Anyone who likes their DC served dark and gritty may not like what James Gunn has to offer in Superman. Many can say it’s not what they prefer but few can argue that it’s not refreshing. This interpretation of the Man of Steel presents a perfect blend of comic book campiness, good drama and fresh takes on old ideas. Only time will tell where it’ll rank in the superhero genre but it’s definitely the film we need right now.

Superman (David Corenswet) has just prevented the nation of Boravia from invading its neighbour Jarhanpur. This decision draws much criticism worldwide, including from the Kryptonian’s own lover, Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan). Tech billionaire Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) takes advantage of the situation and, through a cunning and multilayered plot, turns the whole world against its only saviour.

The Tone

While the Guardians of the Galaxy films weren’t my cup of tea, it’s evident that the style Gunn developed for those films informed this one. I can’t remember the last time I saw a comic book movie that wasn’t afraid to look like a comic book.

Now when I say ‘look like a comic book,’ I’m not talking about turning pages and moving panels like in Ang Lee’s Hulk. I’m talking Superman in a bright blue suit with a bright red cape in bright red underpants. I’m talking gadgets that look sophisticated enough to be convincing but sci-fi enough to be not of this world.  

The look and feel of Gunn’s Superman is wonderfully reminiscent of Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy. The film knows when to be funny, embracing the absurdist aspects of its premise, and when to be serious, focusing on the characters and what’s at stake for them.

The Themes

Making Superman interesting and relevant in today’s world is no easy task, and that’s not just because so much has already been done with him. On paper there’s not a lot to him; he’s the first superhero, his powers and abilities are endless and his moral code is broadly malevolent.

He is the quintessential ‘good guy.’ How can someone be a ‘good guy’ in the real world? Fortunately, the film tackles this in a way that’s just as vibrant as its visuals.

Superman argues that despite the world’s complexities, good old-fashioned morals are worth upholding, even if it means violating international laws. Certainly a message we’ve heard before, but perhaps one that can resonate in the current zeitgeist.

It’s hard to watch the dynamic between Boravia and Jarhanpur without being reminded of Ukraine or Israel-Palestine. Boravia’s president (played wonderfully by Zlatko Burić) works as a caricature of both Benjamin Netanyahu and Vladimir Putin. While the history of the Boravia-Jarhanpur conflict isn’t fully explained, we understand Superman’s desire to protect the lives of those living in Jarhanpur. To him, their history and ideology don’t matter. No one deserves to die, hence, despite pressure from Boravia, Luthor and the media, he uses his powers to protect the people of Jarhanpur.

I have no idea how it’ll age but Superman is undoubtedly the superhero film for today, which is also the best time to see it. It’s reaffirming as well as fun.

I give Superman a spectacular 8 out of 10.