Superman
Superman is playing in theaters at the time of writing Rated PG-13. Common Sense says 12+.
Superman (David Corenswet) must reconcile his alien Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as reporter Clark Kent. As the embodiment of truth, justice and the human way he soon finds himself in a world that views these as old-fashioned.
STORY: C+
Deep thoughts, comic book style.
As I rose from my seat, this quote from Macbeth popped into my head: “a tale … full of sound and fury signifying nothing.”
But it didn’t stay in my head for long, because it’s not a wholly accurate description. Yes, the film’s flush with flourishes designed to distract us from the fact that the plot is thinner than a minty pack of Girl Scout cookies. But along with its sound and fury, there’s joy and decency - welcome ingredients to the modern superhero recipe.
And the film definitely signifies something. It takes on many big (and unfortunately timely) topics, but it never strays from the safe, breezy framework of a superhero flick - meaning that it gives you plenty of things to think about if you’d like, but it never demands a debate.
For a tentpole popcorn movie, that’s the right call.
PEOPLE: A-
Lex Luthor slays (literally and figuratively).
Have you ever gotten hungry just by watching someone else enjoying a meal? That’s how watching Nicholas Hoult made me feel. He sinks his teeth into this role with such relish and gusto that you can’t help but run after him.
David Corenswet looks comfortable and correct as the newest iteration of Superman. Rachel Brosnahan and the rest of the Daily Planet crew are a delight.
FILM NERD STUFF: B-
You can leave your light on.
If you’re tired of trying to follow the action through the deep darkness enveloping superhero movies these days, fear not. This film is colorful. This film is bright. This film is, dare I say, dazzling at points.
The lively palette choice isn’t just symbolic of Superman’s positive personality. It fills the action scenes with a lively energy, one we can actually follow.
ONE BIG LESSON: B
More human than human.
It’s not a stretch to look at this film and see that the different ways the people on earth think about Superman are very similar to the way our country thinks about immigrants.
As I said before, you don’t have to think about the questions Superman is asking in order to enjoy it. But its questions are extremely interesting.
If you’re an outsider, how much value do you need to add to a place in order to be accepted as one of the group? Can you ever be fully accepted? And if not, does that mean extreme treatment is justified?
Like the film, I’m not going to share my answers to these questions or tell you what to think. But I do think you should think about them.
FINAL COMMENTS:
Superman tries to do a lot of things, and I don’t think they all come together to create something greater than (or even equal to) their parts.
However, each of those parts (the action, the story, the introduction of a new DC universe, and above all else the performances - especially the dog) are pretty great on their own and make the movie one worth watching.
It’s a strong opening act that foretells great things to come in the DC universe, and (most importantly) it’s a great summertime movie.