‘Superman’ movie review: James Gunn’s kinetic take sets the Man of Steel to soar

DC Universe’s Supermanbegins with a short history lesson in multiples of three, including the fact that a baby landed on Earth from the dying planet of Krypton 30 years ago and debuted three years ago as Superman (David Corenswet), the protector of the planet while working as the mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent at The Daily Planet. That magic age of 33, is yet another parallel with a son who was sent to earth by his father for the redemption of humankind.

Three weeks ago, Superman intervened in the Boravia’s invasion of Jarhanpur (all existing in the mythical lands of somewhere-istan). Three days ago, Superman faced his first defeat at the hands of the Hammer of Boravia. He heads off to his Fortress of Solitude to heal, with Krypto the Superdog, helping him on the last leg of his journey.

The multibillionaire, Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) who might have a vested interest in Boravia’s expansionist views, assures the US government that he can restrain Superman if he becomes a threat. As Clark Kent, Superman enjoys success at work and is in a relationship with fellow reporter Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan).

A still from ‘Superman’
| Photo Credit:
DC Studios

A kaiju attack keeps Superman and the Justice Gang (a working title), Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Mister Terrific (Michael Holt), and Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) occupied, while the Fortress of Solitude is breached and Krypto kidnapped.

Another attack on Jarhanpur, a smear campaign against Superman, a maximum security prison in another dimension, and a black hole threatening to rip the world to be ripped in two, are some of the fires Superman has to fight while figuring out his place and relationship to and in this world.

Guardians of the Galaxy veteran, James Gunn brings a lightness of touch to this legacy superhero who made his first appearance in a comic book on April 18, 1938. While discussing the film, Gunn has been quoted as saying the film features the science and sorcery of old Max Fleischer cartoons. Gunn has done away with doom, gloom and spandex angst to create a hero, whose superpower is a big heart, kindness and decency — all of which are in short supply in these fractious times.

A still from ‘Superman’
| Photo Credit:
DC Studios

There is humour as well in this outing with the Man of Steel, from Krypto’s scene-stealing shenanigans and Green Lantern’s abrasiveness to Luthor’s monkeys spreading hate online and his girlfriend, Eve Teschmacher (Sara Sampaio) putting selfies to good use.

The electric action sequences are given an extra charge thanks to the kinetic camera. The profusion of reds and blues lends both a warmth and coolness to the proceedings. Corenswet makes for a strong and true Superman, while Hoult has the time of his life allegedly channeling Steve Jobs into his Luthor. With thrilling action, wild science (give me a pocket universe to disappear into), eye-popping sets, humour and heart, DCU’s Superman is everything you would ask of a holiday movie.

Superman is currently running in theatres