SuperShit or Super Hit?
Released on July 11th, the highly anticipated Superman film hit cinemas with a “super” reception, as fans worldwide dressed in their bright blue, red and, yellow Superman merch – with donned Clark Kent glasses as the cherry on top.
James Gunn’s Superman assumes that audiences will already have an apprehension of the superhero’s origins, as we follow Superman’s venture of defeating tech billionaire Lex Luthor, amidst further conflicts with his actions being questioned by the wider public. Not only that, but the audience are given an insight into Clark Kent’s personal life through his already-established 3-month relationship with Daily Planet journalist Lois Lane.
The casting director deserves a round of applause for this star-studded cast, with the protagonists portrayed by David Corenswet (Twisters), Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), and Nicholas Hoult (The Great). They are accompanied by the likes of Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, and Skyler Gisondo, with all the actors’ holding a chemistry, both on and off-screen.
Coming from the perspective of a MARVEL fan, I held no high expectations for the film, with my knowledge of the DC universe being little to none besides the typical #SuperBat edits I see. However, once exiting the cinema, I was undoubtedly impressed by the film’s cinematography. (Impressed is an understatement; tell that to my 500-word Letterboxd review full of praise!)
Is this my calling to be a DC fan? And venture into the DCU?
The film’s soundtrack was flawless (as expected from a Gunn film!), evident in the song ‘Punkrocker’ by Teddybears ft. Iggy Pop trending on TikTok for its impactful ending to the film, alongside the distinguished Superman theme tune absolutely causing my heart to palpitate faster. Additionally, there’s a need to comment on the impeccable costume design, shown by Superman’s primary-coloured, bright hero costume, and Lois Lane’s black waistcoat — which is definitely going on my Halloween costume Pinterest board as inspiration to bring out my inner ‘girlboss’!
I was initially apprehensive of the distinguishable amount of CGI in the film, especially shown in the trailer and due to the film’s comic book-likeness in the use of bright colours. But, with the cinema screen in front of me, all my worries vanished. The writing of scenes, especially the jam-packed action fight scenes, made me forget my hesitancy, as the film fell perfectly into place.
To end, is it fair if I said this is the best superhero film ever made?
“superman” by PSC1121-GO is licensed under CC BY 2.0.