A Hopeful Superman...

I honestly don't understand why there would be any controversy surrounding James Gunn's recent adaptation of Superman.  The film is everything a superhero movie should be - fun, exciting, visually sumptuous, appropriately humorous, satisfyingly escapist, and refreshingly optimistic.

Certainly, if one was so inclined, minor plot holes in the narrative could be criticized. However, this is a movie that was created to entertain and uplift the mood of the audience, not to demand viewers soberly ponder serious social issues. This is a movie that bestows a rejuvenating sense of hope, not burdens with an overwhelming sense of responsibility for all of humanity's ills.

This is a movie filled with endearing characters and inspiring heroes, and arguably the most compelling movie-version of Lex Luther. This is a movie filled with energetic performances by actors who appear to have really enjoyed making this film. This is a movie that was undeniably created by someone who is truly passionate about superheroes and telling a good story.

In short, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Each character was masterfully cast. David Corenswet gives us a Superman that is filled with life and joy and kindness (and perhaps a bit of naivety). He doesn't try to replicate Christopher Reeve's Superman, but rather embodies the Superman we need now - a living symbol of hope. Rachel Brosnahan was superb as Louis Lane. Nicholas Hoult (whose work I've alway enjoyed) breathed life into a truly three-dimensional Lex Luther. Nathan Fillion was perfect as Guy Gardner, and Edi Gathegi was inspired as Mr. Terrific. Mr. Terrific was perhaps my favorite character of the film and I'm hoping we get a Mr. Terrific movie (with the rest of the Justice Gang, of course).

If you haven't seen Superman, get thee to a movie theater. This is the exemplar summer film!