Review: Superman – “The pace rarely slows down.”

Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) with Superman (David Corenswet) in James Gunn’s “Superman.”
JESSICA MIGLIO/WARNER BROS. PICTURES

Rebooting the DC Universe of superheroes is Superman, but the film doesn’t spend much time explaining the reboot. Instead, it focuses on telling an inspiring story of someone trying to do the right thing. The film starts with Superman stopping a war between two fictional (yet familiar) countries and then dealing with the aftershock personally and politically.

From the start, Superman finds himself on the back foot, racing forward (faster than a speeding bullet), and the pace rarely slows down. Coupled with the introduction of a whole new cast, there’s a chance the pace could alienate more casual viewers, but the director James Gunn is adept at balancing all these new elements.

David Corenswet stars as the Man of Steel (and his secret identity, Clark Kent), he is charming, joyful and obviously having the time of his life in the role. While it’s hard to say goodbye to Henry Cavill, David quickly proves he deserves to wear the cape, too. David is joined by Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, the world’s biggest hater and the primary villain. Rachel Brosnahan rounds out the cast as cynical reporter Lois Lane. Lois and Clark are in a relationship, with the two sharing incredible chemistry whenever they are on screen.

In this universe, Superman isn’t the first superpowered being, he faces new foes often which make for some interesting fight sequences. He also has ‘super friends’ who can lend a hand. Despite all these new challenges, Clark is more concerned with his relationship with Lois and the safety of his dog Krypto, who threatens to steal the show every time he is on screen.

Superman surprised me with how political it was. The fictional countries of Boravia and Jarhanpur could be stand-ins for any conflict happening now. Superman explicitly chooses a side and less then 10 minutes into the film, Lois and Clark debate the ethics of his actions. In the end, Superman states firmly and clearly that he is a hero to everyone and spends a lot of time making sure no one has to die.

Superman is an inspiring film of trying to be good in a world that is far from it. The story and characters are colourful, intricate and a little overwhelming. While I enjoyed every minute of this film, it is a dense piece of media. For better or for worse, Superman is the best comic book you’ve read come to life, but that does make it one of the best superhero films you’ll see.