PRAISE: When the movie started it felt like i was entering a chapter in a comic book series well into it's story and it was apparent this was going to be a new take on Superman. Leaning into themes of how quickly or long before the world turns on Superman and a hero becomes an enemy, menace or someone the world should fear the movie does a great job displaying that theme. David Corenswet as Superman / Clark Kent / Kal-El steps into the red boots and does a great job. He has key scenes in which his sincerity, love for human beings....and animals is on full display. But also his frustrations when dealing with other heroes, how the world views some of his actions, and his relationship with Lois Lane. As Lois Lane, Rachel Brosnahan does a great job too. Not backing down from Superman / Clark Kent because she loves him. There are nice nods to the characters personality that i've seen in comics and various movies and TV shows over the years. There is good argumentative banter between her and Superman / Clark Kent but also displays of affection that hit all the right notes of the two characters. As Lex Luthor Nicholas Hoult also does quite well. He's still the genius and psychopath i've come to know over the years who is obsessed with blacklisting Superman but in this movie theres this additional Wall Street broker
vibe but instead of screaming Always Be Closing he's screaming Always be Punching !! Edi Gathegi as Michael Holt / Mr. Terrific is a standout as he laser focuses on the mission at hand. Sometimes the banter between him and the rest of The Justice Gang Guy Gardner/Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion, that bowl cut looks even odder on the big screen), and Kendra Saunders/Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) and it was fun to see their powers on display. Krypto has some good moments as well he may be a bit mischievous but he's always there for Superman as either a protector or caring pet. I never forgot i was watching a James Gunn movie. There's the humor and his love for comic book characters is fully on display. I did laugh at some of the situations and what happens visually in various moments. I liked how Gunn explained something about Superman that has been pondered over for many years, i couldnt help but say hey that was pretty good. As a fan of Superman of course Gunn is going to give Superman some epic action packed moments. I liked the darker tones that were added to the Superman legend. I definitely felt like i was watching live action episodes of the fairly new animated series My Adventures with Superman.
PROBLEMS: The movie actually drags a bit in the middle and i kept saying wow is the movie really going to stay in this mode for this amount of time? Some characters are underused and then some. It's as if the movie is saying oh yeah let's give them something to do in the last 30 minutes. Or lets make pay these characters a visit for a few minutes because i think we have to. Some of the CGI is off at times with far to many close ups. Some of the sillier moments accompanied with wacky visuals and silly songs definitely didnt work for me. A few predictable turns and one that will really standout to fans who know about DC comics multiple universes and the characters within them. I know they were trying to give individual characters stand out moments but I would have preferred more great banter between the characters.
The 1978 Superman movie is still my favorite Superman movie but i enjoyed this new take on Superman
Scale of 1 to 10 a 7½
