I wasn't sure about this remake I won't lie. Much like Batman I feel that this was a character which has been so overused in order to conform into whatever or whoevers series of films at the time that it has become tired. You mention Superman and you get a groan as there are only so many ways to tell the same man's story, but I was willing to give it the benefit of the doubt and so Tuesday night my adoring boyfriend and I went off to see our mutual pick.
The way James Gunn has chosen to rehash this story was an interesting one. We seldom see the truly angry side of Superman and this version seemed quite pent up with rage more than anything else and I think this is healthy growth for the character. He is no longer simply a pillar for good, no, Superman is now able to stand within the grey area of morality in terms of superheroes which is more faithful to the comics than before. Superman's actions have always been questionable on screen there is no debating that, but he cant be viewed as the straight-line hero that he always has been, it is no longer clear cut. This version I can see being able to kill the Joker or go up against Batman should his arc go that way. We were even teased an evil version of him, but there is easily things that could tip the scales here to send this one over the edge. For example taking Krypto, we saw a level of anger from the supe where he was considering crossing the line. He also took far too much satisfaction from Luthor's downfall than any impartial superhero should, that was personal.
When the movie opened I was a little dubious on just how good the movie was going to be. I often find that anything which gives much needed background with words on the screen doesn't live up to what it should, but this wasnt Superman's origin story, he was already well established within this version's universe. I'm also not sure what the significance of the number 3 was, but I'm not sure it was relevant to be fair. Bringing such a legendary character into today's times is a bit of a challenge, but I think this was done with subtle dignity. No one was glued to their phones, social media got a flying mention, aside from the filter overlaid on screen which made the movie seem like it belonged in a different decade, it could really have been from any time but also exclusively now.
Speaking of the lighting, this was an unusually bright movie for a DC film. I'm glad we are finally moving away from the scuffles in the dark which the brand has been known for and are moving back into films we can actually see. The characters were also all fairly fleshed out while also remaining mysteries as we didn't really learn anything about anyone other than Clark and Lois. We know he is a deeply trusting person who struggles with his purpose much like any 30 something year old, and she is a deeply distrusting individual who is guarded so that she doesn't get hurt. The two balance each other out perfectly and I'm interested to see their arc even if at times they did seem a little awkward with each other and lacking chemistry.
I sadly missed all of Henry Cavill's Superman movies because I didn't want to get too far into the DCU due to not being able to watch them all because of Amber Heard. I think a reboot was needed as like a far few DC fans who do not support her, the fanbase lost its audience because of her and the franchise would never have been able to survive if it continued with the story it was going with. It needed a hard reset which is a shame because there was some serious talent in those roles. My point is, aside from the Christopher Reeve movies, I dont have anything to compare this Superman story to, and I think it has done the classics proud. The same tone is there, while Superman and Luthor are darker characters, the overall theme of redemption and having a saviour is still there.
Speaking of Lex Luthor, I really wasn't sure about Nicholas Hoult's casting. He is eternally youthful and I dont know, a little weedy for the role? When someone says Lex Luthor to me I think a skinny Kingpin. Slightly muscled, deep voice, domineering personality, fear inducing. I was wrong however. Hoult's portrayal was perfect, Lex was unhinged and scarier this way than any muscle or deep voice could add. He was a genuine control freak psycho. He locked up ex girlfriends because he could, he killed an innocent bystander because he could, he kidnapped a baby because he could. The threat of violence wasnt the one which we should have been worried about from this man, it was what he was going to take in order to get what he wanted which was the terrifying part, and this version seemed to stop at nothing in order to get what he wanted.
My only criticism was the fact that politics weighed as a heavy theme throughout the movie. Of course this made it more realistic, the idea that superheroes do not have jurisdiction everywhere was refreshing as previously we've seen them turn up and save the day wherever without question. But the fact Superman was then basically viewed as a US weapon, which I mean he basically is, meddling in other countries wars, and the aftermath from this, didn't strike me as the feelgood comic book movie I wanted to escape the wars being threatened in my everyday life. Cinema is meant to be escapism, not reality dumps with the injection of a hopeful hero who will never surface in real life. It did make for an interesting story though, and very interesting arcs for our hero and our villain.
My favourite element was of course the inclusion of Krypto the Superdog. He was a little unruly and not as well behaved as we all knew him to be, but I liked this, he is but a puppy and a loyal companion to Superman so I hope we see more of him.
The cameos from other DC minor superheroes was a nice touch as well, very much unneeded, but if we are crafting a new universe then I guess everything needs to be linked. I just would like the odd standalone which didn't rely on cameos to get bums on seats, I want some originality.
There are also two cut scenes, completely irrelevant to anything other than the movie but I thought they were worth staying for as they were cute. Would I watch this movie again? Yes actually I would, plenty of times. It isn't the movie of the summer we were all hoping for, but it was pretty good. Do I get the hype around it and feel like it was worth the expensive publicity stunts? No not really. I think this one would have done absolutely fine on its own, hyping it up to be something it wasn't didn't do the movies any favours, it seemed cheap. Trying to entice a fanbase and newbies to go to the cinema for an epic that wasnt an epic, just a good rerun of the same old thing. Have superhero movies had their day? I am starting to lean that way what with the disappointment seen from Marvel and DC previously, but there may still be hope yet and Superman shows it.
David Corenswet was an excellent choice for Superman/Clark I thought. He was sweet, chocolate box type of adorable, but with an emotional range that went from 0-100. As Clark he was boy next door with a sharp wit, as Superman he was the overconfident, ego ridden hero who couldnt stand to lose a fight and had some serious temper. As the Clark that only people close to him got to see where he could be both, the overlap was evident. He was a deeply flawed man struggling between being a pillar of the community and just a person and seeing that leak into his relationship with Lois was powerful. With outbursts like that it is a wonder she's still with him, but equally I get the appeal and the fact he would never harm her.
The best bit for me personally aside from the dog was Alan Tudyk as Gary (4). It was such a surprise but such a welcome one and lets face it, if you need a voice actor he is your man! I adore him and any movie with him in is bound to be a good one.
I'm giving Superman an 7/10. The story was gripping, the characters were fun, and seeing Skylar Gisondo be a part of something big was a pleasant surprise as I really liked him in The Santa Clarita Diet. I would say to get out there and give the new Superman a chance, you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Leave a comment on my socials of your thoughts! This one is a hot topic for sure but I'm always open for recommendations on other media to watch too! Suggest your favourites!
Comments
Post a Comment