Superman

The Gunn will never jam on this one! Talk about a film that just grows on you more each time you watch it. I watched this film while James Gunn was providing commentary, so I didn’t watch it traditionally. James Gunn felt very transparent on this commentary track. I thought it would be cool to listen to the commentary to gain insight into one of my favorite films, especially since Supergirl is coming out tomorrow! From the opening scene, which keeps everything practical and maintains the white atmosphere until we see the Daily Planet. I really appreciated that James Gunn kept Louis Lane and Clark Kents relationship a secret until they meet in the kitchen. A nice and sweet surprise. When they kiss and Louis pushes down the toaster, that was a nice touch. The apparently 10-minute confrontation scene between Louis and Clark only felt like 5 minutes to me. It was well written and well choreographed. It wasn’t dull like long conversation scenes often are. I also really liked when Clark changes his voice to sound deeper, like Superman saying, “Miss Lane.” One thing about this film is that it takes risks, and that’s something you can appreciate about James Gunn. The fight scenes are incredibly choreographed, making it feel like you’ve never seen this fighting style before from the flying bodies to the camera angles. Beautiful. People can complain all they want, but Superman saving that squirrel was perfect for this version of Superman. That one take with “5 Years Time” was just a wow factor when I first saw this film. The most James Gunny scene btw. Mr. Teriific is probably my second favorite superhero in this movie, and his costume is my second favorite. Mister Teriific just has so much aura it’s not even funny. The third act, featuring Lex, Lex’s crew, Mister Teriific, Superman, and Krypto, is probably one of my favorite scenes. You have “I’m Goshdamn Mister Teriific,” with Mister Teriific saving himself by falling off Krypto and then nonchalantly getting back up. Then there’s the Superman speech to Lex. My goodness, that was peak. Lastly, Krypto just goes ham on Lex’s arm. Positives: Basically everything the color grading, choreography, score, and story. Negatives: Why do you gotta treat my girl Eve like that? Cry count on first watch and all watches (I didn’t have Letterboxd until now): - Superman falling into the snow. (Just Superman in bright red and blue in white snow was beautiful) - Superman flying through the tunnel - Superman holding up that building to protect the car. - Superman watching himself grow up. Lex - "piece of shit, alien," Superman - “That is where you've always been wrong about me, Lex. I am as human as anyone. I love, I get scared... I screw up all the time, but that is being human, and that's my greatest strength. And someday, I hope, for the sake of the world, you understand that it's yours too.” Kindness is the real punk rock.