I Watched the New 'Superman' and Only Had One Complaint

The new era is off to a great start

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Warner Bros.

I’ve been excited about this new Superman movie ever since it was announced that James Gunn (of Guardians of the Galaxy fame) is taking over the DC Universe, and needless to say, I was not disappointed when I rushed to the theater to see it this past weekend.

Please make no mistake, I’m a Marvel girl through and through, and a good percentage of that has been because I’ve found most DC releases of the last decade or so (perhaps longer) largely uninspiring, boring and dull. Gunn, however, has a unique way of bringing revitalized energy to whatever he works on, and his onboarding was a promising sign of things to come. While the Superman story itself is not new, Gunn’s iteration is a slight callback to the version that made most of us fall in love with Superman in the first place, regardless of when we saw it—the 1978 film starring Christopher Reeve, Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman. Nothing will ever top Reeve’s portrayal of Superman for me, but I must say David Corenswet does a fine job—fine enough for me to consider putting him in my top three.

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Warner Bros.

While very much “2025” as far as its graphics, CGI and fight choreography, there is also something very classic and whimsical about Gunn’s version. This is particularly reflected in ​​The Daily Planet staff, especially with Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), who brings forth the same witty fierceness exhibited by Margot Kidder in her 1978 performance. Brosnahan’s angle on the classic character is gentle but aggressive, and very much the hard-hitting journalist who needs to get the story. Lois, however, knows Superman better than anybody, and that’s because she gets to see him off the clock as Clark Kent, whose claim to journalistic fame is the “exclusive” interviews he grants himself with, well, Superman.

While Lois is well aware of the double life Clark leads as a journalist by day, and a superhero by night, it’s not Superman she’s in love with, it’s Clark Kent, which is always her soft spot. I have to add that Nicholas Holt makes a damn good Lex Luthor, because you end up hating him (which you’re supposed to) thanks to his cocky, cynical nature. You also immediately relate to Superman’s story of beating the odds and overcoming expectations.

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Warner Bros.

Visually speaking, Superman feels like a comic book brought to life with its stunning cinematography and riveting fight scenes. From a directorial perspective, Gunn takes his time introducing the storyline and characters while still keeping you entertained. Plus, there are quite a few comedic moments strategically placed within the drama and action that keep it lighthearted, while also not distracting from the seriousness of the film. 

Oh, and I can’t forget the score, which is gorgeous. In my opinion, haunting music has become a lost art within filmmaking, and Gunn brings it back beautifully. All-in-all, I enjoyed Superman immensely, and while I won’t call myself a DC fan just yet, I’m excited about the possibilities of what’s to come.

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Warner Bros.

My one issue? At times, the plot felt a bit jam-packed, which can lead to a disconnect at certain points. For example, the back and forth between the invasions going on in Boravia sometimes feels like it's a different storyline altogether. And on a smaller note, while some may disagree, I couldn’t stand this version of Krypto, aka Super Dog, who is perhaps the most unhinged animal I’ve ever seen in a movie. Super Dog is super annoying (and so is his owner) and in desperate need of a trainer. 

Overall, Superman feels like the start of something new, and I’m excited to see where things head from here.

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Screenshot 2024 03 04 at 4.32.14 PM

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