Review: ‘Superman’ is bursting at its spandex seams

Superheroes are one of the most reimagined fictional characters in any canon. Whether in comics or on the big screen, creators are invited to put their own spin on these iconic personalities. There’s only so many tales to tell when the protagonist is on a single path, but restarting their journey in a different setting or with different intentions builds new opportunities for story arcs and additional characters. Similarly, most franchises make a limited number of movies with a particular actor. Typically, a new actor signals a series reboot. The latest to undergo a regeneration is DC’s “Man of Steel,” Superman.

Superman (David Corenswet) is not just America’s hero, but the world’s, since he’s able to swiftly fly to any location with ease. However, he finds himself in hot water after stopping the invasion of an American ally on a defenseless, sovereign country. Suddenly, his alien origins are not just the source of his gifts, but a threat to humanity. In the meantime, his alter ego, Clark Kent, makes front page news covering “Big Blue’s” exploits, including exclusive interviews with himself that are ethically questionable according to his co-worker and girlfriend, Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan). However, Superman’s sworn enemy, Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), is harnessing the shift in sentiment to try to finally defeat his nemesis.

Audiences will appreciate the film begins in the middle of a conflict and they will not once again be subjected to Clark’s humble upbringing on a farm or scenes of him being taught the values of rural America by his human parents — there aren’t even flashbacks to his childhood or adolescence during tough times. Instead, the picture begins with a prologue that focuses heavily on the number three, then drops viewers into the story already in progress. It’s such a refreshing start to a Superman narrative, it may have fans immediately on side with the story in just the opening minutes.

Unfortunately, even writer-director James Gunn can’t avoid the DC movie pitfall of packing too much into a single narrative. There’s all the political commentary, the potential invasion of a foreign nation; a complex romantic relationship; questionable ethics; wrongful imprisonment; plenty of metahumans, including the “Justice Gang”; an unruly Superdog; an irrational villain; unstable portals to a pocket universe; and possible world destruction. Luckily, it’s not difficult to follow these many characters and developments, but it does feel a little overstuffed.

It feels like Gunn is trying to do things differently as he makes his first feature as the new head of DC Studios. There’s definitely some noticeable differences, from the more family-friendly character development to the disappointing lack of a carefully curated soundtrack. Instead, audiences get a brief debate about the tastes of a true punk music lover, followed by two related songs during the credits. At the same time, Gunn maintains other traditions, such as casting his friends and family. Nathan Fillion’s portrayal of Guy Gardner, a.k.a. Green Lantern, is going to be divisive as Gunn has chosen a true-to-comic version of a character that fans already loved to hate.

There are also some interesting newcomers to the Gunn-iverse. Brosnahan is an exceptional Lois, not afraid to challenge Clark on Superman’s decisions, while also embracing the softer side of his humanity. Hoult’s portrayal of Lex is cold and calculating. He’s pushed over the edge by his sense of privilege, and his inability to have Superman’s powers and popularity. Thus, during the billionaire’s world-threatening tantrum, Lex instead tries to use his brain to out-supe Superman. Meanwhile, the Man of Steel epitomizes the wholesome hero, literally scooping animals out of harm’s way in the midst of total chaos. Bizarrely, Corenswet’s performance feels a lot like it would have if Brendan Fraser had put on the suit 25 years ago — charming, well-meaning, fearless and a little naïve.

Krypto is the most imposing of the film’s characters. He’s like any untrained Earth dog, but with superpowers. Consequently, his playful pouncing can be bone crushing and impossible to stop since he ignores most commands. But he can recognize the baddest guy in a room and doesn’t hesitate to attack them.

Gunn’s involvement created certain expectations that aren’t satisfied in this picture, but different can be good in some circumstances and that’s certainly true of this film – it works in some circumstances. Be sure to stay for the mid- and post-credit scenes, though staying with the movie’s theme, one is definitely better than the other.

Director: James Gunn
Starring: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult