Superman
I’m making a longer review because this is an incredible superhero movie and it sets an example for how other movies could do better.
As someone who used to hate Superman, I always felt he was overpowered to the point where nothing felt substantial enough. If he were to lose, it would feel forced and just written in. Everyone realizes how ridiculous it is for a material from a planet that exploded to be in abundance on Earth. Further, when Superman is reckless with people’s lives — cough cough Zach Snyder cough — he feels more like a villain than anything. If innocent lives get in the way while he’s taking down a threat, that shouldn’t be brushed off. Those movies tried to make Superman as angsty and edgy as possible. It was clear they didn’t understand him as a character.
However, this movie does. Superman is human. Despite being the only alien in this movie, and the most powerful, I find myself relating to Superman the most. He makes mistakes, but he’s constantly trying to be a better person. He sees the beauty in the world and he’ll do everything he can to protect it.
A few classic Superman problems (like kryptonite) are avoided really well. First, Superman is held back because of the fact that he refuses to not protect the people. The fight with the Kaiju could have been done in seconds, but he wanted everyone to make it out alive. Second, this movie has things that can kill him. There is no kryptonite, but Lex Luthor has a way to weaponize an existing comic character to use it. Engineer is a villain Superman can hit with full force, but she can kill him too. Superman has to be careful. A clone makes perfect sense and is an equal match. All of this, plus the conflicts show how incredible Lex is as a villain.
Through, “UltraMan,” Lex Luthor can fight Superman without ever throwing a punch. This is the same tactic throughout the movie as he turns the government against him, keeps him weak as long as possible, and forces him to choose who to save so that he cannot win. He’s driven by envy and isn’t afraid to say it. I kind of like that cartoonish aspect of him and I haven’t seen that in a while.
However, he miscalculates when it comes to Superman’s friends. He is only able to save the day because of the people around him and there’s nothing wrong with that. These side characters also keep the movie interesting. My personal favorite scene was with Mr. Terrific and Lois Lane with the song, “Five Years Time,” you know the scene and it’s your favorite too. Just kidding.
Speaking of Lois, I cannot express my appreciation for her in this film. She’s smart, capable, and strong. There is no need for Superman to ‘come to the rescue’ and save her. In fact, she comes to save him. (It’s not because he’s helpless, but rather because she’s awesome. I find it important to note that they don’t push him down to push her up). I’d say that the “damsel in distress” trope has gone old, but it was never good in the first place.
I am no longer a Superman hater. I find that someone who could easily destroy the world constantly working to protect it is very interesting and entertaining. Superman is a silly guy and I can’t wait to see more of him in the future. The acting? Outstanding. The writing? Incredible. The Krypto was the goodest boy. The effects, visuals, and mise-en-scène? Wonderful. Amazing movie overall.
Oh, and have you ever heard of an evactuation scene? It’s pretty cool. Cough cough Zack Snyder cough.
Congratulations if you made it this far. Here’s a cookie 🍪