Superman: James Gunn’s prolonged punch-fest falls flat

Exploring the New Superman: A Shift in Tone and Style

The latest Superman film has entered the cinematic landscape amidst a backdrop of superhero narratives that have increasingly engaged with complex themes such as morality, mental health, and accountability. However, this new iteration, directed by James Gunn, diverges sharply from those thoughtful explorations, particularly in its climactic third act, which descends into a prolonged series of CGI battles that lack both narrative depth and visual appeal.

A New Era for the DC Universe

With James Gunn and producer Peter Safran at the helm, the DC Universe (DCU) is undergoing a significant transformation. This film marks a reboot of the iconic DC characters, ushering in what is termed the first phase, or “chapter,” of this new narrative arc, aptly subtitled “Gods and Monsters.” This reimagining signifies a departure from the previous DC Extended Universe (DCEU), often referred to as the “Snyderverse,” which was characterised by its darker themes and aesthetics.

The tonal shift is evident in the new Superman film, which opts for a more straightforward narrative style. Unlike its predecessors, this film presents a clear-cut dichotomy of good and evil, accompanied by a bright, comic-book aesthetic that feels distinctly optimistic.

Gunn’s Vision: A Double-Edged Sword

Fans of Gunn’s previous superhero ventures, such as “The Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy and “The Suicide Squad,” will likely recognise familiar tones and visual styles in this Superman film. While this may appeal to a segment of the audience, it raises concerns about how this particular vision will mesh with future projects within the DCU, which may require differing styles and thematic explorations.

This film intentionally avoids being an origin story, opting instead to drop viewers into the action with Superman, played by David Corenswet, already established as a hero. The narrative begins with him recovering from an off-screen battle, in a world where “metahumans” have been part of society for approximately 300 years. We are introduced to his dual identity as Clark Kent, which is already known to his love interest, Lois Lane, portrayed by Rachel Brosnahan.

Chemistry and Missed Opportunities

The dynamic between Clark and Lois is engaging, with the pair exhibiting palpable chemistry. One of the film’s standout moments features Lois interrogating Superman about his actions during a recent conflict between two fictitious nations, Boravia and Jahanipur. While this scene raises essential questions about superhero accountability, unfortunately, these themes are largely abandoned as the film progresses.

Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is portrayed as a sharp, assertive character, yet her potential is underutilised. The approach of starting in the middle of the story undermines the complexity of her relationship with Clark, and the film’s overstuffed narrative leaves little room for meaningful character development.

Incoherent Plotting and Underdeveloped Characters

The film suffers from incoherent plotting, awkward dialogue, and a plethora of poorly fleshed-out characters. Corenswet delivers a commendable performance as Superman, balancing heroism with vulnerability. However, the narrative rushes him into full superhero mode, depriving the character of the chance to showcase his humanity, which is central to Superman’s essence.

The villain, Lex Luthor, portrayed by Nicholas Holt, is intended to be a formidable adversary but instead comes across as a caricature reminiscent of contemporary figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump. His motivations are presented with such ambiguity that they often appear nonsensical.

Supporting characters from the Justice Gang, including Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, add to the film’s ensemble. Edi Gathegi’s Mister Terrific emerges as a highlight, showcasing charisma and humour in a memorable action sequence that aligns with Gunn’s signature style.

Missed Emotional Resonance and Complex Themes

Despite efforts to inject humour, the film struggles to maintain narrative focus and character depth. As a result, pivotal emotional moments lack the weight necessary to resonate with the audience. The depiction of the conflict between Boravia and Jahanipur raises troubling optics, reducing the people of Jahanipur to a faceless mass, which detracts from the film’s potential commentary on real-world conflicts.

The resolution of this conflict, facilitated by the arrival of the American Justice Gang, feels superficial and devoid of substance, leaving viewers with a sense of disconnect from the characters’ journeys.

Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity for Humanity

In this latest Superman reboot, the essence of the character’s humanity is largely overshadowed, conveyed more through dialogue than through action or character development. This is particularly ironic, given that the core principles of truth, justice, and humanity are meant to guide the Superman narrative.

As the DC Universe embarks on this new chapter, one can only hope that future instalments will capture the depth and complexity that fans have come to appreciate, rather than relying solely on flashy visuals and surface-level conflicts.