There once was a boy who lived on a farm. That farm was nestled in the American Midwest on the outskirts of a small town where he was raised by a salt-of-the-earth couple and taught that his actions and how he used his talents and treated people mattered. They instilled great kindness in the boy, and he grew to discover that he could use his talents to share great kindness with the world. If you think I was talking about Superman, you’d be right. However, I was also talking about my own journey, which is why I connect with the Man of Tomorrow in such a strong way today.
This is why I’ve decided to write my review. Now, I want to establish that I’m not a reviewer. I leave that duty to our diligent contributing commentators, Brianna Taggart, Jainam Turakhia, and Brendan Rooney, to name a few. Yet, given that this is Superman after all, and I suspect the Planet will publish multiple pieces on the film, I decided to jot down my thoughts as a launching point. I know others will have their own opinions on the movie, and that’s okay. Here’s mine.
If you’ve been following the Daily Planet, you may know that we hosted a viewing party to get to know our community better. Three Daily Planet Board of Creators, Brianna Taggart, Abbie Wells, and Ellie Gerst, and I joined five others for our publication’s first-ever public event at Marcus West End Cinema in the Twin Cities, Minnesota.
I dressed in my super best to attend this highly anticipated summer blockbuster. I want to say I went in with low expectations, but let’s be honest. I’m a Superman fan, and this was a Superman movie. I expected greatness. Boy, did it deliver.
However, being the aspiring unbiased newspaper man I am, I brought along a few friends (primarily members of our Board of Creators) who aren’t super-fans of Superman to gauge their opinions. I wanted to hear how the general audience may view this fanciful film. I’ll share their thoughts later on, though.
A commentary on current events
Okay, so let’s talk about the elephant in the room. While twiddling my thumbs eagerly waiting for 7:00 p.m. yesterday, my friend Becka shared that Superman being “woke” was trending on Reddit. She’s unfamiliar with the character, so I told her his origins, and she was pleased to hear how great my hero is.
Superman has always been a progressive figure. He’s a refugee, technically here illegally, and he likes to punch Nazis and fascists. His partner, Lois Lane, is a world-renowned, fearless journalist. Their son, Jon Kent, is a member of the queer community and stands pro-immigrant. People behind this movie understood this. Superman is about kindness, and it upsets me that those unfamiliar with the character don’t recognize that.
After hearing from Becka, I went online and discovered Fox News touting the term “Super Woke.” It appears that members of the Make America Great Again movement (MAGA) were not pleased to hear that the film’s director, James Gunn, said Superman is about kindness. I wonder why this take on the Metropolis Marvel, which has been the take for eight decades, rubs them the wrong way.
“I mean, ‘Superman’ is the story of America. An immigrant that came from other places and populated the country, but for me it is mostly a story that says basic human kindness is a value and is something we have lost.”
James Gunn via Variety
I was worried Gunn wouldn’t get it, that the film would be filled with goofy splendor and bad jokes. I have never been more wrong. I feel like Gunn, who not only directed this film but also wrote the script, poured his heart and soul into it.
He brought back a Superman I haven’t seen in a while. A golly gee, ma and pa loving Kansas farm boy who saves lives, no matter the species. Superman literally saved a squirrel. That’s Superman to me. His mission is to improve the world, and he understands that valuing all life makes it great.
To quote a good friend, characters don’t exist by themselves. They exist in the context in which they were created. This Superman brings a new sense of healing hope to a world desperately needing it.
People were going to die. Superman intervened. That’s it. Full stop. That’s the movie.
A bold new universe
This movie is so important for the world right now. Not only does it hold us to a standard as people of Earth, but it also reminds us that we have a duty to do what’s right for everyone.
Immediately, we’re launched into the DC Universe. We, along with Superman, are legitimately dropped into this bold new take—well, new for the film medium at least. I immediately felt the comic book accuracy. The bright colors, warm lighting, and science fiction made me feel like I was immersed in a comic book. What an achievement.
This wasn’t an origin story, though. This was just a new day in Metropolis when Superman lost his first battle and Lex Luthor orchestrated his downfall. Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor was charming and unhinged. He might be my second favorite live-action take on the character, behind Michael Rosenbaum on “Smallville.” Only time will tell.
Not only is this billionaire obsessed with Superman’s downfall, he’s obsessed with power and public perception, so much so that he’s willing to cause an actual, physical interdimensional rift in the community where he lives. A commentary on many corporate heads in today’s world.
Our world seems to be getting increasingly divided with each passing day. Wealth separation and systemic issues that don’t seem to help the general public are more prominent than ever before. Millionaires and billionaires’ affluence causes the wealthy to waste precious resources on space travel for pleasure rather than exploration. Others spend millions on social networks, while people starve in the streets. Or they show their detachment from reality in their ivory towers by holding weddings with funds that could save lives.
