When we catch up with Superman (David Corenswet), he’s really going through it. He’s just lost his first battle, the public is casting him as a pariah, and he’s even having relationship problems with his girlfriend, Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan). To make matters worse, the notorious Lex Luther (Nicholas Hoult) — in full-on evil tech bro mode — is concocting plans to eliminate Superman once and for all.
Even with the cape on, Superman’s characterization here is vulnerable, emotional, sensitive, and empathetic. He also takes a lot of hits along the way, both physically and mentally. In fact, he gets the crap kicked out of him multiple times during this film. There’s also a global smear campaign against him that would send even the most experienced crisis management team running for the hills. Adding some comic relief is his foster dog named Krypto. This canine companion gives the film some extra cuteness while also bringing out the caretaker in Superman.
Gunn opts for a decidedly lighter and kookier tone. It’s even cheesy at times. And you know what? It works! After all, Superman is a guy who goes around wearing his underwear over his pants. It’d be foolish to take him too seriously. That’s the fatal mistake that plagued Zack Snyder’s cold and brooding Man of Steel era. This film is much warmer -- all the way down to its colors.
But what’s most surprising about the story is how daringly political it is. When watching the events unfold, you can’t help but think of real-world headlines. There are threats of authoritarianism, there's discrimination against immigrants, there's the abuse of artificial intelligence, there are media waves of disinformation and propaganda, and there are corrupt and unjust foreign wars. The film is all the better for diving head-first into these topics.
Lois Lane plays a significant role along the way, going beyond just being a journalist who looks up to the sky, and it’s refreshing to see. And like Gunn did with Guardians, he gathers a quirky group of supporting characters in Green Lantern, Mister Terrific, and Hawkgirl. I must say, Mister Terrific wins the title of being the coolest character in the film. As for Lex Luthor, he's as ruthless and diabolical as he is pathetic and small - a dangerous combination.
The proceedings deliver the spectacular action you’d come to expect. The action scenes hit with force and gravity, and it's a blast to watch. And by placing Superman in such desperate situations, he becomes quite an underdog, and it's easy to root for him. He's not only saving the world; he's also saving himself. When he says the line, "I put one foot in front of the other and I try to make the best choices I can," it feels sincere. The core of this film is really all about human kindness. Isn’t that a sentiment that everyone should get down with?
* 8.5/10 *
