Superman

Went and saw this in London on the BFI IMAX. What an experience. Biggest IMAX in the UK and it truly felt like it. Borderline hurting my neck looking across the screen. But still, so immersive and such an enjoyable experience. (Also, somehow, it was only £22 a ticket. Like that is such a little amount more for such a superior experience). Anyway, let’s get onto the actual film. Firstly, this film is just a pure spectacle. So visually engaging. Not only is it good in its own right, but it couldn’t be more clear of the gloomy and depressing visuals we got in Zack Snyder’s DC universe. This genuinely feels like a comic book. But accompanying the vibrant and comic-like visuals, is wonderful Sci-Fi world building. Aliens, mutants, robots, spaceships, pocket universes, etc. It’s genuinely my dream to get a superhero film this integrated with Sci-Fi as a genre. Couldn’t have asked for more in that regard. Cast are absolutely perfect. David Coronswet is perfect as superman. His chemistry with Rachel Brosnahan couldn’t be any better. That interview sequence is one of my favourites of the whole film - just perfectly written and directed. However, Nicholas Hoult is by far the standout for me. Brings Lex Luthor’s character completely to life. Egotistical, evil, pessimistic view of human nature, so meticulous in taking down superman. An amazing antagonist. One of my favourite superhero movie villains of all time just from this movie alone (and that’s saying something with how awful the most recent iteration of him was in Batman V Superman. So glad this film has redeemed his character for the newer generation of film fans). I say this about every James Gunn film, but the range of characters in this is just amazing. His key strength as a director in my opinion. No matter how weird or how minor, he makes every character that he puts on screen funny or entertaining. Superman, Lex, Green Lanturn, Hawk Girl, Mr Terrific, Metamorpho, Ultra Man, The Engineer, all the employees at the daily planet - genuinely wouldn’t blame anyone for having any of these as their favourite character. In summary, just another James Gunn masterclass. Plot is engaging from start to finish. Visually attractive. Full of heart and emotion. And just makes you feel hopeful about the world. So excited for the future of James Gunn’s DCU. Recommended.