Seeing a Lex Luthor that reflects the real-world villains we face is how Lex Luthor should be written. He’s the antithesis to Superman’s heroic hope. Superman symbolizes what we strive to be as humanity. Lex reflects the worst we can be as a society. Corrupt leaders rise, and empires fall, but kindness and joy are always there in the ashes. That’s the human spirit. That’s Superman.
Which brings me to Jarhanpur and Boravia, two countries embroiled in conflict due to the corruption and power-hungry nature of Boravian President Vasil Ghurkos, played by Zlatko Buric, who’s not only benefiting from the Metropolis-based company, Luthor Corp., but is also making decisions that prioritize his and Lex’s interests over the well-being of the world, disregarding the consequences and potential loss of life in pursuit of their goals. They were even separating families and imprisoning people who disagreed with their methods.
A Superman for all
“Superman” is for everyone. You don’t need to be an established fan to see it. You don’t need to be an avid comic book connoisseur to enjoy it. It took an alien from another world to remind us how to be human. “Superman” was a bright ray of sunlight in a time when darkness shrouded our hearts.
But don’t take my word for it. As mentioned above, I brought some friends to see the premiere who had no connection to Superman besides the Daily Planet. I wanted to hear what they said after seeing the film, to see if my favorite heroes had the potential to become theirs.
“The movie was incredible and especially brave in the political climate we’re in,” Daily Planet Editor Brianna Taggart said. “I was on the verge of tears almost the entire time as I was gripped by the emotional intensity these characters faced. Stories like this don’t exist by themselves. They exist in the context in which they are written and created. The love and care that went into this storyline and characters shone like a golden beacon of hope and strength. I left the movie theater feeling proud to have seen something so powerful on the big screen.”
An old High School friend of mine, Marley Lessar, said it was a solid film.
“It really brought the charm and excitement that superhero films in theaters used to have, films like ‘Guardians of the Galaxy,’” Lessar said. “The actors were incredible and really gave fleshed-out characters to the film. I give it an eight out of 10 and would watch again.”
Contributing columnist Abbie Wells said they had a blast.
“As someone who has never seen a Superman movie, I wasn’t sure what to expect and if I would enjoy it,” Wells said. “What I found was a movie about love, acceptance, community, and standing up for your beliefs. Plus, some good action shots. I adored this movie and would absolutely watch it again. Maybe even multiple rewatches? I can’t speak for Superman fans, but it was an amazing introduction as a newbie.”
Friend and Daily Planet Board of Creators member Ellie Gerst said she loved it but would’ve liked seeing more Metropolis and romance.
“I thought it was a vivid, action-packed exploration of humanity and kindness with unexpected levity and comic-esque cinematography, Gerst said. “This was the most vulnerable and human Superman we’ve seen yet. It almost felt like we were watching the second installment of a franchise – the way it was shot made everything feel familiar. Context was packed in and brushed over quickly. I wish we were given more background/build-up for Metropolis, Lois, and especially Lex. And of course, the iconic romance between Lois and Clark. Overall, an entertaining new depiction of Superman that stays true to the heart of his character.”
Life with Lois Lane
Superman is not Superman without his Lois Lane, and Rachel Brosnahan delivered. I refused to watch anything Brosnahan was in before “Superman” simply because I wanted my first impression of her as Lois Lane to be stand-alone.
I am one of Lois Lane’s biggest fans, and seeing how I related to Clark and her made me so happy. I was grinning like a doofus when I saw her apartment simply because it reminded me of my own. Books everywhere, plants about, and old hand-me-down furniture populate a warm and cozy space. I sat beside Brianna, who leaned over because she needed to tell me how much Lois’s home reminded me of mine.
Lois held Clark to a high standard. She acknowledged his immense power but also recognized the crushing responsibility that came with it. She regarded him as an equal, a human being, realizing his capacity for love and sadness and reminding him to treat everyone with the same respect and kindness. She was abrasive and unafraid—a true Reporter of Steel for a Superman to fall in love with.
What delighted me most about this movie was how involved they let Lois be. She saved Superman and reported the truth about Lex, and Skyler Gisondo’s Jimmy Olsen and the core Daily Planet staff worked to get that truth out to the world.
The core of the community
This film featured many characters, making the world feel populated and brimming with adventure. The vibes were reminiscent of “Justice League: Unlimited,” the animated series from the early 2000s. Since I knew other reviewers would be exploring them more, I decided to explore the members of what I consider to be the rest of the Superman family.
