James Gunn worked wonders in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with his Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy and has also brought good fortune to DC before with The Suicide Squad. His task now is to kick start a new iteration of a DC universe with Superman. Arguably the most iconic superhero of all time, his recent history in film hasn't exactly filled fans with confidence, so a new take on the character could be just what the doctor ordered.
When Superman (David Corenswet) gets drawn into conflicts at home and abroad, his actions are questioned, giving tech billionaire Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) the opportunity to get the Man of Steel out of the way for good. Will intrepid reporter Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and Superman's four-legged companion, Krypto, be able to help him before it's too late?
Opting out of telling the familiar origin story, James Gunn decides to start his film with a battered Superman (prepare to see a lot of that), three years into the role, call for help from Krypto, a canine Kryptonian as chaotic as he is helpful. It's a confident opening with some fun little comedic moments scattered throughout before Superman returns to the fight and we get a first glimpse of the dynamic action this film delivers, taking particular advantage of the IMAX format. It sets the tone perfectly, letting you know that you are of course watching a James Gunn version of Superman. There's a goofy side to it all that both works for and against the film at times - overindulgence in quips quite jarring one moment but welcome the next. Luckily Gunn manages to balance it out enough to stop it from spoiling the experience.
What's great though is to have a Superman film that isn't afraid to show the character have the heart and humanity that makes him the beacon of hope for so many. He has both in abundance here, always trying to do the right thing and believe that there is good in everyone, which makes for quite a clash of ideals when encountering the scheming Lex Luthor. Gunn plants something into the narrative here that sees Superman question some pretty major things in his life, and it opens the film to some real emotional moments. He's never avoided these quieter moments in his previous superhero films and they really do hit home again here - one scene shared between Clark and his adoptive father quite beautiful. Something else that swells the emotions here is John Powell's score which pays homage to the iconic work from John Williams all those years ago.
David Corenswet embodies the titular role so damn well here, as well as the Clark Kent aspect too. There's a speech he makes towards the end and you feel every word of it through his delivery, which makes you stand up and take notice. The man IS Superman. Rachel Brosnahan makes for a perfect foil to Corenswet in both roles with a confident turn as Lois Lane, challenging both on their actions while clearly being in love, the chemistry between the pair being almost too good. There's two film-stealing threats to the rest though, Krypto the dog is obviously a highlight and a character many will want to see more of however, it's Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor who really steals the film. He's in top hater mode and is truly despicable as he sets out to destroy Superman, Hoult absolutely killing it in the villainous role.
Superman ushers in a new dawn for DC and the signs are there for it to be a great success in the future. It's just great to see a Superman film full of so much hope again, something this day and age that will really connect with audiences.
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