Superman (2025)
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 1/2 (out of 5 stars)
The feeling is that we have seen the majority of this new version of Superman, given the hype and publicity surrounding this latest entry into the franchise from writer/director James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy). As the man behind the cape attempts to salvage the DC Universe and Warner Bros., this reinvention of the conventional superhero film, one of the most beloved superheroes, will polarise fans in the weeks ahead.
Inspired by the All-Star Superman comic book series by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely, we enter the world of Clark Kent (David Corenswet) as Superman is at one of the most vulnerable stages of his life. The Man of Steel is exposed to having more weak spots than mere Kryptonite, as Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) has developed a multi-layered media and military campaign to bring the superhuman down. While this is all happening around his super persona, he must determine how to balance his work at the Daily Planet with his love for Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan). With the aid of the Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Mr Terrific (Edi Gathegi), and Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), Superman must find a way to maintain world peace as he is personally attacked and as a superhero from all sides.
To take on this iconic figure is a feat that will require the strength of Atlas and the wisdom of Solomon to accomplish, given the numerous alliterations that have occurred on both the big and small screens throughout the decades. James Gunn has conquered Marvel with his quirky and endearing introduction of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise and his twisted reboot of The Suicide Squad. The reality is that this version of Superman would be unique. That is what audiences will get: a new vision of the man in the blue tights that will force fans to determine if they are ready for the change. As it contains more comedy and humanity in the character's world, there is a lightheartedness that may cause some to cheer and others to yearn for Christopher Reeve or Henry Cavill once again.
On one side, we gain a world where Clark Kent and Lois Lane show how their worlds struggle to fit together. A Metropolis where metahumans are accepted and where villains are more campy than villainous. Jonathan and Martha Kent (Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell, respectively) are less noble and more homespun, with the heart of the film going to his furry and less-than-disciplined sidekick, Krypto, who proves once again that no one should mess with the dog in the hero's journey. These storyline strengths are hampered by a multitude of characters and plot points that make this a storyline that is difficult to follow. David Corenswet has the charisma to carry this franchise on his shoulders. Still, James Gunn has burdened him with so many story devices that some may find it hard to embrace this version of the most familiar superhero on the planet.
Superman has been reimagined by James Gunn, and fans will need to see if they can move on from all that has preceded them in comics, television, and on-screen with this character to embrace this new future of Kal-El. It is a new world for this Man of Steel. Are you willing to shed the past and fly into the future with him once again? The box office will tell.
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REEL DIALOGUE: How do you define a hero?
This is a question that can take on a multitude of answers. As James Gunn redefines one of the world's iconic examples of superheroes, this is a question we need to address once again. From the fictional character to the unsung, humble members of our community, the label of hero can transcend cultures, genders, ages, and nations.
Hero: a person noted for courageous acts or nobility of character
This broad definition can be applied to many individuals throughout history. Still, there is only one person who truly fits into this without blemish. One whose courageous act was enough to save the world. It is hard to look past Jesus as the true definition of hero. All others pale in comparison, not to diminish their value, but merely to point to the one who set the standard for true heroism.
