Solid Man-of-Steel takes flight showing his humanity with feisty man’s best friend, Krypto, by his side. There’s plenty of dazzling visuals and action with appealing characters, like new Superman, David Corenswet (Twisters). There’s a lot to see here, but maybe there’s just too much stuffed into this narrative. After several iterations of Superman over the years, this latest film changes course as promised from Director James Gunn (The Guardians of the Galaxy films, Avengers, The Suicide Squad). Rated Pg-13 it aims at more adult themes than the previous Superman films in Gunn’s first film as head of DCStudios.
The most energetic, entertaining scenes in the movie are the ones with Krypto, modeled after Director James Gunn’s own rescue dog Ozu. He has a real soft spot for Ozu who was completely out of control when he first got him. Krypto has already become so popular a character, a series of Krypto animated shorts will soon be available. But there was one scene shot with the canine that didn’t make it into the final cut. Test audiences thought it was just too brutal and Gunn agreed.
There are more political elements here than previous films bringing in such current issues as immigration, war, and AI misinformation. Superman, an alien from another planet, is busy trying to save people from every kind of danger, and from nefarious political and personal enemies doing dastardly deeds around the world. He is always trying for non-lethal solutions. But his nemesis and mortal enemy, shiny, baldy Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) wants to keep Superman off balance and/or contained so that the genius villain can get away with whatever he wants.
Having survived his escape from the dying planet Krypton, (yes, he is considered an alien) baby Kal-EL, was adopted and raised on a farm as Clark Kent by Ma and Pa Kent. We’ll never forget Christopher Reeve as the amazing iconic actor most associated with the legendary film series. His real life son, ABC news correspondent and actor, Will Reeve, is cast as a TV reporter in this film. David Corenswet is also tall, dark and handsome with big blue eyes, deep adorable dimples and that black iconic curl hanging over his forehead.
This film’s new Superman/Clark Kent fits the bill nicely. In his new role, Corenswet presents very human with wide-eyed innocence and corny humor. He’s a very likable guy. He’s just trying to save whoever he can from any kind of danger, and stop corrupt rulers. Superman’s motto has changed. Now it’s Truth, Justice and the Human Way.
Almost immediately, Superman is thrown into battle, getting brutally beaten. For the first time we see this super hero bleed. It is one of several violent, gory scenes which didn’t necessarily have to be as graphic. Plenty of CGI is used for the flying and fighting. Superman has to figure out how to keep Luthor from pounding him physically also turning the public against him. Our super hero is under pressure to choose the right path to follow. He uses his alias as reporter Clark Kent to show Superman in a more favorable light with articles in the Daily Planet. Unfortunately, Wendell Pierce (TV’s Elspeth) is underused as Perry White, Editor-in-Chief of the paper.
Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) is no shrinking violet as hard-driving reporter and secret girlfriend who isn’t afraid to challenge co-worker Clark or his alter-ego Superman. Brosnahan is strong in the role doing her job while trying to defend her love. Their relationship is definitely romantic, but they’re also not afraid to challenge each other. Planet Photographer, Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo) is also a very likable character. Jimmy’s a real go-getter whose personality adds levity when he makes contact with a colorful former flame who becomes a vital contact pivotal to the story. What a fun, wacky character.
The Justice Gang, led by Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), and Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi) are Superman’s hero allies. They add personality, spunk and different metahuman powers. Fillion plays his character with a choppy, attention-getting haircut and a lot of tongue-in-cheek personality. Hawkgirl, with her impressive wingspan, comes with a loud screech and a powerful punch. Mister Terrific is their incredibly resourceful tech wiz. His appearance is very cool.
Nicholas Hoult is a one note lethal Lex Luthor who does not present enough variety or shading in his consistently vicious character. We became somewhat tired of Hoult in scene after scene yelling and screaming, spouting orders, doing the same thing over and over again. Gunn made his point early enough and could have pulled Hoult’s scenes back a bit.
Gunn’s vision references current issues, jam-packed with too many characters and battle scenes. But Corenswet infuses humanity and optimism filling the Superman suit well and after seeing the breakout star, you may come across a lot of dogs named Krypto.
Warner Bros. 2 hour 9 minutes PG-13
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