien just showed up one day and effortlessly won over the adoring masses. Lex is, in essence a complete and utterly ridiculous hater who, beneath his most charming veneer, is actually a vile, pitiful character who is willing to go so far as human sacrifice in order to stop a superhuman.
Nicholas Hoult steps into the shoes of Lex Luthor, and Hoult, despite the fact that one may think otherwise, emerges to be shockingly good and believable at being such a filthy jerk. It is a well-established fact that we, as the audience, absolutely and unconditionally hate this terrible character and, no less, we eagerly look forward to or, perhaps, we miss the moment when he finally gave a good comeuppance.
Gunn’s Speedy Storytelling Approach
James Gunn’s script for “Superman” absolutely races through all these fascinating story details much faster than a speeding bullet. Consequently, I fully expect that some viewers might actually feel bothered or confused by how relatively little direct setup there is for certain elements. However, personally, I found this brisk approach incredibly refreshing and welcome. Furthermore, Gunn clearly seems to realize a fundamental truth: almost everyone watching already knows the basic, essential details about Superman himself and his classic backstory. Therefore, to slowly regurgitate a whole bunch of exposition yet again would simply be wasting precious screen time. Instead, that valuable time is much better spent showing us incredibly cool, wildly colorful action set-pieces. These sequences are loaded with genuine humor and thrilling spectacle, keeping the energy high and the audience thoroughly entertained.
A Vibrant Cast of Characters
Most importantly, “Superman” is not monoplectic regarding its protagonist; he has such a variety of friends, from different races, bright personalities, and the air of humor around them, that they are just as good as the hero himself. Besides several crucial players such as Lois Lane and Lex Luthor, we get to know some others who have become equally unforgettable. For example, Skyler Gisondo’s portrayal of Jimmy Olsen, the man after everyone’s heart in the noisy city of Metropolis. Then, significantly, we are introduced to the Justice Gang. This trio consists of established superheroes operating under corporate sponsorship. They sometimes lend a hand to assist Superman himself and generally maintain a mostly friendly, albeit occasionally competitive, relationship with the legendary last son of Krypton.
Mr. Terrific Steals the Show
The Justice Gang lineup itself features some truly entertaining performances. First, we have a very amusing Nathan Fillion playing the hilariously egotistical Guy Gardner, also known as the Green Lantern. Next, Isabela Merced portrays Hawkgirl, a fierce warrior who definitely isn’t above getting her hands dirty during a fight. The character notably brings out her own unique character by literally squawking like a bird of prey at the bad guys, as she dramatically swoops down toward them in the fighting. Completing the group is the super-smart tech genius, Mr. Terrific, played most suitably by Edi Gathegi.
Mr. Terrific is definitely the outstanding from the three engaging heroes on the big screen. More than that, no doubt that Gathegi is such a real magnet, as he managed to make the character come vividly alive with the smart and dry humor. I liked his acting so much that I personally wished to have even more of his scenes. The way we see Mr. Terrific’s persona, the nonchalant character, the person who never screams sense, throughout all the absurdities of moving events, is a perfect one.
Blazing Super-Speed Storytelling
“Superman” absolutely never seems to slow down for a single moment, instead rushing through its entire story with genuine super-speed. Consequently, we see Superman widely beloved by the public right away. Then, directly thanks to the clever, malicious machinations of Lex Luthor, he suddenly finds himself intensely hated by many. Meanwhile, we, the audience, instinctively know it’s really only a matter of time before he inevitably wins the people back onto his side once more. Frankly, nobody is going to seriously accuse Gunn’s script of being wildly original or even particularly clever in its structure. However, crucially, it simply doesn’t need to be, because there’s such a wonderfully light, consistently funny, and genuinely sweet nature actively at play throughout the entire film. This delightful tone ultimately proved almost impossible for me to personally resist, drawing me in completely.
Kindness as the New Rebellion
If there happens to be one overarching message shining through Gunn’s vibrant film, it’s arguably this: simple kindness is the new punk rock. Naturally, I’m absolutely certain countless cynical viewers might roll their eyes pretty hard at such an earnest, cornball notion. However, I personally bought into it wholeheartedly — at least while immersed in watching the movie itself. Importantly, this specific Superman is undeniably flawed in several significant ways. Yet, he’s constantly, visibly striving to do the right thing purely for the benefit of others. Ultimately, that selfless trait feels like something far more people should genuinely aspire to embody, especially in today’s real world where sadly, almost everyone seems to be loudly suffering from rampant “main character syndrome,” focusing only on themselves.
Rejecting Cynical Superhero Fatigue
It is honest that for decades, we have all been honestly bombarded with numerous superhero movies. Nevertheless, because of their overabundance, we are losing track of the distinction between them. Typically, they follow a very safe, standard formula, mostly because nervous studio executives firmly believe that a rigid formula is exactly what audiences want. Furthermore, they often point to past box office receipts as proof backing up that cautious strategy.
While it may be a fact that Gunn’s “Superman” is not even slightly a game-changer within the genre, it is still an excitingly refreshing piece of work in a way. How come? The main reason for this was that the filmmaker took a very clear, decisive stand: He was one of the very few who cut off their snarky, detached irony that is already at the heart of other modern superhero films. He himself, however, took up the task and ardently snatched pieces of the emotions that were just as well being trashed off by other people as merely “cringeworthy.”
Embracing Corny Sincerity
Yes, absolutely, “Superman” is frequently, unashamedly corny. But crucially, that’s because Superman himself is a fundamentally corny character at his core! No one would have guessed that he is an alien, because he always thinks of the welfare of animals, besides being a music lover of the worst type. For this reason, the film kept nothing dark, moody, or oppressively bleak, just the opposite. Its real and infectious fun spirit is what the film ignites instead. This cheerful attitude had me awestruck by the emergence of a stupid yet happy expression on my face that just wouldn’t go away for the entire runtime. Honestly, in the context of the overwhelming irony, edge, and deconstruction that we face in our contemporary media, such a sincere and unpretentious cheerfulness represents a surprisingly – and wonderfully – brave move..
