5 things to know about James Gunn’s ‘Superman’: Was the hype met?
He took a big swing. How was it?
Summer tentpole films don’t have it easy. Their trailers arrive a year early, and the expectations run rampant from the very first glimpse of footage or production photos. All eyes are on it, and that’s a pressure that doesn’t let up easily.
James Gunn made some noise with his move from Marvel Studios director to DC Studios chief executive, and his first swing was a take on Superman. The star-spangled alien who is so misunderstood, you could nickname him Kong. After years of hype, the big blockbuster has arrived.
Here are five takeaways, or things to know going in.
#5 It’s the best written Superman character
David Corenswet takes a well balanced superhero, and delivers a refreshingly candid performance. This Sup isn’t as shy as Clark Kents of old, and he bleeds. There’s a humanistic aspect to the character that blends well with the otherworldly. Without sounding like a replica of past creations or coming off as too young crowd-tilting, Corenswet’s super skill here is keeping a powerful character grounded. There’s a sophistication to the portrayal.
#4 Nicholas Hoult’s Lex is fine enough
Without touching Gene Hackman’s brilliance, quite reach Kevin Spacey’s craft, or dipping into the annoyance of Jesse Eisenberg, Hoult does a decent job of updating the classic comic villain who tried his best to outthink the big red guy.
It’s nothing too new, but a nice coat of paint to make Lex appealing for all audiences.
#3 Gunn throws a LOT at you
From the introductions to the expanded world of his Superman creation, the St. Louis filmmaker adds layers and layers of visual pleasure and context to the well known personas of the characters. It’s a well paced film at just over two hours that still manages to overwhelm. Whether that’s a good or bad thing may take some more time to marinate, but few stones are left unturned here without advancing into spoiler territory.
#2 The post credits scenes are meaningless
A little humor and that’s it. Gunn doesn’t do post credit bullshit. Thank goodness.
#1 It’s good without touching greatness
The action is decent. The writing is great at times. Superman is a better swing than Superman Returns and holds up well against Man of Steel while falling well short of the early Superman movies with Christopher Reeve. As high as Gunn’s film reaches periodically, it manages to feel familiar. Krypto the dog and Pruitt Taylor Vince are bright spots, Rachel Brosnahan is underutilized, and the end result is a fresh take on old material that doesn’t resonate as deeply as intended.
Enjoy and spend some money at a local theater if you can.