Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
The Man of Steel returned this summer for “Superman,” which was not only a critical success, but a commercial success as well. The performance of the film is not just a win for DC, but for the entire superhero genre.
Leading up to “Superman,” the genre was not only oversaturated, but the quality of these films were hit or miss for audiences. Marvel and DC projects were flooding theaters and streaming, and while there were a few hits mixed in, the majority of these movies received mixed to negative reception and poor box office performances.
This movie marks the beginning of DC’s new and improved cinematic universe, the “DCU,” following the shortcomings of the DC Extended Universe in years prior. James Gunn, of “Guardians of the Galaxy” fame takes the wheel as director of the film, and the co-CEO of the DCU as a whole.
Of course, with a new DC cinematic universe, comes new actors in starring roles. David Corenswet succeeds Mark Cavil as the titular superhero, with Rachel Brosnahan accompanying him as Lois Lane. Other heroes from DC comics also make their debut: Nathan Fillan portrays Green Lantern, Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific, and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl. Nicholas Hoult takes the role of the iconic Lex Luthor.
The film does not adapt any story in particular, but director James Gunn was quoted to be influenced by the “All-Star Superman” run by Grant Morrison and Frank Quietly, spanning November 2005 to October 2008.
The story revolves around Superman’s reputation being questioned due to his intervention in a foreign war between fictional nations Boravia and Jarhanpur, which catches the attention of Lex Luthor.
In retaliation, Luthor goes on a smear campaign, claiming Superman was sent to Earth from Krypton to conquer it. As a result, public opinion of Superman goes down dramatically and Superman himself is captured. It is up to journalist Lois Lane, Green Lantern, Mr. Terrific, Hawkgirl, and Krypto to save him and the world.
Compared to his prior interpretation by Henry Cavill, this iteration of the hero leans more into what makes Superman such a beloved pop culture icon: his unending altruism and enormous personality. Changing that would lose his essence and make Superman just another hero in the genre. Humor injected by Gunn helped add personality to Clark Kent and other members of the ensemble cast.
Commentators have noted that the conflict between fictional nations Boravia and Jarhanpur has a few parallels to the real-world Israel-Palestine conflict. The script was finalized in February 2024, which leaves room for interpretation.
The movie raises the bar for superhero films moving forward, to its stellar CGI, experimental soundtrack fusing orchestral and acoustic sounds, and themes of unwavering hope and unity across races.
Superman was a standout film this year, and celebrates the mythos of the comics. With a sequel already greenlit, it’s safe to say that the Man of Steel has never been better. Superman is available to stream on HBO Max now.