Clark Kent/Superman: David Corenswet’s Superman is the best version I’ve ever seen. He’s kind, loving, and powerful. This being can push a planet out of orbit, but chooses to use his powers for good every day. Corenswet’s portrayal tells me this story with a simple look. He isn’t afraid to show his emotions because he feels. He has such empathy, and I strive to be more like this Man of Steel than any that came before.
Lois Lane: I’ve dedicated an entire section to my Reporter of Steel, but I just wanted to reiterate that this character is important to the DC Universe. She’s like this omnipresent force for truth and accountability, and Rachel’s take reflected this right down to the purple sweater.
Lois & Clark: Rachel’s chemistry with David was so intense that it could knock the Daily Planet globe from the building’s roof. It’s comparable to Teri Hatcher and Dean Cain from “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” mixed with Tom Welling and Erica Durance from “Smallville,” along with Tyler Hoechlin and Bitsie Tulloch from “Superman & Lois.” I wish they had more screen time together.
Jimmy Olsen: Gisondo’s Jimmy Olsen was a breath of fresh air. It’s been so long since we have seen the Daily Planet’s star photojournalist in action on our screens, and this movie delivered. He had flaws, quirks, connections, and brains. He was charismatic and essential to the story. He was also Clark’s best friend. I would’ve loved more “Superman’s Pal” centric themes, though, but hey, there’s always a sequel.
Cat Grant: I hold Cat Grant in the same ranks as Lois Lane, especially following her iconic portrayal in The CW’s “Supergirl.” Seeing her in the well-rounded cast of Superman’s community was fun. Portrayed wonderfully by Mikaela Hoover, Cat was just there. She had some conversations with Lois and Jimmy, complimented Clark, but essentially just existed in the film to be a supporting character. I hope future movies assist in her development so we can all see the Cat Grant we all know and love.
Perry White: I aspire to be Perry White. Wendell Pierce’s portrayal of Perry was brief on screen, but I was impressed every moment I watched him. He led the newsroom with understanding and patience and knew how to motivate his team effectively. However, I could have done without his cigar chewing. I don’t recall him smoking it, but he always had one in his mouth wherever he went. Perhaps it’s a nervous tic for this portrayal? I bite my nails.
Ron Troupe: Ron Troupe is an important character, and this movie did not deliver. I was so disappointed not to see more of him. Played by Christopher McDonald, Ron was just there to be there, which I’m not entirely mad about, but he deserved to be more present. With Clark, Jimmy, Lois, Perry, Ron, Cat, and Steve, these essential Daily Planet team members were great to see collectively on my screen for the first time. I wish we had more time.
Steve Lombard: Beck Bennett’s Steve Lombard was hilarious. I loved how they went with the office jokester rather than the resident misogynist. He was the comedic relief in the office when tensions were high, and I thought that was a great way to use the Daily Planet’s top sports reporter.
Martha and Jonathan Kent: Ma and Pa, portrayed by Neva Howell and Pruitt Taylor Vince, were like beams of sunlight. These two characters are where Superman’s true superpowers come from, and I truly felt this when watching the movie. Superman is human because of this couple, and seeing them so human made me want to visit that farm for Sunday dinner and ask Jonathan and Martha for some advice in my own life. They made me miss my grandparents (my parents) so much, and that feeling is very telling.
Krypto: Krypto was so fun, and I love that he was added to the story. It is revealed that he’s Kara’s dog, but I realized, along with Clark in the film, that he’s an El Family dog. He’s important and loved by both surviving Kryptonians, and loves them unconditionally in return. What a good boy.
Jor-El and Lara: Jor-El and Lara were a pleasant surprise in this film. Played by Bradley Cooper and Angela Sarafyan, these two existed as ghosts in a holographic message sent with Superman to Earth. Their message, which urged Clark to use his gifts for good, also gave us a glimpse at this universe’s Krypton. They were self-righteous, and I’m unsure how I feel about this take.
Kara/Supergirl: Kara was a pleasant surprise. Played by Milly Alcock, Supergirl makes a surprise appearance at the Fortress of Solitude to see Krypto and regain her bearings before heading back to space and to her solo movie (which premieres next year). This version of Supergirl has trauma and is on her journey, and I can’t wait to witness it.
Final verdict
With all that being said, I’d rate “Superman,” DC Studios’ launchpad for a bold new cinematic universe, a solid four and a half out of five stars.
The film had heart, drama, humor, humility, and most importantly, hope. I left the movie with a smile and an aura of excitement for what’s to come. I felt seen, I felt loved, and I felt energized for a better tomorrow.
To quote a podcast I love, it’s about what you do. It’s about action. Make sure you act with empathy and kindness today. Do what Superman would do. Be kind. Watch the movie.
